It’s no secret that mental wellness sometimes evades me—and all of us! Not only do I deal with chronic health and mental health conditions, but I also have to have a job, worry about current events, feed myself, etc. It’s stressful! That’s why I’m game to try basically anything and everything to ameliorate my mood. Enter: neuroscents. Can scents affect our moods? Actually, yes! But I don’t know a ton about it so I’m tapping the experts to explain the phenomenon and introduce a brand that’s doing just that.

Shreya Aggarwal (she/her), founder of Caftari, and neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart (she/her) have the info I need to get into smells for getting well(s).

How did you get into the fragrance industry/mental wellness space?
SHREYA: I used to work as a fragrance buyer for Dermstore.com and have always had a passion for fragrances. They’ve been a huge part of my life and my earliest childhood memories are linked back to specific fragrance notes.

DR. SWART: I’m an Oxford University trained MD and I have a PhD in neuroscience. I specialized in psychiatry for seven years before pivoting into the wellness space to bring my expertise to a wider audience through my book The Source, my podcast appearances, and via social media. I really enjoy being an ambassador for science backed health and wellness products.

What are neuroscents? And how can they help support our wellbeing?
SHREYA: Neuroscents is a nascent concept that utilizes advanced science and functional fragrance to make scents that can tangibly improve your wellbeing. We consulted a neurologist when making our scents and did our own independent research to substantiate our claims.

DR. SWART: Neuroscents are essential oils of sufficient potency and are proven by science to have certain beneficial effects on our mental state. For example, rose essential oil heightens the release of serotonin—a neurotransmitter renowned for its happiness inducing effects. Serotonin, the architect of alpha brainwaves, is released during moments of daydreaming or mindfulness, creating an ambiance of tranquility and joy. Our Dolce Far Niente candle contains rose oil as a major ingredient.

The Elixir candle’s fragrance blend includes bergamot and helps uplift mood. Bergamot essential oil stimulates the release of endorphins—the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Endorphins correlate with gamma brainwaves and accompany heightened states of awareness.

What’s your fave scent from Caftari and what’s your ritual for when you light it?
SHREYA: My favorite scent is Elixir. It’s very energizing yet subtle. When I light it, I feel like I’m in a high end spa. I usually light this in the mornings to get a good vibe going for my work day. It also helps me focus and get in the zoner faster.

DR. SWART: It’s so hard to choose between them as I use Elixir on my nightstand as part of my waking up routine and I love it, but Dolce Far Niente has to be my favorite as I light it to signal the end of the work day and my transition into “family mode,” with the serotonin boost of rose essential oil that correlates with improved mood and optimistic feelings.

And with that, I’ll def be adding “light a candle” to my morning and night routines. 🕯️

Feeling sweet about doing nothing,
Reina Sultan, associate editorial director