Do Women Really Have Smellier Feet Than Men? The Truth Behind the Controversial Ad

Recently, Procter & Gamble sparked a heated debate on Chinese social media with a bold claim: women’s feet smell “five times worse” than men’s.

The controversial advertisement, aimed at promoting female beauty products, quickly ignited outrage and was promptly taken down.

The ad boldly stated, “Women’s feet smell five times worse than men’s.

If you don’t believe it, smell it.” This assertion, along with other unsubstantiated claims about feminine hygiene, drew sharp criticism online.

A 2019 study cited by the campaign pointed out that women’s feet host a greater variety of bacterial species compared to men's.

However, experts cautioned that these differences were not statistically significant in terms of cleanliness.

The campaign didn’t stop at feet—it also suggested women’s chest areas, hair, and underwear were less hygienic than men’s counterparts.

These claims, despite aiming to promote personal care products, were met with widespread backlash on social media, leading to the cancellation of the ads.

While discussions about personal hygiene are important, it’s crucial to rely on scientifically backed information rather than broad generalizations.

As for the debate on whether women have smellier feet than men, the answer remains elusive, but one thing is clear: promoting respectful and evidence-based advertising is key in today’s digital age.