Have you experienced this "old person smell" or is it a myth? I am not sure.

#discussion

Ever wondered if "old person smell" is real? Science says yes—and Japan even has a name for it: Kareishū (加齢臭). Starting around age 40, natural skin defenses drop, causing fatty acids around the neck, ears, and upper body to oxidize. This reaction creates a molecule called 2-nonenal, which gives off a mild, grassy, or musty scent. Because 2-nonenal is oil-soluble, standard soap and water often glide right over it without washing it away. The fix? Specialized persimmon tannin soaps. The active polyphenols in persimmon extract actually bind to 2-nonenal on a chemical level to neutralize it completely. It’s not bad hygiene—it’s just biology!

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Comments4

Psmmg@psmmg
3 days ago
But actually, science also says that the smell is not perceived by many people, and even then not as unpleasant by everyone
MariSmells@mehsmells
3 days ago
I had to take care of both my parents in their twilight years and I didn't know it then but I can see this. It does depend on their habits, diet, and medical conditions. My mom had a "milder" musty scent but she liked showering daily, she liked her perfumes, but I noticed that her clothes and bed would have this musty smell even though we laundries frequently and we couldn't figure out why. My dad's was definitely more pungent but he heavily smoked after my mom's passing and he would refuse to shower at times...
_Aiko_@aikojewel
3 days ago
So interesting! First I've heard of this😆but it makes sense
Lilyphea@lilyphea
3 days ago
I’m 61 And I smell like shampoo, Gaiac 10 and Limonata. I may LOOK older but I refuse to accept the smell of aging!