Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens in the brain when a scent triggers a headache?
Your sense of smell is wired directly to areas of the brain that regulate pain and alertness, which is why certain fragrances can trigger headaches in sensitive people. When a strong scent irritates the nose, sinuses, or airways, it sends signals to the brain that “may lead to inflammation and pain,” says Dr. Halene. In particularly sensitive individuals, “the brain treats the smell like a threat,” activating nerves in the head and face, triggering changes in blood vessels, and releasing chemicals involved in pain. From there, symptoms such as pressure, nausea, light sensitivity, and dizziness can occur. A rule of thumb for those sensitive to fragrance: “The stronger and more artificial the scent, the more likely it is to trigger a headache,” adds Dr. Halene.
There’s another reason your fragrance preferences might suddenly change: GLP-1 medications. While scientists are still studying the connection, many people taking semaglutide report that perfumes they once loved suddenly smell too strong, too sweet, or even nauseating, meaning scent preferences can shift dramatically from person to person
When people say they want to smell “fresh” or “clean,” what are they really asking for?
When people ask for clean-smelling scents, they’re usually describing a feeling more than a specific note. Rather than feeling heavy, overly sweet, or too perfume-y, these fragrances tend to follow a few key scent directions: “Citrus gives sparkle, aldehydes can create that crisp—an almost soapy brightness—and white musks and skin musks make a scent feel soft and close to the body,” says Trizzino. Airy florals like muguet, peony, freesia, neroli, and orange blossom, along with watery florals, green notes, and sheer woods, round out the scent while keeping it light.
“When someone asks for a fresh scent, they are often trying to avoid anything too sweet, too syrupy, too smoky, too powdery, too sexy, or too loud,” says Trizzino. They want something that works for everyday life (think: office, errands, and travel) without feeling like too much. “They may not want heavy vanilla, dense amber, big patchouli, candied fruit, smoky woods, or an intense white floral,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Tobias Halene, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, chief medical officer, and co-founder of NeuroSynchrony Health, based in Greenwich, Connecticut
- Jeniece Trizzino, VP of innovation and product at Scentbird, based in New York City
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
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