Proust Effect: Going back in time with a scent

Have your memories ever taken you back to a happy place after smelling something familiar? This feeling is known as the Proust Effect, in which a scent or flavor can make you remember your past.

The power of scents

Scents can take you back to a different time in your life, reminding you of the feelings experienced in that particular moment (1). This is because the sense of smell is the only one that is connected to the neuronal structures that support emotions and memories (2).

At APoEM, we take advantage of this marvelous effect and use the technique of aromatherapy in our products. Our familiar and cozy scents are reminiscent of happy times, bringing up pleasant sensations with every use. Even if they don’t take you back memory lane, they sure will make your skincare routine a comfortable and memorable experience.

The meaning behind the Proust Effect

This dream-like experience takes its name from writer Marcel Proust and his monumental novel In Search of Lost Time.

The author writes in detail about his experience of remembrance when eating and smelling a cupcake dipped in tea. Decades later, scientific studies proved that scents can bring back memories more than any other stimuli (1).

Aromatherapy and its links to the Proust Effect

As proved before, scents can have a strong impact on our mood and our thoughts. Aromatherapy is a pleasant way to make our minds and bodies feel different sensations, from relaxation to an energy boost.

Most of our products include natural ingredients that not only benefit your skin but also your mood with their delightful scents. We use the Proust Effect to make your mind connect your skincare ritual to happy memories and comfortable experiences.