Latest news with #scent
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Citrus scent released during ovulation ‘makes women more attractive to men'
Women release high levels of citrus-like fragrances in their sweat when ovulating which makes them more attractive to men, a study has found. The discovery explains why women are often perceived as more attractive during this stage of the menstrual cycle, which is when fertility peaks. Japanese scientists took sweat samples from 21 women at each of the four stages of the monthly cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory and luteal. These were randomly presented to 21 men who assessed how the 84 different scents smelled to them and which ones they preferred. A follow-up trial also asked the men to rate the attractiveness of women they were looking at on a screen while different body odour smells were wafting into their nose. The findings revealed 98 chemicals that fluctuate in concentration throughout the menstrual cycle and identified three which are made more during ovulation. E-geranylacetone, tetradecanoic acid and (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid, the chemicals identified, are known to smell nice or play a role in the olfactory system of humans. The first is a common ingredient in perfumes and smells woody, sweet and fruity, the second is waxy and soapy and is found in nutmeg and coconut oil, and the third is associated with body odour and is known to be musky. The overall impact of these three chemicals is that women smelled less 'vinegary' and more 'fragrant' during ovulation, according to the men in the trial. 'We identified three body odour components that increased during women's ovulatory periods,' said Professor Kazushige Touhara from the University of Tokyo. 'When men sniffed a mix of those compounds and a model armpit odour, they reported those samples as less unpleasant, and accompanying images of women as more attractive and more feminine.' Naturally-produced scents affecting behaviour The men were also found to be less stressed, more comfortable and more relaxed when these chemicals were present at high levels. 'These results suggest that body odour may in some way contribute to communication between men and women,' Prof Touhara added. Previous studies have found that women are considered more attractive to men while ovulating, and there have been suggestions that odour can play a role in this process. But this study is among the first to add scientific credence to the theory that the scents naturally produced by one person can alter the thought process and behaviour of another. Pheromones have long been a staple of films and books as a way for an individual to win the affection of another but their existence among humans is an enduring scientific myth. The Japanese scientists say this study does not 'conclusively say that the compounds are human pheromones' because it is not known yet if these are specific to people only which is needed to meet the definition of pheromones. Pheremone-like compounds Prof Touhara said: 'We were primarily focused on their behavioural or physiological impacts, in this case, the reduction of stress and change in impression when seeing faces. 'So, at this moment, we can say they may be pheromone-like compounds.' The scientists write in their study, published in iScience, that it is possible this process may have evolved from the more crude pheromones of other species to create a 'communicative tool that positively affects emotions in males and induces relaxation and a positive impression toward females'. 'Such a role could function as a discreet but effective cross-sex olfactory signal in a highly developed human society governed by intellect rather than instinct,' they write.
Vogue
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
A Fragrance That Smells as Rich and Complex as a Max Richter Composition Sounds
Yulia Mahr: Sitting outside this process as Max was working on this perfume, I found it very beautiful that he included so many elements that were a really important part of, not only of his day-to-day life like the pencil smells, but also his whole profession and his childhood. What I love about the scent is that you can smell all that when you come to it. You can really pick up the notes of all these bits of his life coming together. Max, were you kind of sensorially aware of them even before the fragrance came along—like when you would open up a piano? MR: I think, yes, they're all sort of important parts of my world in a way. You open up a piano and you get that kind of cedar. You're in a room with an orchestra, you can smell the rosin [for treating bows]. It's a very sort of 360-degree experience. And I guess the other thing that goes into it is our location. Our studio is in the woods, so there are a lot of earthy things like vetiver in there. It's an attempt to try and make a composite object, which kind of expresses where I am at now and where we are together in our studio. And why do this now? MR: I think the stars aligned. It's an idea that I've been carrying around for a long time. I know Adrian and they'd used some of my music previously on another of their projects, and there was a feeling that it would be good to connect. We had lunch together and we talked about everything but the fragrance, and we got on really well. It really was a beautiful series of moments. Of all the possible fragrance collaborators, you ended up with Comme des Garçons, which is known as being more conceptual. MR: Both Yulia and I have loved their stuff forever. I wear Black Pepper, Amazing Green, and Comme des Garçons 2. It was a no brainer, really. They're such a sort of creative, visionary outfit. They have this sort of independent spirited, very artistically ambitious output. And then working with Christian and Guillaume, what was the dialogue back and forth? MR: It was very simple. I just gave him a load of suggestions to start from, and he made a range of options. And then we just sort of focused in and took away things which weren't quite there, which kept the iterative processes pretty quick. It was three or four iterations, I think.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How to elevate your home like an A-lister for a fraction of the price and get a free diffuser
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more It's the little things that bring a little sparkle to life. Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary is a job for Aroma360, the brand whose elevated scent solutions breathe new life into living and working spaces. Diffusers are a popular way of changing the scent of a space with Khloe Kardashian and Hillary Duff both fans of using them to spread fragrance and set a tone in their own homes. Known for its vast range of decadent oils, Aroma360 produces truly meaningful fragrances that are designed to resonate on a deeper level. They could spark a special memory or simply deliver the crisp, airy feel you want your space to evoke. Aroma360 Summer Sale Give your home or workplace (or both!) the ultimate fragrance upgrade! Aroma360 has you covered with its gorgeous diffusers and scent oils, perfect for elevating any space. Shop the massive sale now with impressive savings of up to 60 percent sitewide while getting a diffuser for free! Save up to 60% Shop Now is the perfect time to pick up a few staples for your home and workplace, as the brand's big Fourth of July sale sees reductions of up to 60 percent sitewide — and even the opportunity to get a diffuser of your choice for free. You need to experience it for yourself to understand the difference Aroma360 can make to your life. Everything is responsibly formulated without harmful formaldehyde and other additives, and all products boast a premium feel emblematic of luxury. And if that's how you want your home or office to feel — upscale and inviting — you could not have dreamed up a better product. There are several ways to integrate the products into your spaces. Cold-air diffusion is a practical option, as you can simply purchase one (or more!) of the brand's beautiful diffusers to release your favorite fragrance oils into the air via a dry mist. Or you could purchase a sleek, standalone diffuser that's designed to disperse fragrance into larger spaces. The impressive DaVinci360, for example, has built-in cold diffusion technology to scent areas as large as 1,200 square feet. Don't miss your chance to place an order for a reduced price while scoring a sweet free gift, like a Smart Car Diffuser with an oil subscription or even a DaVinci360 when you purchase an oil delivery package. Not sure where to start? These highlights from the Aroma360 sale are well worth snapping up now during the brand's limited-time Summer savings event!
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
There's A Surprising Scientific Explanation For Why Some People Have A Negative Reaction To Perfume
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Have you ever walked past someone wearing a strong perfume and instantly got the ick? Or maybe the fragrance your coworker adores gives you a pounding headache? Few things divide people like scent—the same fragrance that evokes warm, comforting memories in one person can trigger a wave of nausea in another. But why? Is it biology? Your past experience? A personal preference? Or something deeper? Spoiler alert: It's all the above. When a particular scent makes you recoil, you're not being dramatic. You're just The olfactory system, made up of the nose, olfactory bulb, and brain regions that process smell, is responsible for detecting odor molecules, and while 'humans likely share a core set of common olfactory receptors, there is genetic variation in which of those receptors get expressed,' says Pamela Dalton, PhD, a cognitive psychologist and researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. 'Some people may simply not be smelling the entire bouquet; their noses could be missing the balancing notes and only picking up the unpleasant ones.' Meet the experts: Pamela Dalton, PhD is a cognitive psychologist and researcher at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Daryl Do is a senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances. Zara Patel, MD, is a professor of otolaryngology and director of the Stanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss at Stanford University. Anna Rosa Parker is the founder of botanical fragrance brand Herb & Root. In other words, when you and your best friend sniff the same perfume, you may be experiencing two completely different things. 'Some people, for example, can't smell musk at all—they're anosmic to it,' says Daryl Do, senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances. 'Meanwhile, others might find it overwhelming or cloying. It's so individualized.' But aside from biology, experts say our reactions to scent are also shaped by genetics, culture, the nervous system, and our emotional memory. So, we asked a cognitive psychologist, a physician, and perfumers to help decode why scent is so powerful—and so personal. When scent strikes a nerve Sometimes it's not just about disliking an aroma. In certain cases, a particular waft can make a person physically ill. If that's you, it's not your imagination—and your olfactory system may not be to blame. The trigeminal nerve, part of the broader nervous system, detects pressure, temperature, and pain in the nasal cavity and face. When a fragrance contains ingredients that stimulate this nerve (think menthol, bleach, or very strong synthetic aromas), it can cause that telltale stinging, tingling, headache-inducing response. 'I'm one of those people,' says Zara Patel, MD, is a professor of otolaryngology and director of the Stanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss at Stanford University. 'If I get into an Uber with an air freshener or walk past someone wearing a strong cologne, I'm going to get a migraine.' Did you know: Some fragrance notes are notoriously polarizing. According to our experts, the most common are patchouli, musk, oud, vintage florals like rose and jasmine, frankincense and myrrh, and linalool, an essential oil. Why are some people more sensitive? Allergies, dryness, or inflammation in the nasal passages might be to blame. 'It's possible that a person's particular anatomy allows airflow to hit the nerve in a more direct way than others,' Dr. Patel explains. The amount or concentration of a fragrance matters, too. 'Almost every material that is a volatile chemical compound, meaning something that evaporates and is detectable by the human nose, can become a trigeminal stimulant at certain concentrations,' says Dr. Dalton. Your brain remembers While your nose and nerves explain the physical part of scent, your brain helps explain the emotional response—like why you hate musk or can't smell patchouli without cringing. Scent is processed in the same part of the brain that governs memory and emotion, which is often why scent is so strongly tied to feelings of nostalgia—a well-studied phenomenon, says Dr. Dalton. 'We have more evidence for prior memory associations influencing our fragrance likes and dislikes than we do for the biological reasons,' she says. In other words, your brain decides whether a smell is 'good' or 'bad' based on what it reminds you of, not what it objectively smells like. For instance, Anna Rosa Parker, founder of botanical fragrance brand Herb & Root, says her brand's Frankincense & Myrrh blend tends to split people into two camps: meditative calm or instant aversion. 'I've always suspected it ties back to early experiences with religious rituals where frankincense was used,' she says. 'For some, that feels comforting. For others, it triggers tension. ' Patchouli is another loaded note. 'It's among the most complex botanicals we work with,' she says. 'People who lived through the 1970s often have an immediate, visceral response—whether that's nostalgia, disgust, or something in between.' Culture shapes scent preference, too Beyond biology and memory, scent preference is also shaped by where—and when—you grew up. 'There are definitely patterns in fragrance preferences by demographic,' says Parker. 'For example, Baby Boomers and Gen X women often gravitate toward soft floral scents like lily of the valley, which were iconic in the '50s and '60s. Millennials tend to favor gourmand notes like vanilla and tonka, which they associate with the body sprays and mists of their teen years.' We see you, Bath & Body Works Body Mists. Geography plays a major role as well. 'In the Middle East and South Asia, resinous notes like oud, sandalwood, and rose are deeply rooted in cultural tradition,' Parker continues. 'In parts of South America, people often prefer fruity, juicy notes; they're tied to sensory memories of home and family.' Still, some scent preferences do transcend cultural lines. A 2022 study published in Current Biology looked at 10 different populations across the globe—including hunter-gatherer groups and urban dwellers—and found that people largely agreed on which scents were pleasant (like vanilla and fruity ethyl butyrate) and which were unpleasant (think sweaty or sulfuric compounds). The takeaway? Biology may create a universal baseline, even if individual preferences are colored by experience. Make your nose happier Even if fragrance is challenging for you, you may not turn your nose up at these crowd pleasers. 'Certain odors that only activate the olfactory system—and not the trigeminal nerve—are almost universally thought of as winners,' says Dr. Patel. The most beloved? Vanilla. 'Across all cultures, vanilla is seen as a safe and comforting scent.' Other generally safe bets include light florals like lily of the valley, citrus fruits, amber, and clean, soapy notes. 'These all feel light, familiar, and safe,' adds Eau De Parfum Unabashedly gourmand (that's fragrance-speak for something so delish, you feel like you could almost eat it), this spritz blends vanilla bourbon and amber to mouth-watering perfection. $175.00 at Ibiza Eau de Toilette For an amber scent, this one is fresh and effervescent—you'll be instantly transported on a summer vacation. Grey amber is complemented with frangiapani flower, coconut water, and mountain lily. $155.00 at Puff Eau de Parfum If both citrus and vanilla are universally appealing, you've hit the jackpot with this new addition to the scent-o-sphere. It combines both notes with bergamot, almond, and meringue. $125.00 at Fleur Eau de Parfum If a delicate bouquet is what you're after (no heady jasmine or powdery rose here), this blend of osmanthus and ylang ylang has you covered from head to whenever you decide to spritz next. $78.00 at You know the refreshed vibe you get when you step out of the shower? This is it, bottled. A clean mix of orange blossom, neroli, and sea spray that will leave you feeling clean, clean, clean. $46.00 at And if you'd classify yourself as a scent-sensitive individual, there are ways to navigate the world without constant sensory assault (aside from avoiding elevators and department stores)? Talk to your doctor. 'Sometimes treating underlying inflammation or dryness can help,' says Dr. Patel. And if a friend or coworker wears a scent that bothers you, be honest—but kind. 'Make it about your sensitivity, not their choices.' When shopping for fragrance, try—for a while—before you buy. 'Spray it on your skin—not just a paper tester—and give it time,' says Do. 'Your body chemistry, skincare products, and even your detergent can affect how a scent wears.' Wear it in the places you'd normally wear it, such as work, school, a night out, etc., and wait three days before you decide, he says. In the end, scent is deeply personal—and if something's not for you, it's not for you. Blame biology, your memories, or your trigeminal nerve. But if you'd like to get more scent-friendly, there's no shortage of options. 'There's a huge palette to choose from,' says Dr. Dalton. 'You don't have to love every fragrance—just the ones that make you feel good.' You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jo Malone Launches Jo Vodka, Turning Memory Into Taste
Jo Malone launches Jo Vodka today Jo Vodka There are few people in British business with as recognisable a nose as Jo Malone . Scent has always been her signature medium but, with her latest launch, it's flavour that takes the lead. 'I've always wondered if I could take my sense of smell and push it further into the world of taste,' she says. 'Because to me, the two are deeply intertwined.' Today, Malone launches Jo Vodka with a trio of character-led expressions: 101 - The Purist, 102 - The Bohemian and 103 - The Artist. Each blend is infused with natural botanicals and oils, crafted in partnership with master distiller Joanne Moore — and, as Malone describes it, designed to 'awaken the senses.' Jo Vodka Jo Vodka It started, as these things often do, over breakfast with loved ones. 'Two close friends of mine asked me if I'd ever thought about venturing into the world of spirits,' she recalls. 'We discussed the similarities between making fragrances and spirits and how vodka would make the perfect canvas due to its purity and versatility.' From that day, Malone and long-time friend Fran Langlands Pearse, who initially came up with the idea at said breakfast, began to work together, co-develop the brand's creative direction, and quickly enlisted Moore to help shape the liquid itself. Only—unlike many competitors in the market—it didn't start with flavor, but feeling. 'Everything I create is rooted in emotion and personal expression,' Malone says. 'That, to me, is the essence of creativity.' Jo Malone with all three Jo Vodka expressions Jo Vodka And Jo Vodka doesn't just carry her name — it carries her memories. 103 - The Artist, for instance, is an homage to her father and her teenage years on the King's Road. 'Each day, walking to the florist where I worked in Sloane Square, I was exposed to an eclectic mix of people, experiences, and senses,' she says. 'That daily rhythm left a lasting impression.' Much like her fragrances, each vodka is built from story. 'I started by visualising memories, emotions, and aspects of my personality before carefully selecting natural botanicals to bring each narrative to life.' That narrative was also coloured by Malone's synaesthesia — a condition that allows her to 'see' scent and taste as texture. 'When I smell, I see color,' she says, but tastes The 101 as soft leather or suede, The 102 as silk, and The 103 as a tweed-like material. Jo Vodka 101 - The Purist Jo Vodka Of course, vodka isn't usually known for personality. It's a neutral spirit by design, and Malone knew she'd need to convince even seasoned drinkers. 'The Purist is the key to unlocking the whole collection,' she explains. 'We worked so hard on perfecting the 101 recipe to pay homage to vodka's classic purity. The balance of the 101 is just right – delicate sweetness, sharp with clarity. This one is the jewel. Confident, neutral and uncomplicated. Clean, like footsteps crunching over snow.' Thankfully, a pre-launch deal has already set Jo Vodka up for success. The brand launches across 100 World Duty-Free stores globally this summer , in partnership with retailer Avolta. 'They have been looking to partner with brands to inspire change,' Malone says. 'So when they approached me, it felt like a natural fit for Jo Vodka to be at the forefront of this new experience for travellers.' Undoubtedly, it also aligns perfectly with vodka's spike in travel retail and gifting channels. According to Imarc, the global vodka market hit at least $50 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow at a ~5–6% CAGR through the end of the decade, with projected value of $81 billion by 2033. That growth is already being driven by demand for premium, artisanal and flavored vodkas, with consumers—especially younger drinkers—seeking unique, high-end flavor experiences. Malone's emphasis on packaging, design and narrative matches the premium travel-retail consumer mindset to a tee. Still, as with all her ventures, Malone is less interested in trend than instinct. 'Every business I have ever launched has always been based on trusting and believing in my own instincts,' she says. 'I am a risk taker by nature, inspired by different forms of creativity and art.' So: Jo Wine? Jo Whisky? A future of flavor? Maybe. 'I am a storyteller and want to carry on this journey,' she says. 'My focus is to continue exploring my 5 senses, what they are, and what I can do to change the world.'
