The Most Seductive Scents, As Proven by Science
By Faith Xue
There’s no denying the powerful connection between scent and mood, the way a single whiff of a particular fragrance can elicit a ridiculously strong reaction (see: the pungent smell of Acqua Di Gio you’ll forever associate with your high-school boyfriend). Fortunately, not all scents are quite so off-putting. In fact, some have the opposite effect, drawing others in, making them swoon.
With this in mind, we set out to uncover the most seductive scents, the ones that have been proven to allure, enchant, and entice. All in the names of research, of course. And because we may or may not have a (slinky, provocative) opening in our fragrance wardrobe.
From warm vanilla to beguiling musk, keep scrolling for the six most seductive scents!
This delicate little bell-shaped flower has a sweet floral scent that’s been shown to increase both stimulation and relaxation in a study by Warren and Warrenburg in 1993. It also lowered depression, apathy, and irritation, with subjects reporting a “heightened sense of calm, with an increase in awareness and energy.” The most iconic lily of the valley fragrance? None other than Dior’s Diorissimo Eau de Toilette, which features a lily of the valley heart, with lilac, jasmine, and rose top notes.
Keep scrolling for two more lily of the valley perfumes we love!
Stella McCarnety L.I.L.Y
Byredo Parfums Inflorescence
Related: The Best Perfumes for Your Zodiac Sign
For those unschooled, musk is actually a scent emitted from the rear end of a Tibetan musk deer to attract a mate—talk about getting in the mood. Nowadays, most musk scents are synthetically created, but that doesn’t mean its rich, carnal smell is any less provocative. Basically, musk smells like sex, which makes it the perfect option for your seduction plans. If you’re a musk newbie, try a fragrance that has a musk base with dreamy floral top notes, like Diana Vreeland’s Eau de Parfum in Perfectly Marvelous.
Keep scrolling for two more alluringly musky fragrances!
Serge Lutens Clair de Musc Eau de Parfum
Jo Malone Iris & White Musk Cologne Intense
Related: The Little Dictionary of Perfume Terms: An A-Z Guide on Scent Vocab
If you’ve previously associated lavender with great-grandma Joan, it’s time for a wake-up call. Lavender was one of the scents that most increased male arousal in a study done by Dr. Alan Hirsch, a board-certified neurologist and psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of smell and taste loss. After noticing that a number of his patients who lost their sense of smell were also losing their sex drive, Hirsch studied 25 male medical students and analyzed the effects different scents had on their sexual arousal. The most seductive scents? Lavender and….pumpkin pie—yeah, we’ll let you digest that for a second.
Keep scrolling for two more fragrances featuring lavender!
Pictured: Diptyque Eau de Lavande Fragrance
Philosophy Pure Grace Fragrance
Christian Dior Eau Noire
In the same study, Dr. Hirsch found that the smell of—wait for it—glazed donuts and black licorice also ranked high amongst the most arousing fragrances. Along with vanilla, these scents fall under what fragrance experts call “gourmands,” which are basically fragrances that smell like food—most often sweet candies and confections. Keep scrolling for two more candy-scented fragrances!
Pictured: Prada Candy
Pure Vanilla Fragrance Lavanila
Thierry Mugler Angel
Related: The Dos and Don’ts of Applying Perfume
In 2002, researcher Stephen Warrenburg developed a method documenting scent and mood called Mood Mapping. In it, the scent of clementine resulted in high levels of happiness and stimulation—in other words, the perfect formula for the art of seduction. Look for a bright, citrus-y scent, like Acqua di Parma’s Colonia to instantly energize and attract.
Keep scrolling for two more scents with clementine!
Atelier Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue
Coqui Coqui Orange Blossom Eau de Cologne
Related: 11 Mindblowing Facts About Perfume
In a 2006 study from the Faculty of Life Sciences in University of Vienna, researchers found that the smell of sandalwood oil elevated pulse rate, self-rated mood, attentiveness, and a number of other factors. Traditionally, sandalwood has been worn by men, but we love the modern crop of strong, heady, complex unisex and female fragrances, like Le Labo’s Santal 33.
Keep scrolling for two more take-charge fragrances with sandalwood!
Régimes des Fleurs Freeworld Eau de Parfume
Chanel Bois Des Iles Parfume
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