87%
of consumers prefer fragrances that provide emotional and additional benefits, based on a global study of 20,000 people*
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.
*IFF CSI Studies (SOW Survey, Covid Tracker Program & 100% Tomorrow study)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.