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Is Male and Female Sweat Different?

Published in Biology 1 min read

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.

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