Your Guide to Sensory Branding - and why you need it
Smell is the most emotionally powerful sense , so what does your brand smell like?
We remember 35% of what we smell, but only 5% of what we see. That’s the science behind sensory branding, and why a carefully crafted signature scent can make your brand unforgettable.
Whether you're building a natural skincare line, launching a wellness experience, or creating a space that tells a story, scent can deepen emotional connection and brand loyalty. This post explores how to develop your own brand fragrance — using the principles of aromachology to make it meaningful, not just pleasant. Read on and discover all you need to know about creating a signature scent for your brand.
Why Scent Belongs in Your Brand Strategy
Scent works faster than any other sense to evoke emotion. It bypasses logic and speaks directly to memory and mood.
Brands that use scent intentionally can:
Enhance brand recall
Influence how customers feel
Create a recognisable sensory identity
Align product experiences with emotional values
That first inhale? It’s your brand’s emotional handshake.
What Is a Signature Scent?
Your signature scent is the aromatic expression of your brand values, story, and purpose. It should feel:
Aligned with your product or space
Memorable, yet subtle
Emotionally resonant with your ideal customer
This isn’t just fragrance for fragrance’s sake. Done well, it becomes part of your brand DNA.
The Role of Aromachology in Brand Scent Development
Aromachology is the science of how scent affects our psychology and emotions. By understanding how specific notes influence mood, you can design a fragrance that supports your brand's intended feeling.
Example:
Lavender + chamomile → calm, trust
Citrus + mint → energy, clarity
Rose + sandalwood → luxury, comfort
You’re not just choosing ingredients, you’re designing an experience.
How to Create Your Brand’s Signature Scent
Define Your Emotional Brand Message
What do you want people to feel? Energised, soothed, inspired? Anchor your scent around that emotion.
Work With an Aromachologist or Fragrance Developer
A scent expert will help translate your story into top, middle and base notes that work both emotionally and technically.
Test in Context
Smell changes in different environments - test your blend in packaging, spaces, or on skin to ensure consistency.
Keep It Subtle but Distinct
Your scent shouldn’t overwhelm - it should linger softly, creating a signature memory trace over time.
Where to Use Your Brand Scent
Product formulations (skincare, body care, candles, perfumes)
Packaging (scented tissue, boxes, inserts)
Studio or retail spaces
Events and pop-ups
Branded gifts or samples
It’s a sensory experience that extends your brand far beyond the screen.
Final Thought
Your brand isn’t just what people see, it’s what they feel. And scent, when crafted with intention, becomes an invisible signature that stays with them long after the first encounter.
If you're ready to develop a fragrance that tells your brand story and resonates deeply with your audience, get in touch with Kim Lahiri. With a background in aromachology and 40+ years in the beauty and wellbeing industry, she can help you blend science, soul and scent.
