Top 5 Romantic Scents for the Bedroom

Since smell is one of our strongest senses, certain scents can actually have a potent aphrodisiac effect - and thus inspire more romance and intimacy. In the sections below, we’ll take a look at how aphrodisiac scents increase desire, before looking at some of the most popular and effective romantic scents. Lastly, we’ll offer a few tips on the best way to diffuse these scents in your bedroom or home. 

How and Why Do Aphrodisiac Scents Work?

Can scent really increase desire, romance, or intimacy? As we’ll soon see, modern science says it can. But before we look at some of the recent studies, let’s take a step back and consider the question logically.

Firstly - the perfume and cologne industry alone is a constantly growing, $30+ billion dollar market. One main appeal of scents such as these is that they can shift how a perceiving party (coworkers, a superior, the opposite sex) receives you emotionally. Consider how your own sense of a home, business, or individual has shifted based on scent alone, and you can start to see firsthand the potential scent has in shaping our emotions and perceptions.

Even more closely tied to romance and desire are the impact and function of pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals our bodies secrete (mainly through sweat) which can impact the behavior of receiving individuals. Pheromones are mainly perceived by the olfactory system - our sense of smell.

5 Popular Romantic Scents

Jasmine - This tropical floral fragrance has been shown to increase libido in modern studies. Jasmine is simultaneously sweet and pleasantly musky. In the ancient world, it was highly sought after, and a symbol of sexuality.

Blue Lotus - Another floral scent, Blue Lotus has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years for its aphrodisiac and calming effects. The prized flower is native to Egypt - where ancient murals and papyrus scrolls detail its link with romance, intimacy, and desire.

Sandalwood - Sandalwood has been shown to boost physiological and self-rated arousal in humans, says one 2006 study. This is not only connected to sexual arousal, but a variety of other beneficial qualities: “alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, relaxation and vigor.” One theory as to why fragrances with “woody” base notes like Sandalwood (or Agarwood, noted below) may elicit such strong aphrodisiac reactions is because they may stimulate hormone receptors.

Agarwood/Oud - Agarwood is one of the most time-tested ancient scents, having been connected with spirituality and sensuality for thousands of years. For this reason, however, it comes with a hefty price tag (assuming the agarwood/oud is of good quality). It is one of the most expensive raw materials in the world.

Love Affair - Combining our favorite aspects of the woody and floral romance scents,Love Affairis a beautiful amalgamation of some of the most luxurious aphrodisiac ingredients. Floral notes of jasmine and saffron contrast perfectly with woody tones of cedarwood.

How to Diffuse Romantic Scents

Incense, reed diffusers, electric diffusers - there are so many options when it comes to deciding how to diffuse your romantic scent of choice. We recommend cold-air, cold-air diffusers as the safest, lowest-maintenance, and highest quality scenting experience.

Our diffusers allow you to fine tune your ideal fragrance level, and scent your entire space efficiently. Using only cold air nebulizing technology, they bypass all of the safety concerns connected with heat or water powered diffusers.

You can read more about cold-air diffusion technology and check out our cold-air diffusers here.