## 1 Introduction  
_Malassezia_ species are yeasts that normally inhabit mammalian skin, including human skin [1]. Currently, 21 species are suggested in the genus _Malassezia_, phylum _Basidinyota_[2]. An important distinctive feature of all these species is that they are lipid-dependent due to the lack of genes encoding fatty acid synthase (FAS). This enzyme is required to synthesize de novo fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, a precursor of long-chain fatty acids needed for their growth [3, 4]. Furthermore, _Malassezia_ species can inhabit seabecous areas, such as the scalp, back, face, and chest, where these yeasts intake lipids from their host [4, 5]. To meet nutrient requirements, _Malassezia_ is equipped with genes encoding lipases, phospholipases, and sphingomyelinases to metabolize fatty acids from the skin host and obtain nutrients to grow and proliferate [6]. A curious feature of this genus of yeasts is that the assimilation and presence of lipids differ between species, making them metabolically versatile [6]. _Malassezia_ is considered an emergent and opportunistic yeast that takes advantage of changes in the host's microenvironment, such as temperature, sweat, fatty acid level, and lifestyle, that could trigger that yeast to become pathogenic [1]. _Malassezia globosa_,_Malassezia restricta_, and _Malassezia sympodialis_ are common species in human skin and are sometimes associated with dermatological diseases, such as pityriasis versicolor, seb-orrheic dermatitis/dandruff, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis [5; 7]. In addition, they are the principal species isolated from human skin, so it is appropriate to determine their secondary metabolites to start unraveling their strong interaction with the host [1]. Other species are related to fungemia, and recently, some authors have suggested an association of fungemia with [PERSON]'s disease [8] and [PERSON]'s disease [9]. Furthermore, to try to understand why these yeasts transition from beneficial to opportunistic behavior, different approaches using in vitro or in vivo experimental models have been performed through several methodologies, such as omics tools, to elucidate the interaction between _Malassezia_ and its host; these studies have been recently summarized [10]. The reasons why _Malassezia_ becomes pathogenic remain unclear [3]. Small metabolites derived from its metabolism could be involved in commensal/pathogenic processes; this statement is proposed since all living organisms relate in some way to their environment, and _Malassezia_ is no exception. These yeasts are a significant part of the skin microbiota, and they carry out both inter- and intraspecies interactions to obtain resources to grow and survive [11; 12; 13]. Microorganisms release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to communicate with one another [14]. These small and odorous molecules are carbon-based compounds with low molecular weight, low boiling point, and high vapor pressure, and they are often in a gaseous state and spread in the environment quickly [15; 13]. Chemical communication mediated by VOCs released by human microbiota is pivotal to understanding how this community of organisms cohabit and compete in the same habitat. The characteristic aromas from cheese, wine, yogurt, and even disgusting human odors are derived from microbial volatiles [16]. Several factors are involved in producing microbial VOCs, including substrates, interaction processes, type of ecosystem, temperature, and climate [17]. Additionally, species diversity, carbon energy sources, and pH are determining factors in VOC production [18]. Evidence suggests that microbial VOCs are generated from central and secondary metabolisms, such as glucose and fatty acid degradation [13; 16]. Although detecting and separating volatile compounds is easily achieved through chemical techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC)-coupled mass spectrometry (MS) [19], the biogenic source of most of these compounds is not entirely understood [17].