What sets apart wellness fragrances from traditional perfumes?

Fragrances have long had the power to transport us through time. A single scent can ignite cherished memories or deep emotions. Whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or serenity, every note carries the potential to unlock a bouquet of sentiments—making the experience deeply personal, a kind of sensorial fairy tale. Enhancing this journey are functional fragrances—a wellness-led approach to not only smelling good but feeling better.

SMELL WELL

Where traditional fragrances focus on aesthetic appeal and storytelling, functional or wellness fragrances are purpose-built. According to Shehzad Mulla, Fine Fragrances Business Development Manager at Symrise India and Founder of Parfumerie Maison, these fragrances are designed to go beyond mere olfactory pleasure. “They are said to accentuate your emotional state and well-being, depending on how they’re designed,” he shares.

The true beauty of wellness fragrances lies in their olfactory accords—crafted from specific raw materials known for their emotional triggers. “The impact is immediate and sensory-driven. Your brain registers the scent and triggers a corresponding emotional or physiological response,” Mulla adds.

In essence, functional fragrances offer more than aesthetic delight. Maxime Exler, Fine Fragrance Perfumer at MANE, describes them as grounding, relaxing, and peace-inducing. “Today’s fine fragrances are evolving into something more—tools for emotional well-being. Welcome to the world of functional fragrance, where scent becomes a daily ritual of self-care. It influences mood, emotions, and even cognitive performance.”

SCIENCE SPEAK

Your sense of smell is closely connected to the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for memory and emotions. This is why certain scents have an almost immediate effect on your mood and mindset. Think of it as scent therapy strong enough to elevate your spirits or calm your nerves.

Drawing from the principles of aromatherapy and enhanced by modern perfumery, wellness fragrances find a sweet spot between science and experience—creating an emotional journey through scent. Dr Taruna Yadav, Senior Ayurveda Doctor at Forest Essentials, describes functional fragrances as rituals in a bottle, designed to awaken the senses and nurture well-being.

“At the heart lies the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, where each aroma is chosen to harmonise the Ayurvedic doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—and to gently guide the mana (mind) and prana (life force) back to balance,” she says.

“With every breath, these fragrances stir the subtle intelligence of the body, initiating neurochemical shifts that can calm a restless mind, uplift a heavy heart, or rekindle lost energy,” Dr Yadav adds. This explains why a calming scent may slow your heart rate, or a citrus note can evoke feelings of joy.

NOTES FOR THOUGHT

While traditional perfumes are often crafted with storytelling or aesthetic trends in mind, wellness fragrances are built with intent. Manan Gandhi, Founder of Bombay Perfumery and Zero Zero, believes they go far beyond trend-led compositions. “They are built with intentionality—each note is selected not just for how it smells, but for what it evokes,” he explains.

Grounding notes like vetiver or clarifying scents such as sage or peppermint carry emotional meaning and are designed to match your state of mind—not just your personal style. “By tapping into this connection, wellness fragrances can influence how we feel, reduce stress, increase alertness, or even bring about a sense of calm. It’s subtle, but powerful—leaning into how you experience them emotionally and mentally,” Gandhi adds.

Unlike aromatherapy, which is often used in clinical or spa settings, wellness fragrances integrate seamlessly into daily life. They go beyond a placebo effect. According to Exler, the proof lies in the formulation. MANE uses WELLMOTION™ technology to measure emotional responses to scents with precision.

“Through thousands of tests—from raw materials to finished fragrances—we’ve mapped how specific olfactory stimuli impact emotional states, making it possible to design fragrances that reliably evoke specific emotions,” says Exler.

Scientific studies have backed the wellness efficacy of key ingredients, many of which trigger the release of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Mulla explains: “The accords are built using ingredients like lavender, rosemary, musk, and sandalwood—each known for specific emotional effects, such as calming or energising.”

A PRESSING PRIORITY

The global shift towards wellness makes functional fragrances more relevant than ever in today’s highpressure world. “Consumers are seeking products that not only perform but also nurture. Functional fragrances offer a dual benefit—sensorial beauty and emotional well-being,” says Mulla.

Dr Yadav agrees, highlighting that today’s consumers want more from their products: they must feel good, not just look or smell appealing. “Functional fragrances, therefore, are a natural extension of this mindset.”

Consistency is key. Gandhi emphasises that while a single spritz may spark a memory or lift the mood temporarily, regular use is what deepens the link between scent and emotion. “Over time, your mind begins to associate that fragrance with how you want to feel—be it energised, focused, relaxed, or uplifted. It becomes a gentle, sensory reminder to check in with yourself,” he highlights.

SCENTED SELF-CARE

Functional fragrances redefine the role of perfume. Sitting at the intersection of beauty, emotional health, and self-care, they are paving the way for the future of fragrance. “Tomorrow’s perfumes won’t just smell beautiful—they’ll be smarter, more sustainable, and more emotionally attuned to the people who wear them,” Exler is hopeful.

Whether you begin your day with an energising spritz or unwind in the evening with a calming blend, functional fragrances bring a meaningful layer to your daily ritual—a story not just worn on the skin, but felt from within.

Lead image: Getty Images

This article first appeared in the August-September 2025 issue of Harper's Bazaar India


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