Chemistry of Human Body Interaction with Fragrances

10/4/2021


Attraction towards a perfume can happen upon the first sight, or more accurately, first sniff! However, love at first sniff is not a good reference for most perfumes, as no matter how good the scent was perceived, it will smell different when applied on your skin and as compared to when it is sprayed on perfume strips!
Therefore, before you judge how suited you are to a perfume, let’s find out more about what chemistry reaction perfume can have on our body and how it can influence the perfume profile and character of your perfume.

Skin Types

Different skin types will have different chemistry on your body. Let’s discuss the differences between dry, normal, oily and combination skin types.

For people who has dry skin, the perfume will evaporate fastest on your skin. This is because the skin does not have sufficient sebum or oil to confine the scent. A good solution is to apply unscented lotion or creams on your skin, allowing the fragrances of the perfumes to adhere to your lotion and creams you have applied.
On the other hand, people with normal skin type may have an easier time trapping the perfume on their skin, as their body generates more oil than people with dry skins.
​
Likewise, it is also similar for people with oily and combination skin types. Hence, perfumes can last longer on the people who has these skin types as compared to people who has drier skins.
The lasting perfume power on these skin type can be most distinctly differentiated while using Eau De Toilettes (EDT) or colognes (EDC). EDT and EDC have the least concentration as compared to other perfumes and thus, can easily test the long-lastingness of a perfume within a short amount of time.

You may also have also heard or experienced how our perspiration can affect the perfume character. Different people will also have different body odour and are often influenced by our diet, lifestyle, culture and climate as well.
Some may not have expected this, but certain fragrances do complement us when mixed with perspiration. Scents capable of this include fragrances from citrus and fresh category such as oranges, grapefruit and cut-grass scent.
However, fragrances such as wood and musk do not complement our skin and are more suited to use to enhance elegance and sophistication in mild and less intense activities.

Eating Habits

Have you heard before this phrase, “We are what we eat”? As mentioned before, our diet and lifestyle can affect the body chemistry interaction we have when in contact with perfumes.
The body odour exuded from a vegetarian, and a person who eats mainly meat, can fascinatingly produce varying scent due to their diet differences. Mysteriously, a person who frequently eats spicy food can also undertake a spicier body odour. Likewise, a person under regular medication, can smell differently from before they started eating those medications.

Chemical of Attraction

Do you believe that we all exude pheromones? Some says that our pheromones are released at the erogenous sites in our bodies such as our necks. The different amount and erogenous is claimed to be contribute to the contrasting body scent each individual may have.
​
Despite the need for more intensive research to prove its credibility, some products are also marketed in such a way to attract customers who believed in the effects of pheromones.

Not only can perfume personalization help you create a perfume best suited to your skin type, but also your lifestyle, you can also craft own to your own personality and preference as well!

Exploring the Science of Scent
The world is full of enticing scents, from the fresh aroma of blooming flowers to the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked bread. These fragrances have a profound impact on our daily lives, often influencing our emotions, memories, and overall well-being. Have you ever wondered why a particular scent can transport you back in time or make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated? The answer lies in the fascinating chemistry of human body interaction with fragrances.

Perfume Chemistry Unveiled
To understand how fragrances interact with the human body, we must first delve into the chemistry of perfumes. Perfumes are complex mixtures of various aromatic compounds, each contributing to the overall scent profile. These aromatic compounds can be natural, derived from plants and animals, or synthetic, created in a laboratory. The art of perfume-making involves blending these compounds in precise proportions to create a harmonious and pleasing fragrance.
The chemical components of perfumes can be classified into several groups, including esters, aldehydes, terpenes, and many more. Each group imparts a distinct character to the perfume, ranging from fruity and floral to woody and musky. These compounds interact with our sense of smell in intricate ways, triggering a cascade of physiological and psychological responses.

​Aromatherapy and Health
Aromatherapy, a practice dating back thousands of years, harnesses the power of fragrances to promote physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils, which are concentrated extracts from various plants, are a cornerstone of aromatherapy. When these oils are inhaled or applied topically, they can have a profound impact on our health.
Certain aromas have been found to have therapeutic properties. For example, lavender oil is renowned for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress, while eucalyptus oil can help clear congested airways. These effects are not purely psychological; they have a scientific basis rooted in the chemistry of fragrance compounds and their interaction with our body's receptors.

The Olfactory System: A Fragrant Gateway
The key to understanding how fragrances affect us lies in our olfactory system. Our sense of smell is a complex and sophisticated mechanism that allows us to detect and differentiate thousands of distinct odors. When we inhale a fragrance, volatile molecules from the scent are carried by the air into our nasal passages. Here, specialized olfactory receptors bind to these molecules, initiating a series of chemical signals that ultimately reach the brain.
The brain processes these signals in the olfactory bulb, which is connected to regions responsible for memory, emotion, and decision-making. This explains why certain scents can evoke vivid memories or elicit strong emotional responses. The chemistry of scent receptors and neural pathways plays a crucial role in these interactions.

Scent and Emotions: A Complex Relationship
​The link between fragrance and emotions is a captivating aspect of the chemistry of human body interaction with fragrances. Different scents can trigger a wide range of emotional responses. For instance, the smell of roses may evoke feelings of love and happiness, while the scent of freshly cut grass might bring a sense of nostalgia for a summer day.
The connection between scent and emotions is not coincidental; it's deeply ingrained in our biology. Fragrance molecules can directly influence the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with mood regulation. This intricate interplay between chemistry and emotions is why fragrances are often used to enhance our mood and well-being.

Aromas for Relaxation and Wellness
One of the most popular applications of fragrance chemistry in our daily lives is the use of scents for relaxation and wellness. Aromatherapy, as mentioned earlier, employs essential oils to achieve therapeutic effects. Lavender, chamomile, and frankincense are among the essential oils known for their calming and stress-reducing properties.
The calming effects of these scents are not merely anecdotal; they are supported by scientific studies. Researchers have found that inhaling certain fragrances can reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body, leading to relaxation and improved mental well-being. This synergy between chemistry and relaxation has led to the widespread use of scented candles, essential oil diffusers, and bath products as tools for relaxation and stress relief.

Scent Analysis and Interpretation
The field of scent analysis is a burgeoning area of research. Scientists and perfumers work together to dissect and understand the intricate chemistry of fragrances. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify the chemical components of perfumes and essential oils. This technology allows for a detailed analysis of the volatile compounds responsible for a particular scent's character.
Scent interpretation is equally important in the world of perfumery. Perfumers use their expertise to analyze fragrances qualitatively, discerning the various notes that make up a perfume's bouquet. These professionals have a deep understanding of how different scent components interact with one another and with the human olfactory system to create a coherent and pleasing fragrance.

The Role of Fragrance in Memory
One of the most intriguing aspects of fragrance chemistry is its ability to evoke memories. Have you ever caught a whiff of a particular scent and suddenly been transported back in time to a specific moment or place? This phenomenon is a testament to the powerful link between fragrance and memory.
The olfactory system is closely connected to the brain's limbic system, which plays a crucial role in memory formation and emotional processing. When we encounter a scent associated with a past experience, it can trigger a flood of memories and emotions. This connection between fragrance and memory is why certain perfumes become indelibly associated with specific individuals or events in our lives.

Scent Research and Innovation
The world of fragrance is constantly evolving, with ongoing research and innovation driving the development of new scents and applications. Perfumers and scientists collaborate to create innovative fragrances that cater to changing consumer preferences and needs.
Recent advancements in fragrance technology have led to the development of long-lasting and sustainable scents. Nanotechnology and encapsulation techniques are being used to create fragrance molecules that release their aroma gradually, extending the longevity of perfumes and reducing the need for reapplication.
Furthermore, the demand for eco-friendly and natural fragrances has spurred research into sustainable sourcing of aromatic compounds. This shift towards sustainability aligns with the growing awareness of environmental and health concerns, making fragrance chemistry an ever-evolving field.
The chemistry of human body interaction with fragrances is a captivating and multi-faceted subject. From the molecular composition of perfumes to the intricate workings of the olfactory system, fragrances have a profound impact on our lives. They influence our emotions, memories, and overall well-being, making them a powerful tool for relaxation, therapy, and self-expression. As research and innovation in fragrance chemistry continue to advance, our understanding of this fascinating field will only deepen, opening up new possibilities for the world of scents and perfumes. So the next time you encounter a delightful fragrance, take a moment to appreciate the intricate chemistry that makes it so enchanting.
 ​

Join Scentopia, Sentosa's latest tourist attraction wonderful orchid scent crafting, fragrance tour, bridal shower or corporate team building which includes perfume making onsite and offsite, beach activities and more. We also serve primary school learning journey, secondary students and pupil on industrial excursions. Know more about our orchids perfume bar or therapeutic orchid scents and other wellness aromas. Conatct Perfume workshop or book a scent crafting session here.