People of all ages experience body odor at some point, especially during the summer. However, many may not realize that body odor can change with aging. Experts have previously noted that age-related body odor is a genuine phenomenon, resulting from the skin naturally producing different organic compounds. This distinct smell differs from regular body odor, but individuals may become so accustomed to it that they fail to notice it, even when others do. Importantly, it is not an indicator of poor hygiene, as it does not wash away with ordinary soap and water. It may, however, be addressed with a specialized Japanese persimmon soap from the brand Mirai Clinical, which is currently available at a rare 20% discount.
At $18.37 on Amazon (regularly $22.97), this circular, amber bar was suggested in previous HuffPost reporting as a potential solution to "old people smell"—a biological phenomenon caused by the compound 2-nonenal.
Understanding Age-Related Body Odor
The Mirai Clinical persimmon soap can be used all over the body on key areas where natural smells develop. Typically beginning after age 40, nonenal odors arise from declining antioxidant defenses in the skin, resulting in a mild to moderate organic or musty smell that varies from person to person, according to dermatologists. Individuals may not detect it on themselves due to olfactory adaptation, where gradual exposure leads to becoming accustomed to the scent. The smell is not necessarily unpleasant to everyone, as odor perception is subjective. However, for those concerned, this soap offers a possible solution.
"Persimmon soap, which contains tannins, has a plausible mechanism and a long history of use, though large randomized trials are lacking," said dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, founder of Bergen Dermatology. While Boakye did not mention a specific brand, the Mirai bar soap appears to be the most popular and widely reviewed option. The founder even appeared on "Shark Tank" last year. This formula features a dense concentration of persimmon-derived tannins, along with green tea extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient for ongoing defense throughout the day.
How to Use the Soap
The palm-sized, delicately scented soap works best when lathered onto key areas where nonenal odors typically develop, such as feet, underarms, and the back of the neck.
One Amazon customer tested it behind their ears, another common area for this smell. "The results were pretty remarkable," they wrote. "I washed behind my ears on day one and then didn't do it again for three days, constantly smelling that area each day. The smell stayed gone for two days, and by about the third day, it was starting to become slightly noticeable. That made me a believer."
Other reviewers claim the soap worked on perimenopausal-related odors and general body odors resistant to other soaps.
Customer Reviews
- "Magical!!" "This stuff really works! No more perimenopause weird odor. I was going crazy! Bought a bunch more because it's an essential now." — An
- "The perfect soap for seniors." "This is a fantastic product. I had been changing soaps, shampoos, laundry soaps and sheets, and the unpleasant smell remained. Within days of using Mirai clinical persimmon soap I smell clean and fresh again. I also use the deodorant. I like the round shape of the bar and it makes a nice lather. I recommend this to everyone." — Kindle customer
- Detailed review: "Now get ready because I am going to get slightly gross for a minute. I rubbed my finger behind both my ears and smelled and yeah, it wasn't great, even though I just washed that morning. So I gave the soap a shot and in particular focused on behind the ears. The results were pretty remarkable. I washed behind my ears on day one and then didn't do it again for 3 days. Constantly smelling that area each day. The smell stayed gone for 2 days and by about the 3rd day it was starting to become slightly noticeable. That made me a believer. So I started using it in all the places the nonenal is at. I start by washing my entire body with regular soap and then at the end of my shower I use this soap in all the places they teach you that nonenal shows up. I have to say that I feel much more confident about how I smell after using it. No one wants to go through hormonal changes but we all have to. At least now we can be more comfortable in our skin while we go through it. I know it's very expensive for a soap. But it is worth it. And if you only use it on the parts of the body that the nonenal smell comes from you won't have to buy it again for a couple of months." — L.B.
- "I'm glad I decided to try this soap despite the cost." "It's a large bar that hopefully will last for months and lathers very well with a pleasant clean smell. I noticed after using the bar the sour odor that I have been struggling with is absent. I hope this soap works as well for you as it has for me." — Patricia Kroepel
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
More Dermatologist-Recommended Products
Looking for additional options for combating age-related body odor? Check out these three finds from HuffPost shopping.
1. A Korean Cleansing Balm with Persimmon
"It's rather rare to find a toner or cleanser with persimmon extract, but the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm has one of the highest sources of it," said Dr. Maryam Safaee. This sorbet-soft balm is a concentrated source of tannins, thanks to persimmon extract and grapeseed oils. Cleansing balms are an effective way to melt away sunscreen, makeup, oil, and other impurities before using a traditional cleanser. $39 at Amazon or Sephora.
2. An Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner
According to Dr. Maryam Safaee, witch hazel is a popular form of tannins. Her favorite is Thayers alcohol-free witch hazel toner. "Usually, most toners are made with alcohol, which can be very dehydrating to the skin. However, Thayers has the water-based witch hazel toner, which makes it gentle enough to be used daily." Available in scented or unscented versions, this affordable formula can be applied to key areas like the back of the neck, armpits, groin, and feet. $9.81 at Amazon, $10.99 at Ulta, $10.99 at Target.
3. A Body Cleanser with Green Tea Extract
Dr. Safaee mentioned green tea as another tannin-containing ingredient useful for nonenal odors. Youth to the People's Superfood body cleanser contains green tea and kale extracts, both rich in antioxidants. With notes of fresh greens, black pepper, and cedarwood, it also includes niacinamide for hydration and even skin tone. $39 at Amazon or Sephora.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through fake hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there's an exception, we'll tell you why.)
