Givaudan is proud to unveil a groundbreaking discovery in scent receptor research

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

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.

Recently, Givaudan scientists have developed a breakthrough methodology, enhancing receptor sensitivity by up to 100x through subtle modifications to the receptor’s tail ends. This innovation has successfully activated previously receptors unresponsive, unlocking 20 specific human odour receptors and revealing which natural scent molecules they detect. It is now possible to pinpoint exactly which odour molecules fit which receptor.

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

Jeremy Compton, Global Head of Science and Technology, Fragrances

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

Agnes Bombrun, Head of Ingredients Research Fragrance S&T 

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

About Givaudan
Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. In 2024, Givaudan employed over 16,900 people worldwide and achieved CHF 7.4 billion in sales with a free cash flow of 15.6%. With a heritage that stretches back over 250 years, we are committed to driving long-term, purpose-led growth by improving people’s health and happiness and increasing our positive impact on nature. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Discover more at www.givaudan.com.

About Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty
Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty crafts inspired fragrances to perfume lives and memories, and develops innovative beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good all over the world. Nature is both our responsibility and our most precious muse. We are just as committed to sustainability as we are to creating innovative products that satisfy consumer needs and anticipate their desires. With a collaborative approach that favours co-creation, we have built a diverse portfolio across personal care, fabric care, hygiene, home care, fine fragrances, and beauty, reflecting our multidisciplinary expertise. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more at www.givaudan.com/fragrance-beauty.

For further information please contact 
Pauline Martin, Fragrance & Beauty Communications
E pauline.martin.pm1@givaudan.com