Have you ever felt that older people have a distinct smell?
You might have noticed this slightly greasy and musty smell when interacting with elderly relatives, or in enclosed spaces like the lift or public transport.
Through an article by Channel News Asia, we found out that “old people smell” is a real phenomenon, backed up with scientific evidence!
In fact, there’s even a word for it in Japanese – kareishu, the smell of gaining years. But what can we do to minimise it? Read on for more details.
How Does This Smell Occur?
Credits: iStock/makotomo
Studies have shown that this smell may be caused by a chemical known as 2-nonenal, which has mainly been detected in people aged 40 years and older.
This compound is also found in aged beer and buckwheat, and has been described to smell greasy and grassy.
Sebum may also be behind this odour, as it can produce a slightly oily and sometimes musty smell when inevitably exposed to air and bacteria.
Our sebum production levels will also fluctuate or change in composition with age, which could contribute to this scent.
How Do We Prevent It?
Credits: iStock/BongkarnThanyakij
While developing this smell is natural as you age, there are ways to minimise it, especially by taking care of your body.
Firstly, try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that’s rich in antioxidants, and remember to keep yourself hydrated!
Using skincare products that improve your skin’s health and lock in moisture can also be useful in eliminating this issue.
Regular scented products, such as perfumes or deodorants, will also cover up the “old people smell”. We’ve rounded up fragrances that can revitalise you and give you a boost of energy, even if you’re not a Gen Z!
Related read: 31 natural deodorants to keep you smelling fresh in the humid Singapore weather
Best Youthful Fragrances to Try
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Hair And Body Fragrance Mist
This iconic fragrance has an alluring pistachio and salted caramel scent!
Reminiscent of summer at the beach, this warm and sunny fragrance conjures good vibes and wide smiles, so you’re sure to get lots of compliments.
The Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Hair And Body Fragrance Mist retails for S$38 (90ml) and S$60 (240ml) at Sephora.
Chloé Signature Eau De Parfum
Highlight your creativity and individuality with this fragrance! If you’re free-spirited and confident, this perfume is perfect for you.
It integrates classic florals like rose, magnolia, and peony with warm amber and elegant cedarwood for a fresh and feminine scent.
The Chloé Signature Eau De Parfum retails for S$50 (10ml), S$80 (20ml), S$135 (30ml), S$195 (50ml), and S$230 (75ml) at Sephora.
Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne
This floral and fresh fragrance is a mesmerising scent that evokes stunning bluebells in a shaded woodland.
The delicate sweetness of bluebells is blended harmoniously with lily of the valley and eglantine, topped off with a luscious twist of persimmon.
The Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne retails for S$38 (9ml), S$120 (30ml), and S$245 (100ml) at Sephora.
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau De Parfum
Ariana Grande’s iconic Cloud fragrance is a perfect representation of the superstar’s dreamy aesthetic, so you’ll be on cloud nine with this scent!
It’s a creamy, soft and luxurious perfume, integrating fresh and uplifting bergamot orange with rich lavender and juicy pear.
Memorable elements such as whipped crème de coconut and sweet praline complete this airy and light perfume.
The Ariana Grande Cloud Eau De Parfum currently retails for S$125 (100ml) instead of S$150 on Perfumestore.sg at the time of writing. Tap in to see the latest price!
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau De Parfum
This iconic Gucci Beauty perfume is a joyful and delicate floral perfume, inspired by the concept of magical potions and elixirs.
It’s built around the gardenia flower, which is blended perfectly with jasmine, pear blossom accord, and sweet brown sugar accord, so you’ll get a boost of positive energy!
The Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau De Parfum retails for S$155 (30ml), S$200 (50ml), and S$270 (100ml) at Sephora.
Anna Sui Sky Eau De Toilette
If you’re an energetic and fun-loving person, this playful fragrance will appeal to your senses perfectly!
It opens with juicy pear, mouthwatering bergamot, and exhilarating pink peppercorn.
Meanwhile, sweet florals like lily of the valley, rose, and lotus make up the heart of the fragrance, finishing off with notes of vanilla and popcorn.
Its one-of-a-kind hot air balloon packaging is sure to inject some fun into your fragrance collection!
The Anna Sui Sky Eau De Toilette retails for S$29 (15ml), S$89 (30ml), S$110 (50ml), and S$145 (75ml) at Sephora.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau De Toilette
This famous perfume is a light and airy floral fragrance for those who love a fresh and feminine perfume!
It combines fruits like blackberry, fresh grapefruit and succulent pear with irresistible florals like jasmine and wisteria.
The fragrance lingers on the skin, with a dreamy finish of white woods, musk, and coconut water, for a charming and refreshing scent!
The Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau De Toilette retails for S$45 (10ml), S$65 (20ml), S$160 (50ml), and S$200 (100ml) at Sephora.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau De Toilette
This perfume is a refreshing scent inspired by Mediterranean summers by the beach, combining Sicilian cedar with the freshness of green apple and the floral allure of bluebell.
It also contains a fresh bamboo scent, softened with a feminine bouquet of jasmine and white rose.
The Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau De Toilette retails for S$39 (10ml), S$96 (25ml), S$140 (50ml), and S$188 (100ml) at Sephora.
Moschino Toy 2 Eau De Parfum
This is a soft and refreshing fragrance, a new interpretation of the iconic Moschino Teddy Bear fragrance line!
It features notes of mandarin orange and Granny Smith apple, combined with delicate floral notes.
The adorable teddy bear packaging is sure to capture your attention and draw you to this sweet and youthful perfume.
The Moschino Toy 2 Eau De Parfum retails for S$35 (10ml), S$70 (30ml), S$105 (50ml), and S$140 (100ml) at Sephora.
Maison Margiela REPLICA Under The Lemon Tree Eau De Toilette
This light and citrusy perfume combines the scents of cypresses with the refreshing smell of lemon trees.
It’s a dreamy blend of elements like kalamansi lime, green tea, and soft musk, creating a uniquely invigorating fragrance for those after a fresh new scent!
The Maison Margiela REPLICA Under The Lemon Tree Eau De Toilette retails for S$210 (100ml) at Sephora.
Featured image credits: iStock/makotomo.
