Persimmon Soap Isn’t the Answer to “Old People Smell” (Nonenal Odour)

Name: LEMON & POPPYSEED SOAP
Brand: Moon Haven
SKU: SB L&P
Price: 9.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Here's what actually works

Hi, it’s Laura here... Moon Haven’s soap maker and formulator.

I’ve been asked quite a few times about persimmon soap lately, especially around what people call 'old people smell' or nonenal.

So I wanted to explain it simply and share what I’ve seen actually work.

In a Nutshell

Nonenal odour ('old people smell') comes from oils on the skin breaking down over time
Persimmon soap may reduce odour temporarily, but it doesn’t remove the build-up causing it, so the smell keeps coming back
The real solution is removing build-up from the skin, not masking it
Exfoliating soaps help lift away oxidised oils
See the Do this / Avoid this guide at the end for a simple routine that works

What is nonenal (and why does it happen)?

Nonenal is something that forms naturally on the skin when certain skin oils start to oxidise.

As we get older, the skin produces more of these types of oils.

If they sit on the skin, they break down and create that slightly stale, lingering smell.

That’s why:

It can stick around even after a shower
It comes back quickly
Some soaps don’t seem to make much difference

It’s not about being unclean, it’s about what’s left behind on the skin.

Does persimmon soap actually work?

Persimmon contains natural tannins, which can bind to odour compounds like nonenal.

So when you use it:

It can help reduce the smell on the surface
You often feel fresher straight away

And for some people, that’s helpful.

Where persimmon soap falls short

From a soap-making point of view, this is the important part:

It’s helping with the smell… but not necessarily what’s causing it

If oils and residue are still sitting on the skin:

They keep oxidising
The smell forms again
You end up in the same cycle

So it becomes a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution

What Works Best

What I’ve found works best is actually quite simple:

avoid build-up of nonenal compounds on the skin

What matters most:

Cleanse the skin daily to prevent build-up forming over time
Avoid products that leave residue or build up on the skin
Keep the skin clean and fresh with a consistent, balanced routine

When the build-up isn’t there, there’s nothing there to turn into odour

Why your soap matters more than you think

Not all soaps are created equal

Some leave a coating on the skin

Others strip the skin too much

What we aim for when we make our soaps is:

A proper clean that rinses away fully
No residue left sitting on the skin
Something that supports the skin without overdoing it

That balance makes a big difference over time

Do this:

Use a soap that rinses cleanly and doesn’t leave a coating
Shower daily to prevent build-up sitting on the skin
Use an exfoliating soap at least 2 times a week to help remove oxidised oils
Wash bedsheets, towels, and clothing regularly to avoid nonenal build-up

Avoid this:

Relying only on antibacterial or deodorising products
Using soaps that leave a film on the skin
Over-scrubbing or trying to “strip” the skin
Letting build-up sit on the skin day after day

A simple rhythm to follow - Shower daily and exfoliate 2 times a week

Where to start

If you’re looking for a simple place to begin, these are the nonenal effective soaps I’d usually recommend:

Lemon & Poppyseed soap - really helpful for lifting away build-up with gentle exfoliation
Tea Tree-T soap - a good everyday option to keep the skin clean and fresh
Seagrass soap (with Rosemary oil) - great for supporting the skin with antioxidant properties while helping keep things balanced
Lemongrass soap (with Lemongrass and Cedarwood oils) - a fresh, clean option with antioxidant support that helps reduce the processes that lead to odour forming

They all work toward the same goal, keeping the skin balanced and oil free so the odour doesn’t have a chance to form

Our Best Nonenal Beating Bars

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This article was written by Laura, Moon Haven’s soapmaker and as such represents her personal opinion on the given subject.

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Leonie Gully- Moon Haven's Aromatherapist

While any advice provided is general in nature, it is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you are at all concerned about your condition, it is important that you do consult your medical practitioner of choice for an individual consultation and treatment plan.