What Are Neuroscents, And How Do They Affect Your Brain?

We’ve all heard of a scent. We all know what the word ‘neuro’ means.

But do we know what a ‘neuroscent’ is… or have we even heard of them at all?

Such products have become more and more popular over the past year or so, promising to psychologically impact your day to day due to the particular smells they’re emitting.

Neuroscents claim to boast emotional benefits, not just blank enjoyment. Gone are the days of simply liking the smell of a candle – now you can feel bliss, calm, and energised too. At least, that’s the idea.

Picture the scene – you’re struggling with sleeping, you’re feeling a bit low, you’re exhausted all the time and don’t really know what to do. Grabbing yourself a neuroscent and basking in its delightful smells could be an easy way to bring a bit of tranquility back into your day.

Many home, perfume, and skincare brands have started incorporating neuroscents to add an extra layer of je ne sais quoi to their products – one of the most prominent being Charlotte Tilbury.

The beauty mogul recently announced her new “fragrance collection of emotions,” which includes scents like ‘Joyphoria,’ ‘Magic Energy,’ ‘Calm Bliss,’ and even ‘More Sex.’

To create the range, Charlotte said she worked with “neuroscientists, colour theorists, numerologists, symbologists, as well as studied thousands of years of fragrance history, and used the most extraordinary olfactive symphony of ingredients.”

So far, the line has received rave review from fans, but CT isn’t the only brand branching out into the neuroscent world.

Wellness brand, Caftari, have a range of neuroscented candles that promise to boost relaxation and well-being.

Dr. Tara Swart, brand ambassador the company, said that the products have serious science backing behind them: “There are two major processes happening,” she said. “One is that the olfactory nerve is stimulated by these particles of essential oils, and that triggers an emotional response in the amygdala.”

Candle brand Nette also announced a line of neuroscented perfumes last year, that they said evoked the feeling of being at certain events – like a wedding.

“It’s a merging of beauty and wellness that just makes sense,” the brand’s founder Carol Han Pyle told Women’s Wear Daily. “Consumers are expecting more from their products these days, so why not capitalize on a force that can help bring people a sense of confidence, mindfulness or relaxation to their days?”

So, there you go. It seems as if we’re going to see a whole lot more about neuroscents this year.

But the question is: will you be stopping to smell the roses?

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