Austin Considine contemplates research that “crunched B.O. data on 6,495 women and found that around two percent of subjects carried a specific genotype associated with a total lack of body odor”:
Researchers found that among women who possess the G allele—i.e., the smelly ones—around 5 percent didn’t regularly use deodorant. (Hippies.) Compare that with the 22 percent of those who possess the non-smelly AA allele who didn’t use deodorant. That’s a big difference, and indicates that non-odorous people have rightly figured out that they really don’t need it.
More fascinating, however, is the 78 percent of people who don’t genetically need deodorant but use it anyway. Why do they feel so compelled? Not only is it unnecessary, but it’s a waste of money.
The Dish 