Persimmon soap: what it is, how kaki tannin works, and how to choose one

Persimmon soap has gone from a Japanese bathroom staple to something people across the UK search for every month. Most of that interest comes from one question: does it really deal with the stubborn body odour that ordinary soap leaves behind? This guide covers what persimmon soap is, how the tannin in it works, what to look for on the label, and how to get the most out of a bar.

What is persimmon soap?

Persimmon soap is a cleansing bar made with extract from the Japanese persimmon, known in Japan as kaki. The extract comes from unripe fruit, which is where the tannin content is highest. Kaki tannin (kakishibu) has been used in Japan for hundreds of years to treat paper, wood and cloth, and in recent decades it has found its way into soaps designed for adult skin.

How persimmon tannin works

Tannins are large plant molecules that readily bind to proteins and to other organic compounds, and are thought to bind some of the molecules linked to body odour too. The idea is that two things happen when you wash with a tannin-rich soap:

• The tannin is thought to bind to odour molecules on the skin, helping them rinse away with the lather instead of staying put.
• The soap's cleansing base lifts the oily film in which those molecules sit, particularly the one associated with nonenal, the compound behind the "older skin" smell.

That is the difference between deodorising and masking. A fragrance layers a nicer smell on top. A tannin soap aims to wash the source off the skin.

What to look for when choosing one

Real extract, not just fragrance. Some bars are only "persimmon scented". Check that persimmon (Diospyros kaki) extract actually appears on the ingredient list, rather than just the word persimmon on the front of the box.

A moisturising base. Tannins are slightly astringent. A good bar balances them with softening oils and humectants so skin does not end up tight. KAKIORA uses glycerin and skin-softening emollients in a gentle, soap-free base for this reason.

A stable, creamy lather. You need a lather that stays put for 20 to 30 seconds on the chest and back. A well-made, gentle base gives that.

Honest claims. A persimmon soap helps wash odour away. It does not "cure" anything and no reputable brand should say it does.

Who is it for?

Anyone who feels that fresh-from-the-shower feeling fades faster than it used to. That is most common from the mid-40s onward, in both men and women, because skin chemistry changes with age. It is also popular with people who work in hot environments, sports players, and anyone who has noticed the smell on pillowcases or collars.

How to use persimmon soap properly

1. Wet the skin and work the bar into a lather in your hands or on a soft cloth.
2. Focus on the chest, back, neck, behind the ears and underarms. Leave the lather on for 20 to 30 seconds.
3. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
4. Use daily. Many people find the fresh feeling builds over the first week or so, and keeping up the routine is the best way to maintain it.
5. Store the bar on a draining dish so it dries between uses. A dry bar lasts noticeably longer.

How KAKIORA is made

KAKIORA Japanese persimmon soap combines Japanese persimmon extract with a gentle, soap-free base: coconut-derived cleansers for a mild, creamy lather, glycerin and skin-softening emollients so skin does not feel tight, and vitamin E, all with a light, clean scent. Each bar weighs 100 g and lasts around two weeks with daily use. Our ingredients page explains the key ingredients, and we are happy to send the full ingredient list before you order.

Common questions

Does it smell of persimmon? Only faintly. The finished bar has a light, clean scent that does not linger.

Can it be used with a deodorant? Yes. Many people find they need less deodorant once the underlying smell is dealt with.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin? The formula is designed to be gentle, but as with any new product, try it on a small area first if your skin reacts easily.

Want to try it? See our 2, 3 and 6 bar packs. Flat £3 delivery on one-time orders, free with a subscription, and a 60-day money-back promise on every order.