The Science of Body Odour - What Causes It?

Body Odour is that distinctive smell we are all familiar with. An unfortunate, but easily treated condition often caused as a result of sweating. Contrary to popular belief, sweat itself is actually odourless and so that characteristic tang of body odour is in fact caused by the rapid multiplication of bacteria that live on our skin.

The Science of Body Odour

Bacteria thrive in sweaty conditions. The most common places on the body to produce odour are those where the glands release proteins and oily substances (the Apocrine Glands); primarily the armpits and genitals. Bacteria feed on the sweat and break it down into acids and it is these acids that release the unpleasant body odour. There are two types of acid that are the most common culprits of body odour; Propionic Acid and Isovaleric Acid. Propionic acid is similar to acetic acid, which gives Vinegar its strong taste and smell, the presence of this explains why some people identify a vinegar-like smell in body odour. Isovaleric acid is caused as a result of the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidi. These bacteria are also present in several types of very strong cheese.