Can Functional Fragrances Really Help Improve Your Wellbeing?

The world of fragrance is changing. Long gone are the days of performance perfume, now it’s all about functional fragrance – aka, the scents that can help improve your mood and mental health. ‘Fragrance is no longer just about seduction or style – it’s about self-care and emotional alignment,’ agrees Egisto Bertozzi, founder and creative director of Erbario Toscano. ‘People want to feel grounded, calm, joyful, inspired. Fragrance can help us get there – not just by how it smells, but by how it makes us feel.’ We ask the fragrance expert everything we need to know about the latest wellness trend, plus how we can incorporate it into our daily routine.

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An Expert’s Guide To Functional Fragrance

What are functional fragrances? 

Functional fragrances are perfumes with purpose. They do more than scent the air or skin – they interact with our nervous system and emotional core. Their goal is to evoke specific responses such as calm, energy, focus, or emotional balance. In my work, I view these creations not only as artistic expressions but as tools for wellbeing.

How do they work?

The power of fragrance lies in its direct path to the limbic system – the emotional centre of the brain. When we inhale certain aromatic molecules, they can trigger responses before we’re even consciously aware of it. A calming scent can slow your breath. An invigorating one can sharpen your focus. It’s an invisible force that shapes our mood, memory, and state of mind.

What are the ingredients and notes used in functional fragrances?

That depends on the environment you want to create. In our collections, I carefully select natural essences that evoke specific emotional reactions. Each note is chosen not just for its scent, but for the energy it carries and the story it tells.

Which scents/notes are best for:

• Mood?  Citrus fruits like bergamot and orange bring brightness and light to the spirit.
• Stress reduction? Lavender, sandalwood and soft green herbs help create a sense of peace.
• Cognitive function/focus? I like working with rosemary, black pepper, and mint – notes that awaken and stimulate the mind.
• Energy? Eucalyptus, lemon zest and fresh spices bring movement and vitality.
• Sleep? Neroli, cedarwood and chamomile create a comforting, slow atmosphere perfect for rest.
• Overall wellbeing? Balanced accords that include florals, woods and green notes help harmonise the senses.

What kinds of products utilise functional fragrance? 

Fragrance can live in many forms – not just in perfume. Functional fragrances can be infused into body care, room diffusers, sprays. This allows people to bring scent into their rituals in a way that fits naturally into their lifestyle.

What’s the science between scent and mood?

Scent bypasses rational thought and goes straight to emotion and memory. It’s the most primitive and instinctive of our senses. That’s why a single scent can instantly transport you to a place, a feeling, or a person.

What are some of the effects/benefits of using functional fragrances?

A well-crafted scent can:

• Improve emotional balance
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Boost energy or concentration
• Enhance sleep quality
• Promote self-awareness and presence

In short, it can become a silent companion in your day – something that supports you emotionally without needing to say a word.

How can we use functional fragrances in our daily routine?

Use fragrance with intention. Begin the day with something energizing – perhaps a shower gel with citrus and herbs. Add a diffuser or room spray in your workspace to help maintain focus. In the evening, wear a calming eau de parfum or mist your pillow with a scent that invites stillness. I believe scent should support your rhythms, not overwhelm them.

How do functional fragrances for home and personal use differ?

A personal fragrance is intimate; it lives on your skin and becomes part of your identity. A home fragrance, by contrast, defines the space around you and shapes the mood of everyone who enters it. In both cases, the goal is to create harmony between scent and environment

What are your thoughts on the recent evolution of fragrance – do you see it as a shift from performative beauty ritual to wellness ritual?

Yes, absolutely. Fragrance is no longer just about seduction or style – it’s about self-care and emotional alignment. I see this as a very positive shift. People want to feel grounded, calm, joyful, inspired. Fragrance can help us get there – not just by how it smells, but by how it makes us feel.

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