Science x Emotion

In ancient civilizations, perfumers were also priests and healers, using scent in sacred rituals, medicine and moments of transformation. At IFF, we’re bringing that ancient intuition into modern science — and using it to enhance experiences around the world.  Because wellness starts with emotions, which shape how we live, connect and remember.

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Fragrances Driven by

IFF Research & Data

IFF integrates more than four decades of research into fragrance perception with advanced data science and artificial intelligence tools to power scent design.

87%

of consumers prefer fragrances that provide emotional and additional benefits, based on a global study of 20,000 people*

40

years of research into how scent impacts emotion, cognition, and wellbeing

5

billion data points guide scent creation with emotional impact, leveraging neuroscience and an Al system

*IFF CSI Studies (SOW Survey, Covid Tracker Program & 100% Tomorrow study)

The Science Behind Scents & Wellbeing

IFF’s Science of Wellness platform explores how scent shapes the human experience across wellbeing.

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Science of Scents & Emotion

METAMOOD™

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Science of Scents & Sleep

METASLEEP™

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Science of Beauty & Wellness

LMR ACTIVE ESSENCES

Elevate Emotional States Through Scent

METAMOOD™

Across experimental psychology and neuroscience, few phenomena demonstrate the ability to elevate emotional states as consistently as pleasant scents.

Relaxation, energy and happiness remain the three core emotions most strongly associated with fragrance.

Today, we go further. Through our Science of Wellness program, we explore an expanded emotional landscape—one that includes self-indulgence, reassurance, security, comfort, optimism and even exuberance.

METAMOOD™ enables:

  • A richer emotional vocabulary beyond “just relaxation”
  • Emotion-driven storytelling for brands
  • Science-led inspiration for perfumers
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IMPROVING sleep quality through scent experiences

METASLEEP™

Sleep support is about creating the right sensory conditions for people to unwind, fall asleep more comfortably and experience more restorative rest.

Fragrance can help create a comforting sleep environment, supporting relaxation before bed and overall sleep quality.

Starting in 2020, IFF and SleepScore Labs conducted 130+ studies covering one million+ sleep hours, using in-home measurement across 4,000+ people, leading to scent combinations designed to promote better sleep quality.

METASLEEP™ enables:

  • Non-invasive sleep-supporting scent experiences
  • Evidence-based measurement approaches
  • Cross-category applications

 

Science of Beauty & Wellness

LMR ACTIVE ESSENCES is a collection of LMR natural fragrance ingredients that combine scientifically proven skin, hair and scalp benefits with emotional wellbeing and responsible sourcing. Our biology experts have conducted advanced laboratory evaluations showing that these natural fragrance ingredients can provide real, measurable benefits for both skin care and hair care applications.

Each ingredient has also been explored through IFF BrainEmotions™, our neuroscience based approach to aromachology that measures how scents influence emotional responses.

For example, Lavandin Enfleurage 2.0  helps reinforce the skin barrier, increases hyaluronic acid production, and offers a soothing effect by reducing inflammation mediators. In our BrainEmotions™ program, it also activates brain patterns associated with relaxation, showing its ability to support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

LMR ACTIVE ESSENCES: Where nature, science and emotion come together to create a new holistic beauty experience.

 

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How the science works

Measuring human response to scent

Measuring Human Response to Scent

As fragrance becomes increasingly associated with cognitive benefits like balance, harmony, empowerment and uniqueness, IFF scientists are actively exploring these territories — empowering perfumers to translate these benefits into scent experiences.

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Decoding Patterns with AI

IFF developed its SCENTCUBE™ algorithm to analyze consumer perception data and guide fragrance development.

This tool combines artificial intelligence, neuroscience insights and large-scale consumer datasets to identify connections between scent profiles and emotional or cognitive benefits.

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Creating with Perfumers

Insights from the Science of Wellness platform guide perfumers during fragrance development. By integrating emotional and cognitive territories into scent creation, perfumers can design fragrances intended to evoke specific experiential benefits.

The result is a new generation of fragrances informed by both artistic craft and scientific insight.

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Validating in Real-World Contexts

In certain applications, scent concepts are evaluated through real-world measurement approaches.

For example, the METASLEEP™ platform used in-home sleep monitoring through SleepScore Labs technology to assess how fragrance experiences may influence perceived sleep quality.

Science of Wellness Comes to Life

Discover some of the creations that are shaping modern perfumery, created by the IFF Artists of Perfumery

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Brunel Beauty: Behind Brunel

The team is in Paris working with master perfumers at IFF to create three mood-boosting fragrances.

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VYRAO world

Vyrao, Ludeaux &Ludatrix: Founder Yasmin Sewell’s collaboration with perfumer Meabh McCurtin and IFF’s Science of Wellness program.

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Elizabeth Arden: Eternal Aura

Science-backed ingredients & the art of perfumery come together in Eternal Aura. Co-created by IFF Senior Perfumer Natasha Côté-Mouzannar and Master Perfumer Anne Flipo, it captures the essence of modern femininity.

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Charlotte Tilbury Collection

We’re decoding the story behind my new Fragrance Collection of Emotions and talking fragrance ingredients & the IFF SCENTCUBE™ algorithm.

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Rabanne: Phantom

IFF perfumers and LMR Naturals created a feel-good, seductive fragrance for a new generation.

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IFF, SleepScore Labs™ and Mattress Firm

Joining forces to launch Sleepy’s® Scented Pillow Inserts.

Explore the Science of Wellness Ecosystem

Learn more about the research and collaborations shaping the Science of Wellness program.

Science of Wellness is a multidisciplinary approach combining neuroscience, AI, and sensory science to design products that positively influence mood and wellbeing. It highlights how data-driven insights translate into fragrances that can energize, relax or enhance with emotional, cognitive and sleep benefits.  The platform serves as a hub connecting research with real-world applications across industries.

Discover our Innovation

Announced on World Meditation Day, IFF’s program formalizes the link between scent and emotional health through scientific validation. It emphasizes measurable benefits such as stress reduction and mindfulness support, positioning fragrance as a functional wellness tool. The initiative reflects growing consumer demand for products that support mental and emotional balance.

Read the Press Release

IFF’s collaboration with SleepScore Labs demonstrates how scent can improve sleep quality using validated biometric data and large-scale testing. Products like scented pillow inserts are designed to help users fall asleep faster and achieve deeper rest. This work exemplifies how sensory science can deliver quantifiable wellness outcomes in daily life.

Read the Article

This third-party perspective explores how IFF’s Science of Wellness translates complex emotional responses into fragrance compositions. It frames scent as a powerful tool capable of shaping mood and psychological states. The article also highlights the blend of artistic perfumery with scientific rigor in creating emotionally targeted products.

Read the Story