What a test can show
Genotyping the specific variant often predicts earwax type well, especially in studied populations.
Common traits
ABCC11Earwax type and axillary odour
Variant rs17822931 has an unusually strong effect on dry/wet earwax and production of axillary odour precursors.
RELATIONSHIP VALIDITYStrong replicated trait association
ACTIONABILITYNo medical actionability
SOURCE CHECKLinks and claim boundaries are editorially checked; external expert review is stated only with named disclosure
Practical meaning
This is closer to a simple genetic trait than height, personality or athletic ability.
Where knowledge ends
Hygiene, skin microbiome and odour perception are not determined by one variant.
SOURCES AND VERSION
Verifiable, not ‘trust us’.
Updated: 14 August 2026. Any clinical interpretation requires the exact variant, testing method, family information and medical context.