#41 The Adventure to Great Soap & How to Find it: “Trend or truth?” 2-nonenal or 2-non-nonsense?

For two weeks now, we've been inundated by the charming inquiries of our older female shoppers. They stroll in with a twinkle in their eyes and ask, "I saw a thing—do you happen to have persimmon soap?" It's always delivered with a wink, as if they’re divulging the secret to eternal youth. Apparently, this magical potion is supposed to ward off the elusive “old people smell.”

Now, let’s take a moment to unpack this. I've plunged into the depths of the internet—an exhilarating 45 minutes of discovery—trying to uncover the origins of this olfactory concern. Who are “THEY,” you ask? I scoured through articles, and even conspiracy theories, all in all, I found a lot of confusion and a few delightfully fruity body products from Japan, promising a beacon of hope.

However, I did find there is actually a scientific reason behind the infamous "old person smell." Let's introduce you to something real called 2-nonenal.

Folks describe 2-nonenal as having a musky, waxy, or stale smell that comes from the skin & clothing of the elderly. A recognizable odor that permeates their homes, belongings, and vehicles. But what is it exactly?

As people age, the skin produces more omega-7 fatty acids. When these omegas hit the open air and linger on the skin, they oxidize and turn into the compound 2-nonenal. The problem with 2-nonenal is that it's a lipid-based oil that leaves behind its signature waxy film. Most non-medicated daily soaps are specifically formulated to remove dirt and bacteria from the skin, which are typically water-soluble, leaving 2-nonenal to linger topically after a scrub with a bar of soap because of its durable waxy structure. ( Read further about C9H16O-The chemical makeup of 2-nonenal)

Empowerment, not shame is the name of the game with this blog topic...Let's push forward!

Honoring the human body's evolution of aging can take us from the highs of looking back on life and our accomplishments, like the beautiful families we raised or the successful career we fostered over the years. Sometimes aging can look like moments of "where did the time go," as we notice a new ache or a new patch of grey that has cropped up. Although we are not medical professionals, there is significant evidence supporting the idea that "you are what you eat."

While the cosmetic industry may push serums, sprays, creams, and potions, remember that the smell comes from natural oxidation. May we look towards things that build a better tomorrow internally? Choose water over soda, salad over that cheeseburger, ripe berries & veggies with rich antioxidants. Perhaps daily yoga over vegging on the couch. The science of aging has progressed significantly since our great-grandparents' time. With greater knowledge, we have a responsibility to improve our lives. There is a tongue-in-cheek joke that says "Humans are plants with anxiety." Humans are roughly 60% water-pur brains & hearts are 73% water, so naturally, what you put in your body, you will get out of your body. I honestly think this is the best approach to this topic.

Closing thoughts | Aging is a privilege. Every biological change in our bodies is just another chapter in our book of life. Choosing what we consume over a lifetime may affect the outcome of our health in our later years. Drink plenty of water, move your body, wash well, eat well, and treat yourself live life with the confidence and comfort of knowing and understanding your own body.

If you would like to read more on this topic & its cosmetic side :

• Clinical-grade Japanese Persimmon extract

• Science of Persimmon Tannins (Kakishibu)

• Diospyros Kaki (Persimmon scientific name)

  We are not endorsing cosmetic claims