Blog / The power of fragrance technology: unlocking emotional and cognitive wellbeing

We live in a time where people are constantly overstimulated, emotionally drained, and mentally scattered. In this context, consumers are no longer just looking for products that clean, hydrate or refresh — they’re looking for something deeper: a moment of calm, a spark of joy, a sense of clarity.

This is where fragrance technology becomes a game-changer.

More than just a pleasant scent, it can be a powerful tool to help people feel better — emotionally and mentally. And for brands, that means a unique opportunity to create products that truly connect, stand out, and add real value to people’s lives.

The emotional shift in consumer expectations

Today’s consumers are no longer just buying products — they’re seeking moments of calm, clarity, and joy. After years of uncertainty, emotional wellness has become a top priority:

  • 73% of consumers expect brands to embrace wellness.
  • 65% struggle to concentrate multiple times a day.
  • 80% of daily decisions are driven by emotion.

This is more than a trend — it’s a transformation. And fragrance technology is uniquely positioned to lead it.

The science of scent: where emotion meets innovation

Fragrance is the only sense directly connected to the brain’s limbic system — the center of emotion and memory. That’s why a scent can instantly transport us, calm us, or energize us.

At Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, we’ve harnessed this power through scientifically validated fragrance technologies designed to elicit specific emotional and cognitive responses:

  • EMOTIONS: Fragrance technology that evokes happiness, relaxation, or energy — powered by natural ingredients and validated through fMRI brain imaging.
  • FOCUS: Patented fragrance design rules that have been shown to boost mental performance in cognitive tasks like attention and arithmetic.

These are not just pleasant scents. They are functional tools for emotional and cognitive wellbeing — the essence of fragrance technology.

Why it matters for your brand

Incorporating functional fragrances into your products isn’t just innovative — it’s strategic. Here’s why:

  • Differentiation: Stand out in crowded markets with a unique emotional value proposition.
  • Cross-category potential: From personal care to home care, wellness is universal.
  • Scientifically backed claims: Use validated language like “fragrance shown to improve focus” or “elicits feelings of happiness.”
  • Consumer connection: Create products that resonate on a deeper, more human level.

Imagine a shower gel that makes your customer feel joyful. A candle that helps them concentrate. A fabric softener that brings calm to their day. This is the power of fragrance technology with purpose.

A new standard in product experience

With over 25 years of research, millions of consumer insights, and cutting-edge neuroscience, our technologies are ready to help you create products that don’t just smell good — they feel good.

Because in today’s world, how your product makes people feel is everything.

Ready to create with purpose?

Learn more about EMOTIONS & FOCUS, and let’s build the next generation of wellness-driven products — together.