Women smell of onion and men smell of cheese, according to scientists at flavours and fragrances specialist Firmenich.
Research carried out by the Geneva-based company investigated the armpit odours of men and women and found that the samples from women contained high amounts of an odourless sulphur-containing compound, which was transformed into a chemical called thiol, renowned for its onion-like smell, when mixed with bacteria found under the arm. In men, however, high levels of an odourless fatty acid were discovered. This acid was found to release a cheesy smell when exposed to enzymes produced by bacteria in the armpits.
In addition, a team of independent testers found the smell from women’s armpits was more unpleasant than from men’s. The findings will be used to develop deodorants aimed at the different sexes.