Many people can recall a distinctive scent associated with older relatives. It’s often described as faintly stale or dusty, similar to the smell of old books or vintage clothing. While far subtler than the strong body odour linked to sweat in younger people, the scent is noticeable enough to become a familiar memory for some.
Researchers say this so-called “old person smell” is not imaginary. According to dermatologists, it stems from natural biological changes that occur in the skin as people grow older. These changes affect the way skin produces certain compounds, which in turn influence body odour.
Scientific studies point to a compound known as 2-nonenal, an aldehyde that becomes more common in ageing skin. Experts say the production of this compound increases gradually over time, leading to a distinctive scent often associated with older adults.
What Causes “Old Person Smell” In Ageing Skin
Dermatologists say several changes in the body contribute to the emergence of 2-nonenal.
“As we age, several things happen simultaneously in our skin,” said Dr Sonal Choudhary, a dermatologist from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Antioxidant defenses in the skin decline, the composition of our sebum changes, and our cumulative UV exposure and environmental stress increase oxidative damage in the skin.”
These combined factors allow 2-nonenal to form more easily on the skin’s surface.
“Research suggests measurable increases in 2-nonenal typically begin after age 40, with more noticeable accumulation in the 50s and beyond,” Choudhary said. “It’s a gradual process, not an instant switch. The intensity of the smell varies significantly from person to person depending on genetics, skin type, lifestyle and environmental exposure.”
Dermatologist Dr Naana Boakye, founder of Bergen Dermatology, said the phenomenon appears to be widespread.
“Evidence suggests that 2-nonenal production is a common age-related phenomenon, not something limited to a small subset of people,” she noted. “Studies consistently detect this grassy, greasy scent in older adults of both sexes. While levels vary between individuals, there is no evidence that only certain people produce it.”
Why You May Not Notice The Scent On Yourself
Even when the compound is present, people often fail to detect it on their own skin.
Experts say this is partly due to a process known as olfactory adaptation — when the brain becomes accustomed to familiar smells and gradually stops noticing them.
This effect, sometimes called “nose blindness”, is similar to how people might notice a unique scent when visiting a friend’s home but rarely recognise the smell of their own house.
Dr Delphine J. Lee, chief of dermatology and residency programme director at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, also noted that the scent itself is not always unpleasant.
“People can exaggerate that this smell is unpleasant or disgusting,” Lee said. “It may even be more neutral or pleasant than the body odors of younger and middle-aged people.”
Why The Compound Is Hard To Wash Away
Another challenge is that 2-nonenal behaves differently from sweat-related odours.
Because it is a fatty acid, it does not dissolve easily in water or soap. As a result, ordinary washing may only remove part of it.
“It’s hard to get rid of this molecule, because it’s very sticky,” said Danielle Reed, chief science officer at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, a nonprofit research institute that studies taste and smell. “It loves to stick to your skin and it loves to stick to fabrics. You’ll remove some of it when you bathe, but your body is constantly making it, so washing isn’t a cure.”
Some dermatologists suggest antioxidant-based cleansers as a possible way to help reduce the odour. Products containing tannins, such as persimmon-based soaps, may also bind to aldehydes and help limit their persistence.
“Persimmon soap, which contains tannins, has a plausible mechanism and a long history of use, though large randomized trials are lacking,” Boakye said.
Researchers are also exploring other possibilities. Studies have examined eggplant extract and its active ingredient N-trans-feruloylputrescine, which showed strong 2-nonenal scavenging activity in laboratory research.
However, Lee said more evidence is needed before such findings can be applied widely. “Human clinical data remain limited, so this should not be positioned as a cure.”
Ageing Skin Changes Are A Natural Process
Experts stress that the scent is not a sign of poor hygiene and should be understood as a normal part of ageing.
“This is a normal biochemical change of aging skin, similar to wrinkles or dryness,” Choudhary said. “With thoughtful skin care, antioxidant support and proper laundering, it can often be minimized significantly.”
Scientists also note that human perceptions of smell are highly subjective.
“We’ve decided we don’t like the odor of old people, but we love the odor of babies’ heads,” Reed said. “Perhaps, as a society, we could learn to love the smell of aging. Not everyone finds this smell unpleasant, and there’s always something for everybody when it comes to smell.”
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Lee added that ageing itself should be viewed in a broader perspective.
“As a dermatologist, I emphasize that aging is a natural, lifelong biological process experienced by us all,” she said. “We should focus on promoting health and well-being across our lifespans, while recognizing and valuing the wisdom, resilience and lived experience that accompany advancing age.”
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