dsm-firmenich launches new fragrance designed to foster human interaction and emotional bonds
The innovation is poised to redefine how scent influences well-being, making it a subtle yet powerful tool to encourage moments of togetherness, shared laughter, and genuine presence.
SWITZERLAND – dsm-firmenich, a leader in nutrition, health, and beauty, has unveiled emotiOn™, a groundbreaking fragrance innovation scientifically proven to foster social connections and encourage genuine interactions in real life.
This patent-pending technology is driven by over 30 years of neuroscientific research combined with behavioural science and AI-driven fragrance design, aiming to reduce social isolation and enhance emotional closeness through scent.
EmotiOn™ social connection is a fragrance platform designed to enhance human interactions by utilising scent as a catalyst for social ease and genuine closeness.
The product is the result of decoding olfactive cues linked to emotions experienced during social interactions, making people feel more present and socially confident.
It provides fragrance design guidelines for perfumers, validated through rigorous behavioural testing with a research institute, to stimulate feelings of emotional connection and belonging.
The innovation builds on extensive neuroscientific and behavioural research, drawing from a vast database of over 40,000 tested fragrances and more than a million consumer insights globally.
It incorporates an AI model to analyse olfactory patterns associated with social connection and was validated using a new behavioural testing methodology to measure reactions in social contexts.
The platform aligns with growing evidence on the role of scent in influencing the brain’s emotional and memory centres, particularly the limbic system—the part of the brain that governs emotions.
dsm-firmenich’s New Next Now Barometer study, involving 12,000 consumers across 20 countries, revealed that 75% of people consider happy social relationships essential, while 52% of Gen Z respondents report feeling isolated, often finding social interactions stressful.
Remarkably, 61% of participants noted that fragrances help counter loneliness, underlining the relevance of emotiOn™ in today’s hyper-connected yet emotionally disconnected world.
The product aims to bridge this gap by promoting emotional openness and a sense of belonging, helping people enjoy more meaningful, in-person connections.
EmotiOn™ social connection is designed to be versatile, suitable for application across various products, including fine fragrances, personal care, home, and laundry items.
The innovation is poised to redefine how scent influences well-being, making it a subtle yet powerful tool to encourage moments of togetherness, shared laughter, and genuine presence.
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