The Power of Scent Memory: A Journey Through Time

Before I started making candles, I didn’t realize there was an actual term for when a scent transports you back in time. It’s called scent memory, and it’s one of the most profound ways we connect to our past.

 

There are two types of scent memory: odor recognition and odor-evoked memory. While odor recognition is simply identifying a smell, odor-evoked memory—the focus of this post—is far more magical. This phenomenon, known as the Proust Effect, describes a scent's power. It can trigger autobiographical memories, taking you back to a specific moment, place, or feeling.

 

Why Does Scent Trigger Memory?

 

It all comes down to how the brain processes smells, emotions, and memories. The olfactory bulb, which handles our sense of smell, is closely connected to the parts of the brain that govern emotion (the amygdala) and memory (the hippocampus). This is why memories tied to scents often feel more vivid and emotional than those triggered by other senses.

 

For example, have you ever caught a whiff of something familiar and been instantly transported back to a childhood memory or a special event? It’s not just nostalgia—it’s science.

 

My Scent Memories

 

For me, scent memories are deeply personal. I vividly remember my first day of third grade. Not because anything extraordinary happened, but because I had a set of fruit-scented markers. The smells of artificial grape, strawberry, and orange may not have been natural, but they were enough to etch that day into my mind forever.

 

Another cherished memory is baking a pineapple upside-down cake with my mother when I was nine years old. We baked many cakes together, but something about the sweet, caramelized aroma of cooked pineapple made that evening unforgettable. Even now, that scent evokes the warmth and love of that moment.

 

These memories remind me why I love creating candles. Scents have the power to evoke emotions, spark joy, and bring forgotten moments rushing back to life.

 

What Are Your Scent Memories?

 

Scent memory is deeply personal and unique to each of us. Maybe the smell of freshly cut grass reminds you of carefree summers, or the aroma of vanilla makes you think of baking cookies with a loved one. Perhaps a particular cologne takes you back to a first date or the smell of the ocean stirs memories of family vacations.

 

IncluScent™️ is passionate about creating fragrances that help you connect with those special moments. Every candle is designed to evoke an emotion or memory, whether it’s a feeling of tranquility, a reminder of home, or a spark of nostalgia.

 

What scents have left a lasting impression on you? Share your favorite scent memories in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories!