Understanding ‘Old Person Smell’

Last week, my mom mentioned feeling like she’s starting to smell “like an old person.” It happened while she was at the movies, wrapped in her favorite sweater. “It smelled like my grandmother,” she said quietly. “I initially thought someone else had borrowed it, but then I realized it was just me.”

My mom, who’s in her 60s, has boundless energy. Her hair is thick and still has its natural chestnut color. She’s healthy and enjoys hiking and attending rock concerts.

“I don’t feel old. So why do I smell like one?” she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice. I honestly told her I hadn’t noticed any new smell. To me, she still had that familiar mix of lotion and gardenia. But I understood her concern instantly.

According to experts, our scent does change as we age. “It’s one of those universal yet rarely discussed aspects of humanity,” says Dr. Roya Javid, a dermatologist from Monterey, California. “It’s just biology at work—much like how we get taller or our hair turns gray. Everyone experiences these changes.”

What causes us to smell different as we age?

The odor commonly referred to as “old person smell” is attributed to a compound called 2-nonenal. This chemical emerges when certain oils on our skin oxidize and decompose, explains Javid. It’s a normal process—completely unavoidable.

“Our skin naturally has a thin layer of oils, known as skin lipids, that help keep it soft and protected,” she adds. As we grow older, these fatty acids in the lipids change, and our skin’s ability to fend off daily wear and tear diminishes. With more exposure, the breakdown of these oils leads to the release of 2-nonenal.

“It’s simply a byproduct of aging skin—not a sign of poor hygiene,” emphasizes Javid. “It’s a natural oil changing in response to time, similar to how metal reacts when it’s exposed to air.”

The levels of 2-nonenal can differ from person to person. “We’re still figuring out why some people exhibit a more pronounced odor than others,” says Javid. Factors like skin oil composition, genetics, microbiome, hygiene, clothing, health, and environment might all influence how much 2-nonenal is produced and retained on the skin.

When does this change occur?

Experts highlight that “old person smell” can appear sooner than many realize. A Japanese study conducted in 2001 found 2-nonenal present in skin samples from people as young as 40. However, Dr. Arshad Rather, a consultant geriatrician and general physician in London, notes that this doesn’t mean individuals suddenly wake up with a noticeable odor.

“Research indicates that the levels of 2-nonenal increase gradually, especially after reaching middle age. It’s more of a slow progression rather than an immediate change at age 40,” rather explains.

Interestingly, developing a distinct odor isn’t something exclusive to older adults; every age group has its characteristic scents. “Each life stage has its own unique scent,” Javid mentions. “Babies have that sweet, milky smell because their scent glands are inactive. During puberty, hormones cause a muskier scent for teens. Adulthood carries a more stable scent influenced by sweat and daily life. As we age, those natural skin oil changes result in a different aroma.”

Is ‘old person smell’ inherently bad?

Any negative perceptions about “old person smell” are more about how we view it, rather than a genuine issue, Javid says.

In fact, a blind study found that the 2-nonenal scent isn’t particularly unpleasant. Researchers in 2012 had young adults smell T-shirts worn by individuals from different age groups: young adults (20-30), middle-aged (45-55), and older adults (75-95). The findings revealed that the scent from older adults was deemed “less intense and less unpleasant” than the others.

Dr. Johan N Lundström, a psychology professor at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and a co-author of the study, shared that they were surprised by these results. They had expected a linear trend, with the youngest group rated most positively, but that wasn’t quite accurate.

“Older adults do have a unique body odor, but it wasn’t rated as particularly negative,” Lundström says.

Can you do anything about the odor?

While experts agree there’s no way to prevent the development of 2-nonenal, there are ways to manage its odor.

According to Javid, regular bathing can remove some of the scent. However, traditional soap and water won’t eliminate the chemical entirely, as it doesn’t just sit on the skin’s surface like sweat—it’s produced continuously. Deodorants might mask the smell temporarily, but they won’t eradicate 2-nonenal.

Washing clothes, bedding, and airing out living spaces can help decrease the odor at home. Yet, due to 2-nonenal’s persistent nature, it can remain even after diligent cleaning.

Some body washes claim to neutralize 2-nonenal, such as those made with persimmon. While there are anecdotes supporting their effectiveness, scientific evidence is still lacking.

Rather suspects lifestyle and diet might play a role in 2-nonenal production, suggesting that more research is needed. “As this smell results from an oxidation reaction, tackling oxidative stress seems like a logical approach. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, like colorful fruits and vegetables and vitamins C and E, can help reduce oxidative stress,” he advises.

“Avoiding smoking and protecting skin from sun damage are also wise anti-oxidation practices,” he adds.

In conclusion, experts affirm that while we do develop a different scent as we age, there’s no need for embarrassment about it.

If someone begins to notice that they smell like 2-nonenal—which is inevitable—Javid encourages them not to feel self-conscious or invest heavily in special soaps.

“Focus on supportive skin habits: antioxidants, sun protection, avoiding smoking, and staying hydrated,” she suggests. “And remember, the science indicates that what you’re worried about isn’t as negative as the stereotype suggests.”