Until recently, fragrance in cosmetics was treated mainly as a sensory element– its purpose was to make the product pleasant to use and create a positive first impression. Today, its role is clearly expanding. Increasingly, fragrance is becoming a consciously designed product element that can support user wellbeing and influence the daily skincare experience.
The functional fragrance trend is developing alongside growing consumer awareness of how sensory stimuli influence emotions, focus, and stress levels. Modern consumers expect cosmetics to deliver not only skincare effectiveness, but also added value in the form of comfort of use and positive emotional experience during application.
Why Fragrance Is Becoming a Key Factor in Cosmetic Product Choice
Market research shows that fragrance is one of the most important factors influencing purchasing decisions in the body care category. This is because scent is one of the most memorable sensory stimuli and has a direct impact on the emotional evaluation of a product.
A well-designed fragrance composition can:
- build product and brand recognition
- enhance the product usage experience
- increase user satisfaction
- support product positioning within a specific market segment
What Functional Fragrances Mean in Cosmetic Formulation
Functional fragrance is a composition designed not only for its olfactory profile, but also for its potential influence on user perception. In cosmetic formulation, this means integrating knowledge from perfumery, fragrance psychology, and user experience.
Commonly used functional notes include:
Bergamot – associated with freshness and tension reduction
Lavender – supports relaxation and calming effects
Jasmine – linked to mood enhancement and a sense of confidence
A well-selected fragrance can reinforce the character of a product – for example, evening lines, relaxation-focused products, or energizing cosmetic ranges.
The Future of Fragrance in Cosmetic Development
Functional fragrance is increasingly moving beyond being a premium differentiator. It is becoming a natural element of modern, consciously designed cosmetic products, where user experience is as important as product performance.
In the coming years, further integration of fragrance into product concepts can be expected – both at the formulation level and in brand-building strategies.
Looking to Create a Cosmetic Product Built Around Functional Fragrance?
At MG Evolution®, we support cosmetic brands in designing and developing products where fragrance is an integral part of the product concept – from the idea stage, through fragrance composition selection, to the final formulation.
If you are planning to develop cosmetic products where fragrance supports not only sensory experience, but also product positioning and user wellbeing – we invite you to contact the MG Evolution® team.
