Givaudan achieved a decades-long scientific milestone: decoding how consumers’ nose detects and recognize some of nature’s iconic scents, paving the way for unprecedented precision in fragrance creation.

Recently, Givaudan scientists have developed a breakthrough methodology, enhancing receptor sensitivity by up to 100x through subtle modifications to the receptor’s tail ends. 

Jeremy Compton, Global Head of Science and Technology, Fragrances, said,

“This progress turns receptor science into a creative edge, enabling olfactory experiences that are more impactful, distinctive, and targeted than ever before. This pioneering research marks a turning point where science becomes a direct creative advantage, allowing Givaudan to lead the way in impactful, distinctive, and targeted fragrances that stand out in the market.”

Our sense of smell relies on roughly 400 olfactory receptors (ORs), each working like a lock waiting for its scent molecule key. For over 30 years, scientists struggled to study many of these receptors in the laboratory due to their low sensitivity, leaving countless “silent” receptors without known matches.

This innovation has successfully activated receptors previously unresponsive, unlocking 20 specific human odor receptors and revealing which natural scent molecules they detect. It is now possible to pinpoint exactly which odor molecules fit which receptor.

Agnes Bombrun, Head of Ingredients Research Fragrance S&T, added,

 “For the first time, we have been able to match specific human odor receptors to the natural scents they detect, revealing that in some cases a single receptor is enough to signal a complex odor to the brain. This insight rewrites what we knew about olfaction, making possible the recreation of nature’s most recognizable notes with perfect fidelity, and to imagine entirely molecules and formulations.”

Leveraging decades of know-how, Givaudan continues to refine its craft, developing new molecules with extraordinary precision to shape olfactory signatures that capture the exact emotion and performance.

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