The science of scent: How fragrances affect mood and behaviour

At KDJ, we love how fragrances can give us a much-needed confidence boost. We like to think of fragrances as the finishing touch to any ensemble and we believe no outfit is complete without a few sprays of our favourite scents. Every fragrance enthusiast and novice alike will feel a change in their mood when smelling a scent, but the question is, what does science have to say about how fragrances affect mood and behaviour? Keep on reading to learn about the complex relationship between scent and our brains.

Effects on Mood

Fragrances have the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and intrigue. They can effortlessly evoke emotions as well as influence our perceptions and can do so in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Certain scents such as floral and citrus notes are renowned for their uplifting and invigorating benefits, and lighter scents such as lavender and chamomile are known for their calming properties.

The Science

The reason for this is due to our olfactory system – the sensory system used for smelling. Our olfactory system is closely linked with the limbic system – the emotional centre in the brain – and responds to scents by releasing chemicals in our brains that are responsible for regulating moods such as dopamine and serotonin.

Influences on Behaviour 

What’s more, studies have shown that fragrances can not only affect mood but also influence behaviour. Certain scents have been found to improve alertness, boost cognitive abilities, and increase memory retention. A great example of this is peppermint – it has been found to improve focus and boost concentration, making it the best scent to experience when studying.

By understanding the science behind the effect of fragrances on our brains, we can use scents to improve our daily lives. Shop our comprehensive range of KDJ-inspired fragrances today and get one step closer to improving your well-being.