The Dose Why do we smell (and how concerned should we be about it)?
Apr 24, 2025
Join science journalist Sarah Everts, a Carleton University professor and author of 'The Joy of Sweat,' as she unpacks the fascinating world of body odor. She reveals the science behind our unique scents and challenges the stigma around body odor in a society obsessed with fragrance. Discover how our scents affect attraction and social bonds, and why we might reconsider our investments in deodorants. Sarah also discusses the cultural shifts towards natural body scents, especially in a post-pandemic world.
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Body Odor and Microbiomes
- Body odor varies by body location due to different microbiomes and volatile molecules.
- Bacteria metabolize sweat, producing characteristic scents unique to each person.
Puberty Activates Odor Glands
- Apocrine sweat glands activated at puberty produce waxy secretion that leads to stronger odors.
- This explains why body odor becomes more noticeable during adolescence.
Odor's Role in Social Signals
- Body odor plays roles in partner attraction and family recognition.
- Smell conveys information about immunity and emotional states like anxiety.
