Psychological effects and brain correlates of a rose‐based scented cosmetic cream

• Published in: Journal of sensory studies 2019-12, Vol.34 (6), p.n/a
• Main Authors: David, Oana A., David, Daniel O., Mogoase, Cristina, Popescu, Lavinia C., Giosan, Cezar, Pellegrino, Arthur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain; Cosmetics; Mood; Pattern recognition; Perception; Physical characteristics; Reinforcement
• ISSN: 0887-8250; 1745-459X
• DOI: 10.1111/joss.12536

In the present study, we investigated the effects of a cosmetic cream with a rose based formula scent on mood, in a sample of 26 female participants, with a mean age of 27.42 years of age. We looked at psychological measures (e.g., mood‐based self‐reports scales) and brain‐related correlates (e.g., brain activation patterns) of stress/relaxation in the scented versus an odorless skin care cream with the same physical characteristics. We employed a mood induction procedure using a face‐processing task based on positive, neutral, and negative faces. Results showed that the scented cream led to more happiness no matter the sequence of presentation and was associated to more relaxation, satisfaction, happiness, and less stress if presented after the odorless cream. The use of scented cream also increased the discharge in the brain area related to the task of face perception, and also modulated the discharge of the area involved in pleasure perception and reward. Practical applications Results of the present study provide important data on the scent formulas that can be effectively used in cosmetics in order to boost their effects on mood.