# Mood-Enhancing Fragrances IFF Uses Scent Science to Target Emotional Responses By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-09-16 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mood-design References: [iff](https://www.iff.com/media/stories/mood-by-design-a-new-patent-advances-the-science-of-flavor-and-feeling)  Mood-enhancing fragrances are using scientific research to develop scents around specific emotional and wellness responses. IFF is advancing this approach through its Science of Wellness program, which combines neuroscience, biometric measurements and consumer research to study [connections between fragrance and mood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibe-perfume). Its patented methodology helps identify scent compositions associated with responses such as [relaxation, energy and positive emotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energise-unwind-duo), giving perfumers additional data when designing fragrances for targeted experiences. The approach creates opportunities for fragrance, beauty, personal care and [home brands to position scent](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clarity-collection) as more than an aesthetic or sensory feature. Products can be developed around specific emotional occasions, helping companies differentiate offerings in the growing wellness market. For IFF, proprietary research and patented methods can strengthen its value to brand partners by providing science-backed tools for fragrance development. This also supports more targeted product concepts as consumers increasingly connect scent with everyday wellbeing. Image Credit: IFF ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.6/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 92% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Emotion-targeted Fragrance:** Science-backed scent formulations are expanding fragrance design into mood-specific experiences tied to relaxation, energy and positivity. - **Biometric Wellness Design:** Neuroscience and biometric testing are turning consumer wellness claims into measurable product development inputs for sensory brands. - **Occasion-based Scenting:** Fragrances linked to daily emotional moments are creating differentiated product concepts across beauty, home and personal care routines. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fragrance:** Proprietary mood-mapping methods are giving fragrance houses new ways to develop patented scent compositions for wellness-led brand partnerships. - **Beauty:** Emotional-benefit positioning is reshaping beauty products by connecting sensory appeal with self-care, mood support and premium differentiation. - **Home Care:** Scent-driven wellbeing concepts are moving home care beyond freshness claims toward atmosphere design centered on comfort, focus and relaxation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mood-Focused Sprays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moodscentz-by-wizard-wellness.md) - [Mood-Altering Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lr-mood-infusion.md) - [Functional Fragrance Mist Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-fragrance-mist.md) - [Social Connection Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emotion-by-dsmfirmenich.md) - [Mood-First Wellness Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peak-mood-drink.md) - [Expressive Feel-Good Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/being-fragrance.md) - [Functional Taste Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Functional-taste-technologies.md) - [Aesthetic Neuroscience Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six7.md) - [Astringent Flavanols Trends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavanol-taste-triggering.md)