Why smelling sense deteriorates with age?

As we get older, the body changes in quiet, gradual ways. Nothing shifts overnight. These changes happen little by little, across many parts of the body. Because the process is so slow, most people adjust without realizing how much has changed over the years.

One of these changes affects the way we smell.

Our sense of smell depends on tiny nerve receptors inside the nose that pick up scent and send messages to the brain. With age, fewer of these receptors remain active. The brain also becomes a bit slower at interpreting scent signals. Changes in nasal airflow can make this even more noticeable.

Over time, smells that were once easy to notice can become faint. Familiar scents are especially easy to miss, including those that come from our own body.

What Happens to the Sense of Smell With Age

As the years pass, the receptors in the nose that detect scent gradually decline. The brain still receives information, but it does not register smells as clearly as before.

The result is simple. We do not notice smells the way we used to.

This can affect everyday moments, like enjoying food or noticing smoke. It can also affect something people rarely talk about openly: body odor.

The Aging Odor Many People Cannot Smell Themselves

There can be subtle moments that feel confusing or uncomfortable. People may stand a little farther away. Hugs happen less often. Conversations feel shorter. These can be quiet signs of body odor, even when you do not notice any smell yourself.

As skin ages, its chemistry naturally changes. One result of this change is a compound called Nonenal. Nonenal is not sweat. It does not smell sharp or sour. Instead, it has a mild, lingering, slightly oily scent that can cling to skin, clothing, and bedding.

Because the sense of smell weakens with age, many people are unable to smell Nonenal on themselves, even though others can. This is why someone may feel clean and freshly showered, yet still carry an odor without realizing it.

This is a normal part of aging. It is not a sign of poor hygiene or neglect.

Why Regular Soap Often Is Not Enough

Most soaps are designed to remove dirt and sweat. They are not made to address Nonenal.

Fragrance may cover the odor for a short time, but it does not remove the compound itself. Once the fragrance fades, the odor can return. This can feel frustrating, especially when the same routine worked well for many years.

Why Persimmon Has Been Used in Japan

In Japan, persimmon extract has been used for generations to help manage aging-related odor.

Persimmon contains natural tannins that bind to odor-causing compounds like Nonenal. This helps neutralize the odor instead of simply covering it with fragrance. The focus is on removing the source, not masking it.

A Practical Daily Option

For those looking for a gentle and effective daily solution, our deodorizing soap with persimmon extract was created with aging skin in mind. It is designed to help neutralize Nonenal without relying on heavy fragrance, making it suitable for everyday use.