ABCC11 rs17822931: What Your Genotype Means for Earwax and Odor
The rs17822931 variant in the ABCC11 gene is a well-studied genetic marker that determines whether an individual has wet or dry earwax. This same variant also influences the production of axillary (underarm) odor by regulating the secretion of odorant precursors in sweat.
What each genotype means
Likely wet earwax and typical odor
Carriers of this genotype have two copies of the ancestral reference allele linked to functional ABCC11 apocrine secretion. In population studies, this profile is strongly associated with producing wet, sticky earwax and standard levels of characteristic axillary odor precursors. This is a normal, non-pathological inherited trait variation.
Carried by approximately 75% to 85% of people of European and African ancestry, but found in less than 5% of individuals of East Asian ancestry.
Likely wet earwax and typical odor
Carriers of this heterozygous genotype have one functional allele and one non-functional allele linked to the ABCC11 538G>A haplotype. Because the allele facilitating apocrine secretion is functionally dominant, individuals with this genotype typically exhibit wet earwax and standard underarm odor precursor excretion. This result reflects normal human biological diversity rather than any medical condition.
Present in roughly 15% to 25% of individuals with European ancestry and around 10% to 20% of East Asian populations.
Likely dry earwax and reduced odor
Carriers of this genotype are homozygous for the derived allele linked to the recessive dry-earwax ABCC11 haplotype. Research indicates this genotype is associated with dry, flaky cerumen and significantly reduced secretion of key apocrine sweat odor precursors. It does not eliminate all natural body odor, as skin bacteria and other sweat gland pathways remain active.
Found in roughly 80% to 95% of individuals of East Asian descent, but occurs in fewer than 2% of people of European and African ancestries.
Understanding the rs17822931 Variant
The rs17822931 variant is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the ABCC11 gene. In scientific literature, this is often referred to as the 538G>A substitution, which results in a change from glycine to arginine at position 180 of the protein. This specific change affects the function of the ABCC11 protein, which acts as an ATP-binding cassette transporter. When the 'A' allele is present, the protein is often misfolded and subsequently degraded by the cell, leading to a loss of function. Because this variant sits in a region of the gene that dictates how the protein is processed and transported to the cell membrane, it serves as a primary genetic switch for specific apocrine gland secretions. Researchers have identified this SNP as a classic example of a Mendelian trait, where the presence of the 'A' allele in both copies of the gene leads to a distinct, recessive phenotype.
The Role of the ABCC11 Gene
The ABCC11 gene provides instructions for making a protein that transports various molecules across cell membranes. In the context of apocrine sweat glands, this protein is responsible for moving amino acid conjugates of odorants into the sweat. When the protein is fully functional—which occurs in individuals carrying the 'G' allele—these odorant precursors are secreted, where they are then broken down by bacteria on the skin to produce characteristic body odor. Conversely, individuals with the 'AA' genotype lack this functional transport mechanism. Without the secretion of these precursors, the sweat remains largely odorless, and the earwax produced by the glands in the ear canal takes on a dry, gray, and flaky consistency. This biological mechanism explains why the traits of earwax type and axillary odor are so closely linked; they are both downstream effects of the same protein's activity level.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between rs17822931 and the physical traits of earwax and body odor is supported by robust scientific evidence. Multiple studies, including large-scale population cohorts, have confirmed that the 'AA' genotype is strongly correlated with dry earwax and a significant reduction in axillary odor. While the link to these physical traits is well-established, the evidence regarding other potential health associations remains limited or requires further investigation. For instance, while some research has explored the role of ABCC11 in various physiological processes, the primary, widely accepted clinical application of this knowledge is limited to understanding these specific, non-pathological traits. Consumers should view this information as a way to understand their own biological predispositions rather than as a diagnostic tool for health conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific physiological changes or health-related symptoms.
Population Frequency and Evolution
The frequency of the rs17822931 alleles varies dramatically across different global populations, reflecting historical patterns of migration and natural selection. The 'A' allele is highly prevalent in East Asian populations, where the dry earwax phenotype is the norm. In contrast, the 'G' allele is the ancestral state and remains the most common variant in African and European populations. Evolutionary biologists suggest that the high frequency of the 'A' allele in East Asia may be the result of positive selection, potentially linked to adaptations to colder climates. Because of this, the distribution of these genotypes is not uniform, and the likelihood of carrying the 'AA' genotype depends heavily on one's ancestral background. Understanding these frequencies helps researchers map human migration patterns and provides context for why certain physical traits are more common in specific geographic regions.
What This Information Means for You
Knowing your genotype for rs17822931 can provide insight into why you may or may not need to use deodorant or why your earwax has a certain texture. It is important to remember that these traits are entirely natural and are not indicators of health or hygiene. While some studies have suggested that individuals with the 'AA' genotype may be less likely to use deodorant, the decision to use personal hygiene products remains a matter of personal preference and social comfort. This genetic information is educational and should not be used to make medical decisions. If you are interested in how your genetics might influence your response to specific medications or if you have concerns about your health, please discuss these topics with your doctor or a qualified pharmacist. Genetic testing for this SNP is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
How common is this variant?
The A allele is highly prevalent in East Asian lineages, while the G allele is the most common variant in African and European populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does my earwax type mean I have a health problem?
No, earwax type is a normal, genetically determined trait. Whether you have wet or dry earwax is simply a result of your ABCC11 genotype and does not indicate any underlying health condition.
Can I change my earwax type or body odor?
These traits are determined by your DNA and cannot be changed. However, personal hygiene practices like using deodorant or cleaning your ears can help you manage the physical effects of these traits.
Why do some people not need deodorant?
People with the AA genotype for rs17822931 produce less of the odorant precursors that bacteria on the skin break down to create body odor. Consequently, they may find that they do not need to use deodorant as frequently as others.
Is this genetic variant linked to breast cancer?
Some early research explored potential links between ABCC11 and various health outcomes, but the evidence is not conclusive. You should not use this genetic information to assess your risk for any disease; always speak with a medical professional for health concerns.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/18/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs17822930?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29Related variants in ABCC11
Non-coding regulatory variant in linkage disequilibrium with the dry earwax and body odor determinant allele.
Functional determinant of earwax dry/wet type and axillary body odor presentation via apocrine gland excretion.
Classic determinant of dry earwax versus wet earwax and axillary body odor production.
This variant determines earwax type (wet vs. dry) and is a primary genetic determinant of axillary osmidrosis (body odor).
A linked non-coding regulatory variant in strong LD with the causative ABCC11 earwax and body odor determinant.
This variant in the ABCC11 gene is the primary determinant of earwax type, where the AA genotype results in dry earwax and the GG/GA genotypes result in wet earwax.