Why do some smells have the reputation of encouraging lust and love? Cultures from all around the world have believed that certain scents have the abilities to excite the passions and deepen relationships. From ancient Romans who bathed in oils before romantic encounters, to the Chinese who used fragrant plants as medicines to cure sexual disfunction, many have made the connection between scents and sex.

How much of it is fact? How much is fiction? And how can we use this information to our romantic advantage? Let’s dive into the world of sexy scents

Let’s Talk About the Science of Smells

Perfuming is a science that’s been practiced and studied for millennia, so has human sexuality. This is great news, as it means that there has been research into the topic of aphrodisiac scents. While the research isn’t always cut-and-dry, there’s enough  supporting evidence to support the claim that scents and sex are certainly connected. 

What’s the link between scents and desire?

First, we need to understand how our sense of smell works. Have you ever smelled something that triggered a memory? That’s because smell is processed in the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotions, memory, and (relevant to this article) sexual desire.

Some research even suggests that people with reduced smell are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, which reinforces the link between olfaction and arousal. While some argue that this may be due to a placebo effect, some fragrances contain compounds known to have physical effects on the body. 

In summary, certain scents are sexy because they trigger a response in our brain.

Do Pheromones Really Exist?

In the animal world, pheromones play a major role in mating. While human pheromones haven’t been definitively proven, they haven’t been disproved either. In fact,  the presence of the vomeronasal organ in the human nose suggests scent may still influence attraction on a subconscious level.

The history of fragrance use across various cultures also support this idea. Some societies view natural body odor as erotic and are drawn to scents that emulate and enhance their natural scent. Other societies view body odor as “uncivilized” or “over-sexed” and attempt to eliminate or mask it. Either way, there is a clear link between the body’s scent and attraction.

Popular Aphrodisiac Notes to Know

Many modern sexy fragrances rely on notes long associated with desire. Some of these work through chemistry, others through memory and mood, but all are believed to heighten intimacy. Here are some of the most popular aphrodisiac scents, by category.

Warm Scents:

These fragrances are deep and animalistic. These notes are the most similar to the natural scent of skin, which is why many believe that these notes are subconsciously related to pheromones and raw sexuality. 

• Amber 
• Musk
• Leather

Floral and Fruity Scents:

Some floral scents, like rose, trigger a placebo effect from their long-standing association with love. But others, like Jasmine, contain natural compounds that are proven to be linked to relaxation and attraction.

• Rose
• Jasmine
• Ylang-ylang
• Lavender
• Lily of the Valley
• Citrus
• Strawberry

woody and Spicy Scents:

Many of these scents are believed to be “stimulating” in various ways. Some are known to boost your mood and energy levels, increase blood flow, or even heighten your sense of touch.  

• Patchouli
• Sandalwood
• Saffron
• Cinnamon
• Peppermint (especially for women!)

Gourmands:

We are biologically and culturally wired to crave sweet foods, so it’s no wonder that gourmands are often associated with desire. These scents are often associated with comfort, and some are even known to stimulate the pleasure center of the brain.

• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Pumpkin (yes, really)

Aphrodisiacs in Practice

Aphrodisiacs aren’t magic, but many fragrances do have a noticeable impact on the mind and body that seem magical. Whether they work through science or psychology, right scent can make you feel more sensual and self-assured. So how do we find the right fragrance?

Choose What You Like:

Attraction is subjective, and so is the sense of smell. What is “sexy” to you, may not be “sexy” to someone else, and that’s okay!

What matters is finding a fragrance that makes you feel confident, relaxed, and (of course) sexy.

Do We Make Aphrodisiacs?

Several of our products have fragrance notes that are traditionally associated with love and desire, but none of our products were specifically designed as aphrodisiacs. We also don’t use pheromones, and have no plans of doing so in the near future. But we may design a limited-run Valentine’s Special in the future!

For now, here are a few of our most romantic scents.

Including:

• Lilith: Whiskey, Lily, Grapefruit, and Bergamot 
• Priestcraft: Whiskey, Tobacco, Bay leaf, Sandalwood, Patchouli, White Musk
• Unseen Ones: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Citrus, and Musk

Final Thoughts

The connection between scent and sex is long, and the facts are just as intriguing as the fiction! We hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about aphrodisiac scents, and invite you to keep learning about perfuming arts with us in the future!