Persimmon Soap: Myths, FAQs, and What I Hear and See from the Studio
Persimmon soap is everywhere right now. Feeds, forums, comment sections. There’s so much out there and I have been seeing a LOT of big time claims, some are legit, some make my eye a lil tweaky. So I thought we could sort it out. I’ve put together some FAQs and myths that I’ve been seeing around and answering in emails and comments, right from our lil studio in Grand Valley, ON.
Myth #1: "Persimmon extract and persimmon tannin are the same thing"
Negative. Persimmon tannin is the specific compound from the unripe persimmon. That’s the one used for its affinity with 2-nonenal (the compound lined to mature-skin odour) so it can bind and rinse in the lather. Persimmon “extract” is more a marketing word and covers everything from leaves, fruit, bit of juice. Vitamins? Yes, lovely. Same job as tannin in a deodorizing bar? Not automatically. If the label just says extract and nothing else, it doesn’t tell you much. Look for the plant part and whether it actually contains tannin.
Myth #2: "Persimmon soap is only for older people"
2-nonenal is the compound often linked to that "mature skin" odour, and a pharmacist friend told me tons of customers ask about persimmon soap for that odour. But other body odour is something all ages deal with. That's why I formulated our bar for every age and skin type, with more than just persimmon tannin. It also uses magnesium hydroxide and zinc ricinoleate (other deodorizing minerals) in a sensitive-skin-friendly plant-based, shea-rich, and palm-free base.
Myth #3: "Regular soap should handle it"
The sneakiest part of 2-nonenal is that it isn’t very water-soluble, which is why an ordinary bar that rinses away everyday dirt and sweat can leave it hanging around. That's the gap persimmon tannin is used for; to bind to compounds like 2-nonenal so they can rinse away.
Myth #4: "A dark, tannin bar must be dirty (or stain everything)"
The Persimmon and Mineral Deodorizing Bar is dark brown. Like, very dark brown. When I tested tannin in the oil phase vs at trace, the batter looked totally different (light oils vs grey-green at soap batter trace in studio), but both cured to the same deep bar. The cosmetic-grade tannin I use doesn't carry the staining properties of the fermented tannins traditionally used as clothing and wood dye. It lathers up a bit brown but washes away cleanly.
Myth #5: "It replaces your deodorant"
No! I tested it solo for a month and was honestly surprised how well it held up, but I still pair it with deodorant for all-day freshness (pits, body, feet!)
FAQs
What does persimmon soap do?
It cleanses, and it's formulated to help with odour in the shower, including 2-nonenal, which regular soap doesn't handle. Ours adds magnesium hydroxide and zinc ricinoleate for a triple-ingredient odour team.
How do I use it?
Lather up and let the suds sit on the skin for 20 to 25 seconds before rinsing. That contact time is important so the tannins and minerals get a chance to work.
Where should I use it?
Anywhere odour likes to hang out: underarms, back of neck, body, feet.
Is it okay for sensitive skin?
It's made with our sensitive-skin-friendly soap base and scented very lightly with essential oils so there is a bit of scent on lather but no lingering fragrances. Everyone's skin is different, so patch test if you're prone to reactions.
How long until I notice a difference?
It depends on the person. I noticed a difference from my very first wash, but that's just my experience, and everyone's skin and routine are different. If you don't notice much right away, give it a week or two of regular use, and don't forget the lather time: let the suds sit for 20 to 25 seconds before rinsing.
Will it make my bathroom smell like persimmon?
Ha, no! Persimmon tannin has no scent of its own. The bar is scented with a light essential oil blend with frankincense, rosemary verbenone, lemon, cedarwood, and howood for a soft, fresh scent when you lather, no lingering perfumey scent. No fruity persimmon scents in this soap bar, just real tannin.
Ready to try it? Meet the Persimmon + Mineral Deodorizing Bar Soap, and if you're a first-timer, pair it with our natural deodorants. And if you want the whole 2-nonenal story, start here.
A note from the formulator:
When a trending ingredient blows up, everyone's tempted to make the biggest claim in the room. My rule: describe what the ingredient does and how the bar is designed to be used, and don't promise more than you can back up. That’s better for everyone.
~ Andrea, Founder & Formulator, Lavish Earth