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As we all journey through the inevitable process of aging, our bodies undergo significant changes, one of which is the distinct scent often associated with older individuals. This smell arises from a chemical compound known as nonenal. This compound starts developing in our bodies from around age 40 as a result of the skin’s weakening antioxidant defenses.
Contrary to regular body odor that’s easily removed with soap and water, nonenal’s unpleasant, greasy, and grassy scent sticks around a bit longer. It’s often difficult for us to detect on our own bodies, but it can leave a residue that transfers to clothes, making it more noticeable. Thankfully, I stumbled upon a rather effective solution in the form of persimmon-infused soaps.
Persimmon, a Japanese fruit, possesses a high tannin content. Tannins are recognized for their astringent and antioxidant qualities, making them valuable in cosmetics and skincare. Due to their ability to bind to skin proteins and potentially reduce sebum secretion, they’re used in combating nonenal production.
There are several persimmon soaps on the market, but I found three that were especially effective. Here are my honest observations after personally using each one:
I decided to try the full-sized version of this product, despite it being more expensive than most options. Its pleasing dark orange hue, akin to a bar of glycerin soap, and gentle yet noticeable scent were intriguing. Besides being suitable for various skin types (mature, oily, combination, dry, and sensitive), this soap bar can also be used on hair, thanks to its mild formulation.
I loved the luxurious lather and how it effortlessly left my skin and hair feeling soft and clean. The soap’s persimmon extract and antioxidant-rich Japanese green tea made me feel fresher for extended periods.
The effectiveness against nonenal odor was impressive. Though the smell didn’t disappear instantly, after a few washes, it was almost undetectable. Furthermore, it prevented the scent from transferring onto my clothes. I also noticed recommendations from others who found it efficient in combating menopausal body odor. Even though I wish it were more affordable, I believe it’s worth every penny.
At a glance, this soap is light orange, opaque, and has a somewhat woodsy scent that doesn’t linger post-shower. It’s smaller than a typical soap bar (about 3″ in length and 2″ in width), making it easy to handle. I noticed it did not leave any slimy soap residue, either on my skin or in the soap dish.
This soap produced an ample amount of lather and lasted longer than I initially expected. Surprisingly, this product did more than just reduce the nonenal odor; it also worked miracles for body and hair odors.
However, if you’re expecting a hydrating experience, you might want to keep in mind that it didn’t particularly moisturize. As I always apply lotion post-shower, this wasn’t an issue for me. Despite a few minor setbacks and its unusual scent, this soap is a cost-effective alternative worth considering when battling nonenal odors.
This soap bar was a delightful surprise. Despite its comparatively larger size, it had an effective formula that led to excellent results. It’s eco-friendly, arriving in minimalistic, plastic-free packaging—a detail I truly appreciated.
The Natrulo Persimmon Soap Bar has a mild yet pleasant aroma and can be a bit slippery when wet, so do be careful not to drop it! Its lather is remarkable, making for a satisfying showering experience. On the plus side, it worked well against body odor for me and effectively tackled nonenal for my mother.
Infused with goat milk and shea butter, this soap is surprisingly moisturizing, leaving the skin feeling soft rather than dry. However, its lifespan was shorter than other bars due to its quick-melting nature, which might make it more costly in the long run. Even so, for me, it was well worth the investment.

In conclusion, dealing with nonenal can be challenging, but these soaps have proved effective in my personal experience. They clean and deodorize, leaving you feeling fresh and, importantly, nonealy free. Sure, they may have a few drawbacks, but the benefits they offer make them a worthy addition to anybody grappling with persistent nonenal odors.
Randal
MIRAI APPARENTLY DOESNT MAKE THE PERSIMMON LAUNDRY DETERGENT anymore.
I am devastated!!!
If ANYONE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF A REPLACEMENT
PLEASE RESPOND!!!
Thank you!!!
Melanie Dixon
Hi Randal, I’ve heard the same from a few readers recently. It does seem like the detergent has been discontinued. Some people told me they’ve had decent results using persimmon soap bars directly on collars or underarm areas before washing clothes, but unfortunately I haven’t found a true detergent replacement yet.
Karen
Thanks for the helpful list, Melanie! I’ve used Mirai Clinical before and liked it, but recently I tried a persimmon soap from Swarva and have been really happy with it. It lathers well and seems to keep body odor under control for much longer. Just thought I’d mention it as another option people might want to check out.
Melanie Dixon
Thanks for sharing that, Karen! I’ve heard that brand mentioned a few times lately. It’s always nice to have more options since persimmon soaps can vary quite a bit in price.
George M.
Mirai definitely works but it’s pricey. I switched to the Pelican persimmon soap and it’s much cheaper where I live. I usually buy a few bars at a time and keep them in a mesh soap bag so they don’t melt too quickly.
Cynthia
That mesh bag idea is great. Mine seemed to dissolve pretty quickly in the shower so I might try that.
Melanie Dixon
Yes, the mesh bags really help extend the life of the soap. They also make it easier to create a thicker lather.
Ashley
For anyone still struggling with underarm odor, one routine that worked incredibly well for me was persimmon soap + glycolic acid toner (7%) on the armpits after showering. I let it dry and then apply deodorant. That combination completely eliminated the odor I was dealing with during perimenopause.
Natalie
I’ve heard about the glycolic acid trick before but wasn’t sure if it was safe. Do you use it every day?
Ashley
Not daily. I usually do it two or three times a week and use regular deodorant the other days. That seems to be enough for me.
Rebecca
Funny enough I bought persimmon soap for my teenage son. He showers regularly but had this strange oily smell that wouldn’t go away. After using the soap for a couple days the smell was completely gone. His room even smells better now!
Daniel
Same here. My wife and I both noticed that as we got older, our normal soaps weren’t as effective. Persimmon soap seems to cut through that stubborn odor much better.
Olivia
I tried Lume body wash before switching to persimmon soap and unfortunately it didn’t work for me. When I started sweating it developed a slightly sour smell. The persimmon soap has been much more reliable.
Patrick S.
I had the same experience with Lume. It worked for a while but eventually the smell came back. Persimmon soap seems to neutralize odor instead of just covering it up.
Sophie
For anyone worried about the scent, don’t be. The persimmon soap I use has a very mild smell, kind of similar to the classic orange Neutrogena bar soap. It’s slightly sweet but disappears after the shower.
Melanie Dixon
That’s a great description, Sophie. Many readers ask about the scent, so it’s helpful to hear how different people experience it.
James
Has anyone tried the body wash versions instead of the bar soaps? I travel a lot and liquid products are usually easier for me.
Melanie Dixon
Yes, several brands offer body washes now. From my experience, the bars tend to be a bit more concentrated, but the body washes can still work well and are often more convenient for travel.
A few I’ve found are below:
1. Muun Persimmon Body Wash for Odor Control
2. QualiLife Persimmon Body Wash
3. Mirai Clinical Body Wash for Strong Body Odor
Laura Simmons
I originally learned about persimmon soap through a menopause forum. A lot of women there mentioned noticing new or stronger body odor during perimenopause, even when their hygiene routine hadn’t changed. Switching to persimmon soap made a noticeable difference for me.
Victor Chen
Another vote for the Pelican Kakishibu soap. It’s smaller than a typical soap bar but it lasts surprisingly long. I also like that it doesn’t leave that slippery residue some soaps leave behind.
Emily
A small trick I learned from a friend: if you want your persimmon soap to last longer, hang it in a mesh bag after each shower so it dries properly. Leaving it in a wet soap dish can make it melt faster.
Melissa Grant
Interesting discussion here. I had tried using strong antibacterial cleansers before discovering persimmon soap, but they were way too harsh for my skin. Persimmon soap seems much gentler while still controlling odor.
Susan
How do we find out the amount of persimmon in the different soaps? They can claim persimmon but how do we know?