Lance Carson
There are many pleasant scents that aren't perfumes. Some people enjoy the smell of newborns, fresh ink on a printing press, or the top of their partner's head. Others find pleasure in the scent of garlic, olive oil, and onions sizzling in a pan, or the smell of fresh grass after it rains. Baked goods, flowers, and candles are also popular scent choices for those who want to avoid perfume but still enjoy a pleasant aroma.
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Freshly mown grass
The smell of freshly mown grass is a distinctive and uplifting scent that many people enjoy. It is caused by the release of organic compounds called green leaf volatiles (GLVs), which are part of the plant's defence mechanism when it is cut or damaged. The main compound responsible for this scent is cis-3-hexenal, an oxygenated hydrocarbon that gives off a "'green'" odour.
GLVs are made up of alcohols, aldehydes, and esters, and the specific combination of these chemicals can vary depending on the type of grass and other plants present, such as clover in lawns, hayfields, and meadows. The smell of freshly mown grass is often associated with positive experiences and memories related to lawns, lawn mowers, and haying, and it may evoke a sense of nostalgia for spring or summer days.
The scent of freshly mown grass has been described as having a healing effect on psychological damage caused by stress. Behavioral studies have shown that hexanal, a chemical similar to cis-3-hexenal, can increase interpersonal trust. The smell is so distinctive and universally recognised that an attempt was made to trademark it for use with tennis balls.
However, not everyone has a positive association with the smell of freshly mown grass. Some people may link it to chores, and about 12% of humans have difficulty smelling cis-3-hexenol due to genetic factors. Additionally, the compounds that create this pleasant aroma can also contribute to the formation of ozone and smog in cities and towns.
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Newborn babies
The Power of the Newborn Scent
The scent of a newborn is so powerful that it can trigger strong emotional responses in parents, especially mothers. Research has shown that the smell of a newborn activates reward-related brain areas, releasing dopamine and creating a sense of pleasure and comfort. This biological mechanism may be nature's way of fostering a strong bond between parents and their babies, enhancing protective instincts and promoting parental care.
The Source of the Newborn Scent
The exact source of the newborn scent is not fully understood, but experts believe it is a combination of factors. One theory suggests that the vernix caseosa, a waxy white substance that covers the baby's skin in the womb, contributes to the unique newborn smell. This substance helps protect the baby's skin and regulate temperature during birth. Other factors, such as amniotic fluid and birth fluids, may also play a role in creating the distinctive newborn aroma.
Individual Variations in Newborn Scent
While all newborns share a similar sweet and pleasant scent, each baby also has a unique odour. Every newborn smells slightly different, with some described as smelling like soap, milk, or fresh bread. These subtle variations in scent may be due to individual differences in amniotic fluid composition and other biological factors.
Soothing with Scent
The sense of smell is highly developed in newborns, and they can recognize their mother's scent from birth. Providing your newborn with a piece of clothing with your scent on it can be comforting and help regulate their emotions. Skin-to-skin contact is also beneficial, as it allows the baby to associate your scent with comfort, love, and security.
When the Newborn Scent Fades
The delightful newborn scent typically starts to fade around six weeks after birth. This transition can be emotional for parents as it signals the end of the newborn phase. However, even after the scent fades, many parents continue to find comfort in their baby's unique odour.
Maintaining Good Hygiene
While the natural scent of a newborn is pleasant, it's important to maintain good hygiene to prevent unpleasant odours. Newborns tend to poop frequently, and diaper changes may become more frequent to maintain a sweet-smelling baby. Milk dribbles and spit-ups are also common, so regular wiping and bath times can help keep your baby smelling fresh.
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Fresh ink on a printing press
The scent of fresh ink on a printing press is a distinctive and beloved aroma for many. While some may find the smell off-putting, others find it comforting and even addictive. The unique fragrance of fresh ink can evoke feelings of nostalgia and a connection to the process of creating physical texts and images.
The smell of ink on a printing press can vary depending on the type of ink, the printing process, and the materials used. Inks themselves are usually about 90% water, but the remaining chemicals can produce a range of scents. For example, HP printers are known for their sweet organic smell due to the presence of Ethylene Glycol. In contrast, alcohol-based inks may have a slight "blue ink" scent, while others may have a trace of ammonia.
The type of paper and coating used can also influence the final fragrance. Uncoated stock, for instance, can result in a stronger linseed oil smell, while coated stock may produce a less intense aroma. The drying process is another critical factor, as the use of accelerated drying techniques can lead to the production of volatile by-products with strong odours, such as aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids.
However, once the ink is completely dry and the printed sheets are aired out, the gases responsible for the odour are released, leaving the ink scentless. This is why printed materials that have been stored for a while tend to lose their smell over time. Interestingly, some people have reported that heating up printed materials can reduce the ink smell, although it may cause a slight change in colour.
While the scent of fresh ink on a printing press may not be as pleasant as a perfumed fragrance, it holds a unique appeal for those who appreciate the intricacies of the printing process and the sensory experience it offers.
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Baked goods
The secret behind the irresistible aroma of baked bread lies in the chemistry of its ingredients. The fermentation process of yeast plays a crucial role, as the longer the dough ferments, the more pronounced the yeast flavours and aromas become. Yeast produces chemicals that break down during baking, releasing delightful aromatics. Leavened baked goods, such as biscuits and muffins, also develop a tempting aroma as they brown due to the Maillard reactions—where sugars combine with amino acids to form aromatic compounds.
Beyond bread, there are plenty of other mouth-watering baked goods that can fill your home with delightful scents. Cinnamon buns, banana bread, and chocolate chip cookies are sure to make your home smell irresistible. The comforting aroma of cinnamon and the sweetness of ripe bananas will make your space feel cosy and inviting.
If you're feeling adventurous, try baking a French onion soup or a hearty stew—the aroma of onions, garlic, and herbs will make your kitchen smell like your favourite restaurant. For a sweet treat, whip up some cinnamon rolls or apple cake. The combination of juicy apples, cinnamon, and a crumbly, creamy texture will have your home smelling like a bakery in no time.
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Flowers
One of the most classic and iconic fragrant flowers is the rose. With over 150 species and thousands of hybrids, the scent of roses varies from rosy and musky to citrusy, myrrh, and fruity. The old garden roses are the most fragrant class. Roses have been used for everything from medicine to food and bath herbs, and their scent can be enjoyed in many ways, including drying the rosebuds and placing them in sachets to perfume drawers or keep by your pillow.
Another flower with a sweet and enticing fragrance is jasmine. With seven varieties, each jasmine flower has a different scent, from sweet and fruity to musky, spicy, or vanilla-like. The scent is said to be so alluring that, as an Indian scientist once shared with perfumer Anya McCoy, "when you wear jasmine, everyone comes running to you".
Gardenia is another flower with an intoxicating scent, characterised by warm, honey-orange tones that match its creamy, porcelain-white petals. Chanel's Gardénia and Marc Jacobs' Eau de Parfum are said to be based on this classic flower.
Other sweetly scented flowers include honeysuckle, with its honey and vanilla scent, and freesia, which has a strawberry-like fragrance. Peonies, too, are known for their intoxicating fragrance, as well as their enormous, luxurious blooms and stunning range of colours.
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Frequently asked questions
Freshly mown grass, newborn babies, garlic and olive oil, and flowers are some examples of things that smell good.
The smell of fresh ink on a printing press, browned butter, and candles are unique yet pleasant smells.
The scent of the ocean, spring rain, and flowers are all natural scents that smell good.
Unburnt pipe tobacco, a new bag of weed, and maple syrup-flavoured tobacco are interesting smells that are not commonly found in perfumes.
Baked goods, breakfast foods, and onions cooking in a pan are all examples of food items that smell good.
