Coffee and scent – why are coffee beans used in perfumery?

If you've been to a perfume store, you've probably noticed jars with coffee beans. Salespeople often recommend smelling them to "clean" the sense of smell between different aromas. But why coffee? Does it really help?

Smell fatigue

When we smell several scents in a row, our nose starts to get "confused." The olfactory receptors get used to the scents and become less sensitive—this phenomenon is called olfactory fatigue. Therefore, after the fifth or sixth aroma, it often seems that they all smell the same or it is no longer clear which one we like.
To help customers distinguish between aromas, stores offer a simple solution – smelling the coffee beans.

Why coffee?

Coffee has a very strong, familiar, and recognizable aroma. It contrasts with the subtle floral, fruity or woody notes often found in perfumery. Therefore, many people feel that when they smell coffee beans, the aroma is "renewed" and they are ready to continue experiencing new notes.

In addition, coffee is emotionally familiar to people. It is associated with comfort, energy, and a pleasant daily ritual. Therefore, this effect may also be partly psychological—the smell of coffee allows you to relax and shift your attention away from previous smells.

Does it really work?

Scientists and perfumery specialists have studied this phenomenon. It turns out that smelling coffee beans is not always more effective than simply taking a break or breathing in fresh air. Some studies have concluded that a short break or smelling your own skin's natural scent works just as well.

So, coffee beans can help, but mostly it's our own brain "tricking" us. However, that's not a bad thing – if it helps us choose fragrances better and makes the process more enjoyable, why not?

How to restore your sense of smell?

Next time you visit a perfume store, try these tips:

Don't rush – take a break between smelling different aromas.
Smell your skin, for example, the inside of your wrist – this helps to "reset" your sense of smell to a neutral state.
If possible, go outside for some fresh air – this is the most effective solution.
And, of course, if you want, use coffee beans too – they are not only practical, but also create a special atmosphere.

Coffee is not just a drink

This example shows that coffee is not just a drink that helps you wake up in the morning. It has become an important ingredient in other areas as well, from fragrances to design and cuisine. Coffee can inspire and provide a unique experience in various situations in life.

Coffee beans in perfumery are like a little trick that helps people choose the right fragrance for themselves more easily. Does it work scientifically? Not always. But it definitely works emotionally—and often that's what matters most.