Mood Enhancing Fragrances for Well-Being
Since the early 2000s, the wellness industry has experienced consistent growth. The arrival of Covid-19 only accelerated its trajectory, catapulting wellness culture into the mainstream. Today, the industry is worth $5.6 trillion1 and incorporates sectors like nutrition, fitness, skincare, mental health, and, more recently, fragrance.
Like many others, the perfume industry is shifting towards cleaner formulations and natural ingredients. Today, many consumers want fragrances that offer more than an appealing scent. The modern consumer prioritizes perfumes with holistic health benefits.
Introducing Functional Fragrances
Functional fragrances, also called wellness fragrances, are infused with bioactive ingredients that trigger a sensory response in the brain. They are designed to invoke specific feelings that uplift your mood, help you feel energized, or calm your mind. These new formulations are at the intersection of fragrance and wellness and draw on the familiar principles of aromatherapy.
The Connection Between the Nose and the Brain
The olfactory system controls one’s sense of smell, which is more developed and complex than any other human sense. As you breathe in scent molecules from the surrounding world, they activate a cluster of sensory cells located in the upper part of the nose. These cells directly connect to your brain through a prominent cranial nerve.
The cells that handle scent are closely connected to the amygdala and hippocampus – the parts of the brain responsible for memory and emotion. Hence, some smells can unlock forgotten memories and trigger deep emotional responses.
Taking a Scientific Approach to Scent
To craft perfumes that can influence moods, we must predict how people’s brains will react to the individual scent molecules called terpenes. Every plant contains hundreds of terpenes in different concentrations, giving each flower, tree, herb, and spice a unique smell.
Examples of terpenes include linalool (from lavender and other flowers), pinene (from pine trees), and limonene (from citrus). Functional fragrance brands often use MRI technology to track brain activity when exposed to these molecules to determine the best combination for functional scents. Notable perfume brands in the wellness space include Nue Co, Øthers, Edeniste, and Vyrao.
Three Science-Backed Scents for Mood Regulation
1. Lavender
There is extensive research supporting the calming effects of lavender, and numerous studies confirm its ability to ease feelings of stress. It has been studied amongst postpartum mothers, dental patients, and people with anxiety disorders, among others. In 2018, a Japanese study2 found that linalool, the primary scent molecule in lavender, can ease anxiety without causing drowsiness.
2. Orange
In 2005, researchers discovered that inhaling the scent of sweet orange oil had a stimulating effect on the brain and body, increasing the heart rate and mental alertness of their subjects. Today, further studies have connected citrus scents to increased feelings of confidence, with promise as a natural treatment for PTSD3 and body dysmorphia4.
3. Jasmine
A 20135 Thai study measured people’s brain activity before and after exposure to jasmine scents. The results showed increased mental stimulation within the same receptors involved in serotonin production. The study participants felt positive and energized, underscoring jasmine oil’s purported ability to ease negative emotions.
Premium Ingredients for Functional Fragrances
As the fragrance industry evolves to include more wellness-adjacent scents, perfume manufacturers must experiment with functional ingredients. Our essential oils, absolutes, and natural aromatics can help you inject potent fragrances into your products to craft unique scent experiences for your customers. Feel free to request a sample or contact us for more information.
1 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-09/the-global-wellness-industry-is-now-worth-5-6-trillion
2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181023085648.htm
3 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317098
4 https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/the-athletes-way/202012/feeling-down-citrus-scent-can-lift-you
5 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236235613_The_effects_of_jasmine_Oil_inhalation_on_brain_wave_activies_and_emotions