Wet earwax, also called sticky or brown earwax, is typical in people of African or European descent. As the name suggests, this type has a moist, sticky texture and is brownish in color. It contains around 50% lipids (fats) and pigment granules that provide its color. Sticky earwax is dominant genetically.
Dry earwax, also called flaky or yellow earwax, predominates in East Asian populations such as China, Korea and Japan. True to its name, dry earwax lacks stickiness and is pale yellow and flaky. It contains less than 20% lipids, which contributes to its dry texture. The yellow color comes from a lack of pigmentation. Dry earwax is recessive genetically.