The Science of Scent: How Fragrance Affects Your Mood
Have you ever lit a candle and felt instantly calmer, or somehow more focused, lighter, happier, even nostalgic? That’s not just ambience. The science behind fragrance and scent can tell us which scents are best for relaxation, what scents can reduce anxiety and the best scents to boost our happiness! That's the psychology of scent, and why your favourite candle can change everything!
Scent has a powerful, direct line to the brain’s emotional control centre, and scented candles can be tools for mood-shifting, memory-making, and wellness-boosting. Here’s how it works—and how to choose the right candle for how you want to feel.
Scent and the Brain: Why Smell Is So Powerful
Unlike sight or sound, scent bypasses the logical parts of the brain and heads straight to the limbic system, the emotional hub responsible for memory, mood, and behaviour. This is why a single smell can trigger a long-forgotten memory or dramatically shift your emotional state.
Harvard researchers have shown that this connection explains why certain fragrances can calm anxiety, lift low moods, or boost focus almost instantly.
What Research Says About Fragrance and Emotion
Modern studies confirm what aromatherapists have known for centuries:
- Lavender reduces cortisol (your body’s stress hormone) and increases relaxation and interpersonal trust.
- Citrus oils like orange or lemon are linked to improved mood, mental clarity, and energy.
- Rose and vanilla offer comfort and are shown to reduce nervous tension and sadness.
- A 2024 study even found that familiar scents can help people with depression recall more positive autobiographical memories—suggesting fragrance as a gateway to healing.
Choosing the Right Candle for How You Want to Feel
At Seven + Ember, we handcraft candles to support your emotional wellness—not to simply scent your space. Each blend is carefully curated to influence your mood, using the science of fragrance and scent.
Here’s how to choose your next candle, based on how you want to feel:
To feel calm and centred, try Quiescence. Infused with eucalyptus, lavender, frankincense and Bulgarian rose essential oils, this candle is designed to quiet the mind and soothe the nervous system. Ideal for your evening wind-down ritual.
For a scent that lifts your mood and clears mental fog, citrus is your go-to. Studies have shown that citrus, orange, lemon, lime and bergamot can significantly boost serotonin and dopamine—the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. A 2022 clinical review even found that citrus aromas helped reduce anxiety and improve focus in work and study environments.
Want to feel wrapped in warmth? Vanilla is the scent of comfort and love. There’s a reason vanilla is often described as cozy, nostalgic, or even romantic. Studies have found that vanilla has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting emotional stability. One study even showed that the smell of vanilla can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of trust, making it one of the most emotionally grounding scents available. At Seven + Ember, we love vanilla not just for its sweetness, but for its ability to create an atmosphere of unconditional love.
Calming Rose can also offer comfort and stress relief, with rose specifically linked to reduced stress levels and increased contentment.
A natural remedy for calm and clarity, lavender. Lavender has long been considered one of the most calming scents in the natural world—and for good reason. Numerous studies have shown that lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and promote better sleep. It’s often used in therapeutic settings to ease restlessness and bring a sense of peaceful clarity. Lavender has an emotional signature—it carries a softness that soothes the senses.
To set an intention, explore the Crystal-Infused Candle Collection. These candles pair scent with intention—each one embedded with a natural crystal chosen for its energetic properties. From rose quartz for self-love to amethyst for clarity, these are ideal for mindful moments and mood-setting.
Ritual Meets Research: The Power of Consistency
Lighting a candle can become a daily moment of self-connection. Whether you're working, meditating, tidying, or simply relaxing at home, pairing scent with intention helps wire your brain for calm and clarity.
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A meta-analysis of aromatherapy trials suggests its potential to ease depressive symptoms, marking it as a valuable non-pharmacological wellness tool.
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Scientific American notes broader evidence that shows pleasant ambient odors can enhance productivity, increase helpfulness, and improve creativity, while unpleasant odors have the opposite effect, proving that fragrance doesn't just make your space smell better. It supports the best version of you.
Your Mood, Your Moment
We believe that a candle is more than just wax and a wick. It’s a sensory tool for transformation. What mood are you setting today? Explore our collections and find the candle that meets you where you are, and gently shifts you toward where you want to be.
