ABCC11 rs17822931: What Your Genotype Means for Earwax Type
The rs17822931 variant in the ABCC11 gene is the primary genetic determinant of human earwax type. Individuals with specific genotypes at this location typically exhibit either wet or dry earwax, a trait that has been studied for its evolutionary history and association with body odor.
What each genotype means
Dry earwax and reduced odor
This genotype is associated with the production of dry, flaky, white earwax. Research indicates it also correlates with a significant reduction in the secretion of underarm odor precursors, often resulting in minimal to no body odor. While this is the primary genetic determinant for these traits, individual experiences may still vary.
This genotype is highly prevalent in East Asian populations but is found in only a small percentage of people of European or African ancestry.
Wet earwax and standard odor
Carrying at least one G allele is associated with the production of wet, sticky, yellow-brown earwax. This genotype also supports the standard secretion of apocrine odor precursors, which typically leads to normal levels of underarm body odor. This is considered the functional or wild-type expression for this transporter protein.
This genotype is very common in European and African populations and is less frequently observed in East Asian populations.
Wet earwax and standard odor
This genotype is associated with the production of wet, sticky, yellow-brown earwax. It supports the standard function of the ABCC11 transporter protein, which facilitates the secretion of apocrine odor precursors and typically results in normal levels of underarm body odor. This is the most common genotype in many global populations outside of East Asia.
This is the most common genotype in European and African populations, while it is less common in East Asian populations.
Understanding the rs17822931 Variant
The rs17822931 variant is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the ABCC11 gene. In genetic terms, this means that at a specific position in the DNA sequence, individuals may carry either a guanine (G) or an adenine (A) nucleotide. This specific change, often referred to as 538G>A or Gly180Arg, alters the protein structure produced by the gene. Because this variant sits in a region that influences the function of cellular transporters, it has a direct impact on the chemical composition of secretions from certain glands in the body. It is widely recognized in scientific literature as the first example of a DNA polymorphism that determines a visible, observable genetic trait in humans, making it a foundational subject in the study of human phenotypic variation.
The Role of the ABCC11 Gene
The ABCC11 gene provides instructions for making a protein that belongs to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family. These proteins act as pumps that move various molecules across cell membranes. In the context of earwax, the ABCC11 protein is expressed in the apocrine glands, which are responsible for producing sweat and other secretions. Research indicates that the A allele at rs17822931 leads to a reduction in the protein's excretory activity, specifically affecting the transport of certain compounds that contribute to the characteristics of earwax. When the protein function is altered, the resulting earwax is dry and flaky. Conversely, the G allele supports the production of the standard, more viscous, and sticky wet-type earwax. This biological mechanism highlights how a single change in the genetic code can significantly alter the physical properties of bodily secretions.
Research and Population Associations
The association between rs17822931 and earwax type is considered very strong, with consistent findings across multiple studies. Beyond earwax, this variant is also linked to the production of axillary (underarm) odor, as the same apocrine glands are involved in both processes. Research has shown that individuals with the AA genotype are significantly more likely to have reduced axillary odor compared to those with the GG or GA genotypes. While the evidence for these associations is robust, it is important to note that environmental and behavioral factors also play a role in personal hygiene habits. Studies have observed that individuals with the AA genotype may use deodorant less frequently, though this is not universal. The variant is also a subject of evolutionary research, as the high frequency of the A allele in East Asian populations suggests it may have been subject to positive selection in the past, potentially as an adaptation to colder climates.
Global Frequency and Distribution
The distribution of the rs17822931 variant varies significantly across different global populations. The A allele, which is associated with dry earwax, is highly prevalent in East Asian populations, including Chinese and Korean groups, where it is the dominant form. In contrast, the G allele is much more common in African and European populations, where wet earwax is the standard phenotype. This geographical gradient has led researchers to hypothesize that the A allele originated in Northeast Asia and subsequently spread. Because of this distinct distribution, the variant is often used in genetic studies to examine human migration patterns and the impact of natural selection. While the A allele is nearly fixed in some populations, it remains rare or absent in others, illustrating the deep genetic diversity that exists within the human species regarding this specific trait.
What This Information Means for You
Knowing your genotype for rs17822931 provides insight into a biological trait that is largely determined by your ancestry and genetic inheritance. It is important to understand that this information is primarily for educational purposes and relates to normal human variation rather than health or disease. Having one earwax type over the other is not a medical condition, and there is no clinical necessity to test for this variant. If you are curious about your own genotype, it is a common feature in many direct-to-consumer genetic reports. However, this information should not be used to make medical decisions. If you have concerns about personal hygiene, skin health, or any other physiological changes, you should consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. Genetic traits are only one piece of the puzzle, and individual experiences can vary widely regardless of your specific genotype.
How common is this variant?
The AA genotype is highly prevalent in East Asian populations, while the GG and GA genotypes are significantly more common in African and European populations.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry earwax a sign of a health problem?
No, dry earwax is a normal human trait determined by your genetics. It is simply a variation in the composition of earwax and is not considered a medical condition or a sign of illness.
Can I change my earwax type?
No, your earwax type is determined by your DNA at the time of conception. It is a stable genetic trait that does not change throughout your lifetime.
Does the ABCC11 gene affect my body odor?
Yes, the same gene and variant that determine earwax type also influence the production of chemicals in your sweat that contribute to body odor. Individuals with the AA genotype typically produce less of the compounds that lead to strong underarm odor.
Why do some people have wet earwax and others have dry?
This difference is due to a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the ABCC11 gene. This gene controls the function of a protein that transports substances into your earwax, and the specific version of the gene you inherit determines whether that wax is wet or dry.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/30/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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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 is often confused with the functional rs17822931 (538G>A) variant; rs17822931 is the primary determinant of apocrine secretion, dry versus wet earwax, and axillary osmidrosis.