It seems the older we get, the more our bodies surprise us in new, sometimes, not-so-exciting ways. If you notice your B.O. smelling different (i.e., worse) lately — research shows you’re not imagining it. But also? Folks dealing with the same thing say it’s probably going to be OK. Enter, a cream solution: If your regular deodorant is “no longer cutting it,” or if hot flashes make you sweaty and uncomfy, we found a whole body, cream deodorant that reviewers in their 50s, 60s and beyond swear by for nixing what you may hear referred to as “old person smell.” Even better? It’s currently 20% off for the first time since January.
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Medical studies and previous HuffPost reporting confirm that age-related body smells are a real thing.
Our skin definitely changes as we age, producing different compounds that emit distinct odors, as Dr. Sonal Choudhary, a dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, previously confirmed to HuffPost.“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.”
Dr. Choudhary continues that this is a completely common and normal thing, generally beginning after age 40.
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Thankfully, so many reviewers experiencing this swear by Lume’s Whole Body Deodorant as a long-lasting fix.
“Wanting to ensure I didn’t give off that ‘I’m over 50 odor’ prompted me to try this product. It really works as advertised,” reviewer June noted.
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June isn’t alone. Jane G., a 69-year-old shopper with the self-described “nose of a bloodhound,” reports recently noticing their own body odor. After trying Lume, they reported “total and absolutely no odor that day and even [the] next morning.”
“I have cut grass, weed whacked and still absolutely No odor. Only smell is an ever so slight coconut smell which is 100% improvement,” they wrote. “I’m a customer for life and have already shared with close friends! You will not be disappointed I promise. Worth every penny!!”
Unlike a traditional stick deodorant, this is a lotion-like cream, designed to block odors for up to 72 hours. It’s loaded with skin care ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, caffeine and exfoliating mandelic acid, to help even, brighten and soften skin as it disappears unwelcome body odor. And the scent options are plentiful. Think tangerine, vanilla, lavender, alpine and more. There’s even an unscented option.
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“I hit my 50’s and my chemistry changed. Really glad I tried this brand…,” reviewer Pea Dot wrote about their unscented choice. “It’s working great and the skin under my arms feels amazing.”
People report that this deodorant helped address body odor changes sparked by various health conditions and lifestyle changes, too.
″…For whatever reason, menopause made me stink,” reviewer, CBL, wrote. ”…Bought it because nothing else worked…Anyway, I saw a difference IMMEDIATELY! No more self-consciousness…it was so good that I bought the acidified body wash and clean cotton deodorant wipes. They’re all great!”
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One reviewer leans on Lume due to a medical condition that hinders daily bathing. “Be not afraid… Two days in and still no [odor],” they confirm.
The cream is especially loved by reviewers who find that their usual deodorants stopped working as well as they used to. You only need a pea-sized amount of the potent formula, which dries clear after 5 seconds of rubbing when applied to clean, dry skin.
“I don’t know if it’s getting older or what, but suddenly underarm deodorants etc. were failing me miserably. It’s like I was bitten by a stink bug or something,” one wrote.
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“… Saw this two pack Lume and decided it was worth a shot. It’s a bit expensive, but boy is it worth it.”
Note that for higher success probability, it may take a beat for your body to adjust.
The brand recommends reapplying the cream frequently for the first week or two as your body adjusts, then using it as needed, as you would with a classic stick deodorant.
A reviewer in their 50s who’s tried all sorts of anti-odor products detailed their experience adjusting to Lume (which is worth the whole read, TBH).
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″…Be aware that it might make all your dreams come true on the first try or it might take your body a little while to adapt to it…. give it a couple of tries,” they advise. ”… Sometimes things don’t work exactly as planned on the first try or in an overnight complete switch to a new product; sometimes it takes a few tries!”
Another plus: Though it’s not officially an antiperspirant, people praise it for all-over sweat control. (And we mean all over.)
Everyone’s body is different, but a ton of people swear it works on every region.
“I use it for under my boobs, my belly button, the creases of my legs, lady parts and butt crack,” one wrote of the deodorant cream. “It leaves you smelling like nothing!”
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Another standout review dubbed the cream “just what the butt crack ordered.”
While the cream doesn’t officially have “sweat-stopping” ingredients, the brand says the formula has a specific acidity to hinder bacteria and absorb moisture without clogging pores, keeping you feeling dry and fresh.
“I’m an older lady (57) I get alot of hot flashes so I get very sweaty in all the wrong places … this stuff makes me smell FANTASTIC 100% of the time for a long long time,” one said. “I never have any oder anywhere! This is a must for all Women! And men too!”
Another reviewer jokes that it “only took me 61 years to find,” the Lume cream solution. “It controls sweat so good and keeps you dry that you could go several days without using more,” they wrote.
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Something strong enough to prevent re-application for days is a tall, tall order and we bet that will vary person to person.
However, to get rid of that “old person smell” that, per experts, is definitely not just our imagination running away with us — we say this cream deodorant is worth grabbing while discounted. Want more deets? Check out the promising re”views below.
“Game changer!!! If you were unlucky enough to get stinky body odor like me, this stuff is a life changer. I’m not sure how to adequately described the stress that has been taken off of me in the summer. I can now go out and spend a whole day doing things and not have to worry about smelling bad. Also perfect for the office ladies who sit on vinyl chairs and have stinky lower regions.” — Michelle Richard
“I’ve spent 50 years trying to find something to address my astonishingly stinky feet, and absolutely nothing has worked. Until this. I rub a little dollop into each foot after showering and my feet simply don’t smell. For days! I tried it on my armpits and was less impressed, but the foot situation is amazing.” — Kim
“I’m a 69 yr old female with the nose of a bloodhound. I can trail cigarette smoke thru a massive box store, detect a tiny gas leak and yes body odor which I have only recently experienced. I read the reviews, refrained from smelling when first opening and used (down below). Total and absolutely No odor that day and even next morning. I have cut grass, weed whacked and still absolutely No Odor. Only smell is an ever so slight coconut smell which is 100% improvement!! I’m a customer for life and have already shared with close friends! You will not be disappointed I promise. Worth every penny!! Oh and btw I have probably only sent in 2 or 3 reviews in my entire life. This product was worth my time in submitting this review!” — Jane Garrett
“As your chemistry changes so does your body odor. Wanting to ensure I didn’t give off that ‘I’m over 50 odor’ prompted me to try this product. It really works as advertised. I think I’m brave enough to try a scented version next!” — June T.
“I love the smell and it works so good. It is the only kind I use now. Only took me 61 years to find it. It controls sweat so good and Kees you dry that You could go several days without using more.” — kathy h.
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We know that no one likes talking about age-related body odors, so we’ll be quick. If cream deodorant isn’t your jam, peep three other finds reviewers love for banishing “old person smell,” courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.
The original bar of Japanese persimmon soap to get rid of “old person smell”
Of course, we have to start with the soap that introduced us to the Mirai brand. The soap contains 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.
You can find the soap in its original unscented form or with a calming lavender scent. Our recommendation? Buy it in bulk. Mirai currently sells a four-pack of the unscented version for just $60. With the single soap’s list price hovering just under $23, opting for the multipack makes each soap under $15. That’s much cheaper than re-buying a single unit each time you run out.
A clarifying persimmon shampoo for nonenal scalp odor
Nonenal odor can accumulate on your scalp and in your hair, too, which this shampoo seeks to target. The clarifying formula is designed for mature hair and safe on color-treated locks, without sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrances. It has the Japanese persimmon extract you’ll recognize from their soap, along with camellia oil and infused silk protein for shine, hydration and reduction of frizz. Some reviewers recommend letting the shampoo sit for a couple minutes before rinsing it off for best results. They also say that you only need to use a little at a time, which can make the relatively high cost go down a little easier.
Promising review: “My wife had been “noticing” that “old guy’s scent” on me and my clothing. After only a week using this she said there was a noticeable decrease, and now, a month later, she says it’s gone. The shampoo itself only takes a small squirt to work into a lot of lather. There’s no lotion-like residue that comes with regular shampoos, and no flowery perfume smells either. I’m going to be a repeat customer.” — Kindle Customer
Some deodorizing persimmon body wipes you can keep in your car, bag or suitcase
Speaking of smelling great on the go, another option that’s convenient for travel is these deodorizing body wipes. If you don’t love reusing the same deodorant stick on your underarms and then other body parts, the wipes can be an alternative and are so easy to swipe over your neck, behind your ears, on your feet and more. The wipes are unscented and hydrating, using the persimmon tannin extract to do their thing like all of Mirai’s other products.
Your purchase comes with three packs of 50 wipes, so you can store them in various places. Perhaps one in the house, one in the car and one in your bag? That way, you’ll always have some in reach.
Promising review: “When I’m too lazy to take a bath, I use these wipes. They work very well. I like that they’re unscented. I’ve tried other brand-name wipes that are scented and have not been pleased. They’re a good size – I just use one because I’m usually just using them for the “pits and bits”, not for really dirty skin. I’m very pleased with them. They’re a nice fresher-upper.” — D. Staudt
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