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Today, fragrances are

something else: they are

good for you. Literally.
They improve your mood,

your day, your inspiration,

and even your skin. They

are called mood boosters.

Once upon a time, perfume was an aesthetic gesture, with the power to attract passionate and curious noses seek-
a trademark, an invisible code to be noticed, or an aromat- ing uniqueness. Some ingredients, like Rhodiola rosea, Vitex
ic memory of a distant time. Today, fragrances are some- agnus-castus, and Tephrosia purpurea seed extracts have
thing else: they are good for you. Literally. They improve your been included in formulations developed to control cortisol
mood, your day, your inspiration, and even your skin. levels, fight oxidative stress, and stimulate neurotransmitters
Mood boosters and neurocosmetic perfumes are cre- related to wellness.
ations designed to make scent not only a sensory pleasure Brands, simply, have not sat and watched: like all revo-
but also a biochemical portal to stimulate endorphins. They lutions, it is the niche markets that produce big innovations.
are more than an olfactory plus and reflect a state of mind Artisanal perfume-making has turned mood boosters by the
rather than a personal taste. Lavender before going to bed? likes of Aedes de Venustas, Liquides Imaginaires, Buly 1803,
Check. Waves of citrus fruit for energy? Yes! Even classics and The Nue Co. into art. They draw sensory lines from won-
like Light Blue and Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce&Gab- der to science, also by tapping into the ancient art of olfactory
bana, in their new, ultra-persistent bouquets enhanced by stimulation and creating perfumes that lower stress levels. In
master perfumers, leverage this form of expression. this context, Rome-based maison Campomarzio 70, a sym-
Is it just a marketing scam? No, it is a consolidated con- bol of independent haute parfumerie for over 70 years, has
nection between neuroscience and the cosmetics industry, broadened its offer of the boldest perfumes on the interna-

138 Lifestyle Protagonist