Businesses can use aromatherapy-style scents such as lavender, citrus and eucalyptus at work, but they need to be careful what they claim. Saying a scent reduces stress, improves health or purifies the air is a health claim, and most businesses cannot support it. Describe scent in sensory terms, such as fresh, calm or welcoming, use fragrance formulated within the IFRA Standards, and keep levels low for everyone who shares the space.
Aromatherapy, aromachology and scent marketing
Aromatherapy uses essential oils with the aim of improving wellbeing, and it makes claims that sit close to health. Aromachology studies how scent affects mood and behaviour without health claims. Scent marketing uses fragrance to shape how people experience a space and brand. In a business, it is safest to stay on the aromachology and scent marketing side of that line.
Why claims matter
- They can mislead. Customers and staff may rely on a scent for something it cannot do.
- They invite scrutiny. Health claims in advertising are regulated, and a scenting programme is not a medical product.
- They distract from the real benefit. A well-chosen scent makes a space feel cared for and memorable. That is enough.
Using aromatherapy-style scents responsibly
- Choose fragrance made for diffusion. Concentrated essential oils vary between batches and some carry more risk in shared spaces. See essential oils versus fragrance oils.
- Keep levels low. People sensitive to fragrance share offices, clinics and spas.
- Zone carefully. No scent near food preparation, and fragrance-free areas where needed.
- Think about pets. Some oils are risky for animals. See scenting around pets.
- Word it carefully. “A calming scent in our treatment rooms” rather than “lavender to relieve anxiety”.
Where these scents fit
Spas, wellness studios and treatment rooms suit lavender, eucalyptus and soft herbal notes; see our spa scent marketing service. Clinics need extra restraint; see healthcare and clinic scenting.
Frequently asked questions
Can a business say its scent reduces stress?
It is safer not to. Describe the scent as calming or relaxing in feel, without promising an effect on health.
Are essential oils safe to diffuse in an office?
At low levels, with fragrance formulated for diffusion and within IFRA guidance, scent is widely used in offices. Concentrated essential oils need more care.
Which scents suit a spa?
Lavender, eucalyptus, soft herbal and woody notes, kept low in treatment rooms.
Further reading: Aromatherapy on Wikipedia.
