Yes, male and female sweat differs in its composition, particularly in the concentration of certain odor-causing compounds, leading to distinct scent profiles.
While both male and female sweat contain compounds like 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid (HMHA) and 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (MSH), the relative amounts of these compounds differ.
Here's a breakdown:
- Males: Tend to have a higher concentration of HMHA, which contributes to a "cheesy" or "sour" fragrance.
- Females: Generally have a higher concentration of MSH, contributing to an "onion-like" scent.
Therefore, while the components are shared, the proportions vary, resulting in perceptible differences in body odor.