While I firmly believe you can begin fresh at any point in the year, I am a big believer in using the new year's energy to attract and manifest positive change for the months ahead. My friends and I have already held a night of moodboarding, to visualise what we hope 2026 will look like, a wish burning ceremony (yes, I know, it sounds intense, but TikTok told me to do it, so who am I to question it?), followed by a delicious dinner to set our intentions and resolutions for 2026.
Yet, if that all sounds like I’m leaving things up to the universe, think again. As much as I love the idea of manifesting, I’m a practical person, and so each of my resolutions is usually followed by a 5-step plan to make it happen, followed by a reward for when I reach the goal—yes, like a child with a star chart who gets a prize at the end. Of course, that means I’m always on the lookout for ways to make achieving said goals even easier, and I think I’ve found the most beauty editor-approved hack for setting myself up to do so: the best functional perfumes.
What Are Functional Perfumes?
“Functional fragrances go beyond simply smelling good,” explains Jules Miller, founder of The Nue Co., “They are designed to make you feel something too. These formulas are created using research into how scent interacts with the brain and our mood states.”
And Dr. Anna Persaud, CEO of This Works, agrees, “Because smell bypasses the thalamus, it has one of the fastest sensory routes into neural circuits that influence how we feel and function. Functional Fragrances interact with real, measurable brain pathways. When a scent is inhaled, aromatic molecules bind to olfactory receptors and trigger electrical signals in the olfactory bulb. These signals travel directly into areas of the brain involved in emotion, stress response, circadian rhythm, memory and cognitive regulation.”
So, onto the important part, how can functional fragrances make you feel, and how can we use this to our advantage? Well, “Depending on the formula, functional fragrances can help you feel calmer, more grounded, more focused, or more connected,” continues Miller. “They work almost like a wearable wellbeing tool, an intuitive way to support your nervous system and shift your emotional state throughout the day.”
That means, in terms of setting your intention for the new year, a functional perfume isn’t just about smelling great; it can actually be used to change the way you feel, the energy you attract, or help you focus on achieving your goals. Say your resolution is to improve your sleep quality, well, there’s a functional fragrance that can help with that, or if you’re hoping to improve your love life, switching to a functional fragrance that induces romantic vibes could be the answer.
How Do You Use Functional Perfumes?
“Application varies by product format,” explains Persaud. “For our pillow sprays, we recommend spritzing your pillow and bedsheet (if desired) just before bed, allowing you to inhale the fragrance as you fall asleep for maximum benefit.”
Alternatively, for traditional fragrances, Miller suggests applying directly to the skin. “I always like to suggest applying the fragrance onto pulse points, where blood flows directly onto skin,” she told me. “And trying a breathing exercise to truly experience it - breathe in for four, hold, and exhale for four.”
“Layering functional fragrances throughout your routine helps maintain consistent olfactory signalling, supporting your body’s natural circadian rhythm and optimising their functional benefits,” Persaud continued, so don’t just think about functional fragrances in terms of perfumes. The scents of shower gels, body lotions, room sprays and even candles can also be used to influence your mood, depending on the scents you choose and how you use and apply them.
To get you started, here are 11 of the best functional perfumes, which can help with everything from calming and grounding to boosting energy and even increasing your libido. Oh, and they all smell incredible too—after all, when it comes to fragrance, there’s nothing more important…
The Best Functional Perfumes
- Best Functional Perfume for Stress: The Nue Co. Forest Lungs (£125)
- Best Functional Perfume for Relaxation: This Works Own Time Eau de Parfum (£80)
- Best Joyful Functional Perfume: Being Joyful Eau de Parfum (£85)
- Best Grounding Functional Perfume: VYRAO Mamajuju Eau de Parfum (£110)
- Best Functional Perfume for Focus: Moods Hustle Moodmist (£45)
1. The Nue Co. Forest Lungs
Key notes: Pine, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, bergamot
There’s no getting away from the fact that modern life can be stressful, but thankfully, The Nue Co.’s Forest Lungs is here to help with that. Combining notes of fresh pine, woody cedar and uplifting bergamot, it aims to mimic the calming benefits of being surrounded by nature, transporting the wearer to a leafy woodland with each spritz. As a scent, it’s fresh and earthy, but also clean at the same time—think of it as a palette cleanser in fragrance form.
2. This Works Own Time
Key notes: Pink peppercorn, rose, cardamom, olibanum, sandalwood, musk
One of the first brands to introduce functional sleep fragrances to the market, This Works knows a thing or two about creating calming and relaxing scents which offer proven results. For 2026, they’ve turned their hand to personal fragrance with Own Time, a scent which is designed to relax the nervous system, prepping the body for a more restful night without actually sending you to sleep. (That’s where the brand’s pillow sprays come in.)
It contains a blend of creamy sandalwood, sweet rose and punchy pink peppercorn, which come together to create a soft, soothing scent. In their own research, This Works stated 74% of people fell asleep faster when wearing the perfume, while 71% said it improved their sleep quality. For me, it definitely made me feel calmer and allowed me to reset after a busy day, so I’ll be keeping this close for when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
3. Being Joyful
Key notes: Bergamot, orange, cardamom, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, amber
While wearing any perfume you truly love can bring about feelings of joy, if you want to take things a step further, Being Joyful is the answer. Powered by the brand's Aromawellness technology, it has been scientifically proven to boost feelings of happiness for those who smell it. It does this through a blend of citrus notes, including bergamot and orange; however, if you’re expecting a bright, zesty scent, think again. Joyful is creamy at its heart, with notes of sandalwood and amber, with just a hint of fruitiness to lift and energise.
4. Vyrao Mamajuju
Key notes: Pink pepper, cardamom, saffron, clay, rum, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood
Australian fragrance brand Vyrao creates intentional, functional fragrances that aim to enhance and elevate the mood of the wearer without compromising on scent. Mamajuju proves this exceptionally. A spicy, earthy fragrance, it aims to pull the wearer into a greater sense of awareness, grounding them in the moment to allow for better presence, clarity and focus. As a result, don’t expect Mamajuju to come at you softly. It’s strong and deep with plenty of punch. This is a functional fragrance that wakes you up and draws you in so you can better take on whatever is thrown at you.
5. Penhaligon’s A Balm of Calm
Key notes: Cardamom, lavender, geranium, iris, sandalwood, vetiver, oak
Firstly, we can’t talk about Penhaligon’s A Balm of Calm without touching on the incredible design. Proudly stating ‘Panic no more’ on the label, it offers a playful take on functional fragrance that brings me joy as soon as I see it on my dressing table. Housed inside, however, is one of my favourite calming fragrances. A scent that’s fresh and refined without smelling too botanical. You’ll find notes of lavender to calm, as well as gentle floral notes of geranium and iris. It’s a light, soft fragrance that's easy to wear and won’t overpower those around you.
6. Byredo Alto Astral
Key notes: Coconut water, aldehydes, musk, jasmine, cashmere, sandalwood, amber
While many of the functional fragrances on this list have been tested to see how they affect the mood and mindset of the wearer, Byredo have taken things one step further with Alto Astral. Formulated to leave behind a trail of positive energy, it promises to uplift the mood of all who smell it. As a scent, it’s warming and sweet with a slight tropical edge courtesy of notes of coconut water. A holiday scent that’s light enough to wear year-round to bring a little bit of sunshine to yourself and those around you.
7. Moods Hustle Moodmist
Key notes: Lime, grapefruit, eucalyptus, ginger, pine, bergamot
Need to get stuff done? Moods Hustle is the answer. The fragrance antidote to procrastination, it works to increase concentration, optimise brain activity and speed up cognitive response time. Yes, I know it all sounds very scientific, but in clinical trials, 35% of users showed improvement in brain signal strength when using the scent. Proving, if you need a little added motivation on tired mornings, it’s a great place to start. As for the notes, you’ll find a blend of clean citrus elements, like grapefruit and lime, as well as eucalyptus and lime, which lend a freshness. It’s a scent that leans slightly masculine; however, if you can set that aside, it’ll set you up for the day.
8. Charlotte Tilbury More Sex
Key notes: Black pepper, juniper, leather, musk, ambroxan, sandalwood, amber
Each of Charlotte Tilbury’s Law of Attraction scents are designed to enhance the mood of the wearer and draw positive energy towards you, meaning whichever one you choose can have functional benefits. More Sex is a creamy, musky scent with notes of leather, amber and sandalwood, designed to enhance sensuality and boost feelings of love and romance. I’ve worn it before a date, and while I can’t say I’ll be seeing them again, they did compliment me on my perfume, and so, I’ll take that as a win.
9. Within 51/49 Reborn
Key notes: Mandarin, turmeric, orange flower, ginger, sandalwood, amber
Niche perfume brand Within 51/49 was a relatively new discovery for me; however, the unique approach to functional fragrance cannot be dismissed. Not only is each scent formulated to promote feelings of well-being within the brain, but they also incorporate sound as an ingredient to further boost these properties. Each scent is enhanced with a different Mhz, which aims to harmonise the perfume at a structural level. Reborn is harmonised with the ‘heartbeat’ of the earth, while notes of ginger, turmeric, and mandarin offer a freshness to channel feelings of growth and new beginnings.
10. Neuraé énergie Emotion Booster
Key notes: Angelica, lemongrass, juniper
One of the great things about functional perfumes is that you can change and adapt them throughout the day depending on your needs and how your mood changes. To make this even easier, Neurae have created emotion-boosting mini scents which come in a handy rollerball format for easy application wherever you are. Energie blends notes of lemongrass and juniper for a scent that’s formulated to make you feel more awake and alert. Apply to your pulse points and inhale deeply to reap the benefits.
11. Initio Parfums Can’t Get Enough
Key notes: Rose, vanilla, caramel, pink pepper, tonka bean
Lastly, we have a new perfume launch in the form of Initio Parfum’s Can’t Get Enough, a functional fragrance designed to increase libido and, as the brand puts it, create feelings of ‘insatiable desire’. Inside is a sweet, heady rose scent that’s light and fizzy with a girlish quality that smells incredibly wearable. Trust me, if you spritz this, nobody will know your intentions, although I can’t speak for the results.