Regular Soap Can't Eliminate 'Old Person Smell' — But This Solution Can

In previous HuffPost coverage, experts have shared that our body odor can actually change with aging, thanks to our skin naturally producing different compounds over time. The smell is distinct from regular BO, and while it isn’t a poor hygiene indicator, it generally doesn’t come off with just ordinary soap and water. It may, however, be addressed with this special bar of Japanese persimmon soap OR this deodorizing persimmon body wash, both from the brand Mirai Clinical. These soaps have been a runaway hit with HuffPost readers since the first time we covered them, and right now, both are on sale for up to 33% off. So, whether you’re a body wash person or prefer bar soap — you’ve got options.

In previous reporting, persimmon soap was suggested as a possible solution to “old people smell” — a biological phenomenon caused by the compound 2-nonenal.

Typically beginning after age 40 and caused by antioxidant defenses declining in the skin, nonenal odors can have a mild to moderate organic or musty smell that varies from person to person, we’re told by dermatologists. And you might not even be able to notice it on yourself due to something called olfactory adaptation, where you become accustomed to the scent since its development is so gradual. It’s also not necessarily unpleasant to all humans, since smell is so subjective. But, if it is a concern for you, this is a possible solution.

“Persimmon soap, which contains tannins, has a plausible mechanism and a long history of use, though large randomized trials are lacking,” dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, founder of Bergen Dermatology, previously suggested.

These delicately scented soaps work best when lathered onto key areas of the body where nonenal odors generally develop — like feet, under the armpits and along the back of the neck.

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 has a dense concentration of persimmon-derived tannins, along with green tea extract, an ingredient that’s rich in antioxidants for continual defense throughout the day.

“No more old lady smell for me!” Reviewers agree these soaps really work to combat age-related odors.

While it may seem too good to be true, many reviewers swear by these soaps. “My hubby was starting to smell like an old man, he showers everyday! I bought a bar of Mirai and what a surprise! The smell is gone,” one wrote. “I’m very impressed with the elimination of older lady smell,” another wrote. “It’s a nice soap. It lathers great in my loofah.”

One Amazon customer put it to the test behind their ears, another part of the body where this smell can commonly develop.

“The results were pretty remarkable,” they claimed in their review. “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.”

Others claim the soap worked on perimenopausal-related odors and just body odors in general that had previously been resistant to other soap formulas.

Reviewers love Mirai Clinical’s persimmon soap for making them feel (and smell!) their best. Read more 5-star reviews and grab a bar or body wash on sale.

“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

“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 result 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. (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)

“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.

Looking for other reader-loved body products currently on sale? We got you! Check out these three top-sellers.

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