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Studies into the fascinating nose-brain connection have shown that your sense of smell has a direct hotline to some of the most important areas of the brain. The lining of the nose contains 50 million olfactory neurons, which receive and transmit signals and carry information directly to the limbic system in the brain. This system, consisting of the hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala — helps control numerous voluntary, endocrine (hormonal) and visceral (instinctive) responses to the world around us and is also a key player in our emotional health and wellbeing. This Works is one of the first brands to understand the relationship between aromas and neurological responses and have led the way in the field of neurocosmetics. Our independent, peer-reviewed scientific paper and large scale independent user studies have proven that specific essential oils with a unique make-up of terpenes (the aromatic building blocks of essential oils) and other molecules can help manage feelings of stress, fatigue, lack of concentration and help enhance feelings of pleasure, intimacy. ​

Our Functional Fragrances are tested against a placebo and measured in clinical studies using fMRI and ECG (electrocardiogram). Our Functional Fragrances can be seen as having additional physiological benefits, due to interaction with the limbic system, which in turn can stimulate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. As part of a programme to understand how different aromas can stimulate different emotional responses, This Works, in collaboration with Professor Gaby Badre, identified a library of Functional Fragrances shown to have a relationship with emotions, such as joy (Perfect), relaxation and reward (Love Sleep), alertness (Morning Expert) and stress reduction (Stress Check).

Our Deep Sleep Functional Fragrance has been tested in an fMRI brain imaging study which indicated brain activation in areas associated with emotions, pleasure and calmness and concluded the fragrance had the potential encourage a pre-disposition towards sleep.*

*Badre, G., Olausson, H., Ackerley, R., & Croy, I. (2018). Brain functional MRI (fMRI) study of fragrance inhalation. Any impact on sleep/wake/ reward-related brain areas? Journal of Sleep Research, 27, 164.