Human skin volatiles: a review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Ecology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Human skin odor is significant in various fields, including forensics, diagnostics, perfumery, and disease vector ecology.
• Previous studies on skin volatile compounds show considerable variation, likely due to diverse sampling methods.
• This is the first review specifically focusing on human skin volatile compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare different sampling techniques for human skin odors.
• To identify and present the main volatile compounds found in human skin odor studies.
• To propose future research directions, especially concerning insect vector chemical ecology.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on human skin volatile compounds.
• Analysis and comparison of various established skin odor sampling techniques.
• Identification of frequently studied body regions (axillae, hands, feet) and their associated volatile profiles.

Main Results:

• Significant variability exists in reported skin volatile profiles across studies.
• Different sampling methods (e.g., adsorbent tubes, headspace analysis) have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
• Key volatile compounds identified, with emphasis on those from axillae, hands, and feet.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of sampling methods is needed to reduce variability in skin odor research.
• Understanding human skin volatile profiles has broad implications for applied sciences.
• Further research is warranted, particularly on the role of skin odors in insect vector interactions.