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Earlier this year, dermatologists let it slip that if you want to get rid of “old person smell” — also known as nonenal odors, which naturally occur starting at around the age of 40 — then you should be looking to incorporate tannins into your body and skin care routines. One previously suggested source of tannins is the enduring drugstore staple Thayers witch hazel toner, which, as you’ll soon discover, has a whole host of beneficial uses beyond neutralizing unwanted odors that come with age.
Doctors have explained that tannins work on nonenal odor emissions by neutralizing the odor molecule after it’s already formed, blocking the skin process that creates it in the first place, reducing the oily secretions that fuel it, and killing the bacteria that make it worse.
Tannins can be derived from a few different ingredients, such as willow bark, green tea extract, and, the one we’re most familiar with, persimmon. In fact, we’ve been documenting the popularity of one highly rated Japanese persimmon soap that claims to be formulated just for this purpose.
According to a dermatologist in previous reporting, witch hazel is one of the most popular forms of tannins, and although there are several toner options out there featuring this ingredient, this classic witch hazel astringent by Thayers is their favorite.
Formulated completely free of drying alcohols, this daily toner contains macerated witch hazel (a method the brand has been using since 1847), soothing aloe and glycerin, a highly effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It’s an effective and reliable combination for purifying and adding hydration to the skin, smoothing texture and managing acne. But it goes beyond just the cosmetic improvements of skin, according to those who swear by this stuff.
Several reviewers say they apply this toner to areas like the armpits, behind the ears and between the thighs to prevent body odor, as well as to brighten skin tone and fade dark patches.
“When I feel like armpits need a break from the harsh chemicals in my deodorant, I apply this toner, and it leaves my underarms quite smooth,” one Amazon customer wrote in their review.
Thayers also markets this toner as a helpful post-shave solution to ease skin irritation and prevent ingrown hairs anywhere on the body.
“I have struggled with severe razor burn my entire life and am prone to ingrown hairs. Thayers witch hazel helped reduce the redness, swelling, pain, and itchiness (due to dry skin),” an Amazon reviewer claimed.
Available in five refreshing scents, including an unscented option, this $11 bottle of toner will prove to be a worthy bathroom cabinet addition in more ways than one. Just see what others have to say about Thayers witch hazel toner down below.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Witch hazel, specifically Thayers, is so slept on for it’s uses outside of face skincare. I originally started using on my face to try and clear up some uneven skin tone, but it does tend to be drying and irritating for me. That said, it’s so great for skincare other than on your face! I like to swipe it on a cotton pad on and behind my ears to prevent dead skin buildup there. It’s kind of like a gentler version of rubbing alcohol, which means it’s also great for preventing any body odor on sweaty areas. As a toner, you can use it anywhere you might have uneven skin tone, like your inner thighs or armpits. Such a great, multi-purpose skincare product for more than just your face!“ — Bailey Fortenbaugh
“I use this before applying my deodorant to refuse smell. Works excellent. Use, wipe off all moisture, then apply deodorant and you won’t be smelly all day. It works!” — PM
“If you have skin, you have to use this toner. I love that it does not have alcohol. It has a nice soft rose smell and soaks into the skin within 3-5 minutes. I live in the hot Florida sun, and this toner has really quenched my dehydrated areas. I apply this directly with my hand (I don’t use any cotton pad as those just soak in your product and your money) and apply it all over my face, focusing on my forehead and temples where I get the most dryness. This has clarified my skin overall as I’ve been using it for more than 2 years already. ALSO, when I feel like armpits need a break from the harsh chemicals in my deodorant, I apply this toner and it leaves my underarms quite smooth.” — Marilola25
“I’m in my sixties, but wanted an after face wash toner. Thayers is great! It helps tighten my skin and remove any cosmetic residue. Great product!” — Victoria Sutton
If you want to try more dermatologist-suggested solutions for old-person smell, take a look at the products below from previous HuffPost coverage:
The famous Japanese persimmon soap, formulated to combat nonenal odors
Of course, we have to start with the soap that has been at the forefront of our nonenal odor coverage. The formula features a dense concentration of persimmon extract with more deodorizing tannins than competitors, as well as green tea extract, which is rich in antioxidants (declining skin antioxidants is one of the causes of "old person smell"). Reviewers claim that the soap's odor elimination lasts for days, and you can use the bar on areas where nonenal odors are strongest, like the back of the neck and behind the ears.
A body cleanser with green tea extract
Green tea is another tannin-containing ingredient useful to combat nonenal odors, so we selected Youth to the People's Superfood body cleanser, a nourishing and gently purifying formula containing both green tea and kale extracts — both of which are rich in antioxidants. Featuring notes of fresh greens, black pepper and cedarwood, the Superfood body wash also contains niacinamide, another beloved antioxidant that can hydrate and even skin tone.
A Korean cleansing balm with persimmon
We’re told it’s rather rare to find a toner or cleanser with persimmon extract, but the Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm has one of the highest sources of it. It's not just persimmon extract that makes this sorbet-soft balm a concentrated source of tannins, but also a dose of grapeseed oils.
And in case you're not familiar, cleansing balms are an effective and expert-recommended way to melt away sunscreen, stubborn makeup, oil and other impurities from the skin before using a traditional cleanser in your nightly skin care routine.
