Givaudan unveils HarmoniScentz for functional stress-relief scents
Combining neuroscience, physiological measurements and artificial intelligence, the launch comes against a backdrop of elevated stress levels worldwide.
SWITZERLAND – Givaudan has introduced HarmoniScentz, a fragrance design technology that helps perfumers develop neuroscience-backed scents intended to ease acute stress.
According to Givaudan, the technology provides practical formulation guidance for fine fragrance, personal care, air care and fabric care applications while preserving perfumers’ creative freedom.
To illustrate the scale of the issue, Givaudan points to Gallup research indicating that 39% of people worldwide experienced stress for a substantial portion of the previous day.
The scent signals reach areas of the brain associated with emotions, memory and the regulation of bodily functions, giving fragrance a distinctive opportunity to influence how consumers respond to stressful situations.
Jeremy Compton, Givaudan’s global head of science and technology for Fragrances, said neuroscience has long been central to the company’s research into fragrance and well-being, helping its teams better understand how scent can affect emotions, moods and behavior.
Over five years, he explained, researchers combined physiological and psychological studies with fragrance expertise, evaluating a wide range of fragrances with more than 300 participants. The aim was to turn that scientific understanding into practical guidance for fragrance creation.
According to Givaudan, consumer research conducted in the US, UK, Japan, Brazil and India suggests that fragrance is playing an increasingly important role in stress management, particularly among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
Simon Ellwood, head of health and well-being for Givaudan’s Fragrance & Beauty business, explained that stress is challenging to investigate because it can emerge within seconds.
To assess the body’s response, the company developed OrbiScanz, a proprietary wearable biometric device that records several physiological signals simultaneously while participants undergo validated acute-stress protocols.
The device generates real-time data that researchers combine with psychological measurements and advanced modeling to investigate how fragrance can help mitigate acute stress.
These findings inform HarmoniScentz and its guidance for perfumers creating fragrances intended to ease short-term stress responses.
By analyzing these signals alongside psychological data and applying advanced modeling, the teams can identify patterns that would otherwise be difficult to detect and translate those findings into actionable insights for perfumers.
The introduction of HarmoniScentz reflects a wider movement among fragrance companies to support mood-related claims with neuroscience.
Givaudan previously reported that 76% of Gen Z consumers consider support for emotional and mental health an influential factor when selecting beauty products.
It also stated that 93% of American body care users are interested in formulations designed to enhance mood.
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