How smell brings back memories faster than other senses

The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos was featured in a Personal Care Insights article discussing why humans are attracted to pleasant smells for a mix of biological, psychological and cultural reasons and safety guidance for the industry when creating fragrance.

“Biologically, our olfactory system has a direct neural connection to the brain’s emotion and memory centers. That’s why the smell of something familiar, such as fresh-baked cookies or a favorite perfume, can instantly transport us back to a moment in time,” said Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and adjunct instructor in UC's Cosmetic Science Program in the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy.

Dobos explained that even the “clean” smell we associate with laundry isn’t natural. It’s a carefully crafted scent marketed and reinforced over time.

“Global industries play a big role in shaping what we think smells good, often blending science with storytelling," she said. “When you perceive a scent, odor molecules detected by receptors in your nose send signals directly to the olfactory bulb. This direct route allows smells to powerfully and immediately evoke memories, often with a strong emotional response."

Read the Personal Care Insights article.

Featured photo at top of perfume bottles. Photo/Luza Studios/iStock Photo.