Scent serves as a subtle indicator of genetic compatibility, with 74% of Brits admitting to finding weird scents a turn-on…
With scent playing a key role in attraction, it’s no surprise that the month of love sees a surge in perfume sales. With that in mind, perfume specialist and psychotherapist Jake Freedman has partnered with Electric Tobacconist to reveal which scents are scientifically the most attractive.
Musk
Musk is the ultimate paradox. It mimics our natural body odor while being the very thing we splash on to smell irresistible. Deep, woody, and undeniably heavy, musk has been a fragrance staple and considered an aphrodisiac for centuries.
While perfumes were once used to mask our natural scent, today, musk embraces it, blurring the lines between allure and authenticity. Musk often originates from animals, and some perfumers have taken very bold steps to keep things “authentic”, shares Jake Freedman:
“In perfumery, both musks and balsams are often referred to as “skin scents”. This is a blanket term for compounds that stay close to the skin, have high longevity, and create more of a “second skin” effect rather than smelling like a perfume. The “second skin effect” adds texture, three-dimensionality and a sensation of the scent coming out of one’s pores, rather than being something that has been sprayed “on top of one’s skin.”
Musk as an animalistic aphrodisiac in perfumery:
- Etat Libre d’Orange | Sécrétions Magnifiques: This controversial fragrance didn’t just flirt with boundaries, it shattered them. Designed to evoke the raw aromas of sex and bodily fluids, it pushed the concept of musk to the extreme, leaving even the boldest fragrance lovers shocked.2
- Calvin Klein | Obsession for Men: This iconic scent features civet, a natural animal musk. But here’s the twist: it was banned in several zoos after big cats went feral over the fragrance. Today, it’s not just a men’s cologne—it’s a tool for wildlife researchers who use it to lure big cats for observation.3
Vanilla
Vanilla offers a warm, sweet scent that is a staple in everything from soaps and candles to high-end perfumes. Scientifically proven to evoke positive feelings, it pairs beautifully with other scents like grapefruit, adding versatility to its charm.
“Vanilla is one of the few scents that is universally enjoyable,” says Richard L. Doty, director of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Smell and Taste Center.
Jasmine
Jasmine has a fruity, rich, and floral aroma, making it a beloved ingredient in perfumes and sprays. Studies show that simply smelling jasmine can influence how we perceive others, making people appear more attractive to those around them. Its enchanting fragrance seems to work like a subtle confidence boost, leaving a lasting impression.
Jake Freedman, perfume specialist:
“The oil of jasmine absolute is sometimes referred to as a narcotic, in that it can hypnotise and sedate. Jasmine absolute also contains the compound indole, which is described in perfumery as animalic. On its own, the scent is unpleasant and is often described as fecal and smelling of mothballs. However, in very small amounts (1-2%) it imparts the aliveness, sensuality, and thrill, which might otherwise make jasmine feel floral and fruity, but ultimately, rather innocuous.”
Orange | Citrus
Orange brings a fresh, fruity, and summery burst of energy, but its appeal doesn’t end there. It’s also a winter favorite, with candied and dried oranges adding a zesty touch to seasonal foods and home décor like potpourri. One study found that the scent of lemon helped improve body image and self-confidence, contributing to positive sexual experiences.5
Research indicates that the scent of orange can also trigger positive facial expressions, showing that our brains have an inherently uplifting reaction to this vibrant citrus fragrance. Jake Freedman shares more:
“Vanilla and orange scents are both associated with happy childhood memories, such as the comfort of birthday cakes and baking, or orange Calippos by the sea on summer holidays. When we smell vanilla and orange, part of us experiences these positive memories as happening now, which can elicit the same feelings we had at the time. This “dream time” is experienced as synchronic – things from both the past and present are experienced as happening all at once.”
