How do scents influence our mood (and why does our brain react to them so quickly)?

Some scents soothe us instantly. Others stimulate us, remind us of a memory, or create a particular atmosphere in our homes. This is no coincidence: smell is the only sense directly connected to the area of ​​the brain that manages emotions. Understanding this powerful and ongoing link between the choice of feelings improves our daily lives.

The brain processes a smell faster than an image.

When a smell reaches the nose, it bypasses all rational filters. It goes directly into:

- the limbic system (emotions),

- the hippocampus (memory),

- the amygdala (instinctive reactions).

This is the reason why:

- a calmer scent,

- some perfumes trigger a feeling of “déjà vu”,

- A feeling of family can reassure faster than a word or a gesture.

Neuroscience confirms that the sense of smell influences humans in a matter of seconds .

Why do some scents soothe some people while others energize them?

Each active ingredient targets different areas of the brain. Studies have shown that:

✔ Fresh notes (citrus, mint, eucalyptus)

→ increasing concentration and vitality.

✔ Light floral notes (white flower, sweet lavender)

→ soothe the nervous system.

✔ Woody notes (sandalwood, cedar, light patchouli)

→ reinforce the feeling of stability and grounding.

✔ The gourmand notes (vanilla, tonka bean)

→ activate the comfort circuit.

Choosing a scent is choosing an emotional atmosphere.

The importance of being a feeling at a certain time of day

The brain loves rituals. When a smell recurs in a specific context, it becomes a signal.

Examples:

- a fresh note in the office → mental launch of the review;

- a woody scent in the evening → helps to slow down;

- a cottony or white musk feeling in the room → creation of a bubble of calm;

- a citrus note in the entrance → chain energy back home.

Scents shape our mental habits without conscious effort.

Why deprive us of natural scents?

Natural scents are perceived differently by the brain when memories are processed:

- they move more harmoniously in the air,

- they create a gentler atmosphere,

- they saturate the space less,

- they trigger less respiratory discomfort or headaches.

More and more households are looking for perfumes:

- plus the authentic ones,

- more subtle,

- manufactured in small quantities,

- bases on vector raw materials.

Perfume is more about masking: perfume is about creating an atmosphere.

The olfactory atmosphere: a level of domestic well-being

The air in our homes influences our mental state. A thoughtfully scented atmosphere can make a difference.

- to manage stress,

- improve sleep quality,

- to promote concentration,

- transforming an ordinary space into a comforting place,

- to give a room a unique identity.

Scents then become a tool for shaping one's daily life, like light or decoration.

Scents influence us far more than we realize. By choosing fragrances that resonate with your needs—whether you're seeking energy, calm, comfort, or gentleness—you create an environment that positively impacts your mood day after day. To find an atmosphere that reflects your personality, explore scented creations designed to transform your home into a warm, soothing, or inspiring space, depending on your desires.