More than just marketing appeal
Smell is more sophisticated than any other sense as scent receptors in the nose connect directly to the section of the brain responsible for memory and emotion.So powerful, in fact, the nose is believed to affect 75% of our daily emotions. It is the close connection of the olfactory gland, which registers smell, and the limbic system, that governs emotion and memories, that is said to be responsible for the power behind the sense of smell.
Fragrances can have a beneficial effect on irritation, stress, depression, apathy, and can further enhance the positive factors like happiness, sensuality, relaxation, and stimulation.
Stephen Warrenburg (IFF) Gary E. Schwartz (Yale University)
The diffusion of lavender during breaks at work has been found to prevent the deterioration of work performance.
Sakamoto, et al, 2006 Oxford Journals | Life Sciences & Medicine | Chemical Senses