Perfume and Happiness

The right perfume can have a huge impact on a person’s mental well-being beyond just simply smelling attractive. There is a close link between perfume and happiness as the sense of smell has a direct impact on parts of the brain that control emotion and memory which is closely associated with how a person feels – good or bad. But do perfumes really make a person feel happy? Let’s try to figure it out together.

In this article, we will be exploring the connection between perfume and happiness in a bit scientific manner. But before we get into how scent is associated with happiness, it’s worth knowing the basics of the sense of smell a little bit more. So, let’s get started.

Understanding the sense of smell
The connection between perfume and happiness
What scent is associated with happiness?
Smells that can make you happier
Fragrances that lift your mood
Final words

Understanding the sense of smell

The sense of smell or otherwise known as olfaction is a special sense humans use to perceive smells. It helps detect and discriminate different types of smells as well as social cues ranging from possible hazards to desirable foods to pheromones, all of which have a direct influence on how a person feels. Sense of smell also has a significant role in taste as well.

The sense of smell is obviously one of the most powerful senses humans have. When sniffed through the nose, odor molecules take a direct route to the brain, especially to the parts related to memory and emotion such as the hippocampus and the amygdala. This means, what a person smells can have a huge impact on the way how he or she feels and responds.

Smells are regulated by the olfactory bulb, the structure located in the foremost part of the brain that sends olfactory signals to other parts of the central nervous system for further processing.

The connection between perfume and happiness

A decent amount of scientific studies state that fragrant molecules have an intrinsic ability to directly interact and impact the central nervous system and eventually influence psychological conditions including mood, behavior, and confidence.

For example, a 2016 review published in Scientia Pharmaceutica concluded that fragrances have the capacity to directly or indirectly affect humans’ physiological and psychological conditions. In this review, researchers have also mentioned that EEG studies of the brain revealed that fragrances have the ability to alter different brain waves that play a major role in regulating various mental states [1].

In essence, what you smell and your association with certain perfumes is going to have a huge impact on your happiness and mental well-being. And of course, we can use perfumes as a great tool to improve our happiness. This is the area where aromatherapy comes in. Aromatherapy is the method of promoting physical and emotional well-being using aromas, particularly essential oils derived from natural plant extracts.

What scent is associated with happiness?

A large number of scents have been associated with promoting happiness and uplifting mood. But it depends on personal association with smells and may widely vary from person to person. There is no rule that one scent works for others will definitely work for you. This is largely going to be very individual.

However, over the years, renowned aromatherapists have found some specific perfumes work wonders when it comes to making you feel happy. These scents could be a good place to start when exploring which smell is going to be the best for your happiness and mood.

Let’s have a look at some common smells that can make you happier:

Smells that can make you happier (aka happy scents)

Jasmine

The sweet scents of jasmine flowers have been used to promote happiness in various civilizations for thousands of years. Research suggests that the smell of jasmine is effective in calming nerves and promoting relaxation and restfulness [2].

Here you can see our perfumes that contain Jasmine

Lavender

Lavender, perhaps the most studied and recommended herb in aromatherapy, has proven benefits to alleviate stress by balancing cortisol levels. Studies suggest lavender has significant anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), mood stabilizing, and sedative properties [3]. Lavender has been found even more effective when used in combination with bergamot.

Here you can see our perfumes that contain Lavender and Bergamot.

Rose

Rose oils have been used to calm the mind and body for centuries. They contain significant amounts of sytrinol and 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol, the two known anxiety-reducing ingredients. Rose oils have been found highly beneficial in reducing anxiety during childbirth in nulliparous women [4].

Here you can see our perfumes that contain Rose

Neroli

The sweet citrus smell of neroli has been found effective in reducing stress and improving the endocrine system. Studies indicate that neroli has the potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms, reduce hypertension, and increase sexual desire [5].

Here you can see our perfumes that contain Neroli.

Fragrances that lift your mood

All scents that are proven to enhance happiness have a positive impact on mood as well. In addition, here are some more options:

Pine

Pine is unique in its archetype structure and scents. The smell of pine is thought to have uplifting, clarifying, and invigorating effects on the body and mind. It can help clear mental confusion and fill the mind with positive feelings and confidence, relieve stress, and energize the body.

Here you can see our high-quality Pine.

Citrus scents

The smells of citrus fruits are historically thought to be mood-lifting, energy-boosting, and feel-good agents. Citrus scents have properties that promote confidence, positivity, and mental alertness. Examples of citrus scents include:

Final words

Although there is a wide range of perfumes that can help promote happiness and mood, it depends on the personal emotional status and its association with smells. However, it’s best to spend a certain time with a professional aromatherapist in order to look for what works well for your personal mental state and needs.

References:

Sowndhararajan, Kandhasamy, and Songmun Kim. “Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response.” Scientia Pharmaceutica, vol. 84, no. 4, 29 Nov. 2016, pp. 724–751, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198031/, https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm84040724.
Smell of Jasmine “as Calming as Valium.” Www.telegraph.co.uk, www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/7881819/Smell-of-jasmine-as-calming-as-valium.htm
Koulivand, Peir Hossein, et al. “Lavender and the Nervous System.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2013, no. 681304, 2013, pp. 1–10, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612440/, https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304.
Kheirkhah, Massomeh, et al. “Comparing the Effects of Aromatherapy with Rose Oils and Warm Foot Bath on Anxiety in the First Stage of Labor in Nulliparous Women.” Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, vol. 16, no. 9, 17 Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270653/, https://doi.org/10.5812/ircmj.14455.
Choi, Seo Yeon, et al. “Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus Aurantium L. Var. Amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, vol. 2014, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082953/, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/796518.