dsm-firmenich launches emotiOn™ social connection, a fragrance innovation scientifically proven to foster human closeness

dsm-firmenich launches emotiOn™ social connection, a fragrance innovation scientifically proven to foster human closeness

(IN BRIEF) dsm-firmenich has launched emotiOn™ social connection, a groundbreaking fragrance innovation proven to encourage real-life human interactions. Drawing on decades of neuroscience, proprietary AI-driven fragrance design, and behavioral testing, the technology decodes olfactive cues that foster closeness and belonging. The launch responds to consumer insights showing rising isolation, particularly among younger generations, and the role of scent in enhancing social confidence. Executives Matteo Magnani and Sarah Reisinger highlighted the innovation as a major step in using fragrance as a catalyst for wellbeing, applicable across both fine fragrance and daily consumer products, redefining how scent can influence emotional connection.

(PRESS RELEASE) KAISERAUGST/MAASTRICHT, 2-Sep-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — dsm-firmenich, a global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty, has unveiled emotiOn™ social connection, a first-of-its-kind fragrance innovation scientifically demonstrated to foster real-life human connections. Developed as part of the company’s broader emotiOn™ program, this patent-pending approach draws on more than 30 years of neuroscientific research and was co-created with leading academic institutions.

In an era where people are digitally connected but often feel emotionally isolated, dsm-firmenich set out to use scent as a bridge to meaningful social interaction. Findings from the company’s New Next Now Barometer — a study of 12,000 consumers in 20 countries — revealed that while 75% of people see strong social relationships as central to wellbeing, over half of Gen Z report feelings of isolation, and many describe in-person interactions as stressful. Notably, 61% of respondents indicated that fragrance helps counter loneliness, highlighting the untapped potential of scent in enhancing emotional closeness.

Matteo Magnani, Executive Vice President, Growth Office at dsm-firmenich, explained: “With emotiOn™ social connection, we’ve created the first fragrance innovation designed to make people feel more present and connected. By merging emotional expertise, data intelligence, and behavioral science, we’re unlocking the power of scent to help people enjoy richer human interactions.”

The innovation was built through a rigorous scientific process. dsm-firmenich decoded the emotional cues behind social connection by analyzing its vast fragrance database of more than 40,000 tested scents and 1 million consumer insights. These insights were paired with proprietary AI-driven design tools and a new behavioral testing methodology, developed in collaboration with a leading research institute, to validate fragrance guidelines that stimulate feelings of closeness and belonging.

Sarah Reisinger, Chief Science & Research Officer at dsm-firmenich, added: “This breakthrough demonstrates how fragrance can do more than delight the senses — it can actively enhance wellbeing. By decoding the emotional language of scent, we’re creating solutions that allow people to feel socially confident, more at ease, and more connected.”

Versatile by design, emotiOn™ social connection can be applied across fine fragrances and everyday consumer products, transforming scent into a subtle yet powerful tool for emotional openness. Whether through daily essentials or luxury experiences, the innovation positions fragrance as an invisible connector — enabling shared laughter, meaningful conversations, and moments of togetherness.

About dsm-firmenich

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for people and the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com

Forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich’s future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.

Media Contact:

Camille Le Gall
Tel. +33 614 714 121
Email: camille.le.gall@dsm-firmenich.com

SOURCE: dsm-firmenich