Crossmodal Interactions Between Olfaction and Touch Affecting Well-Being and Perception of Cosmetic Creams

What emotions are elicited by smells in Japanese people? Emotional measurement using a universal scale in Japanese

Odors can elicit emotions, and cultural differences exist in the emotions elicited. To enable cross-cultural comparisons, the Universal Emotion and Odor Scales (EOS), a psychological scale consisting of affective terms in multiple languages, has been developed and used to measure emotions. However, it does not include the Japanese language. In addition, similar surveys only examined the pleasantness or unpleasantness of odors among Japanese people. No studies examined their relationship with specific emotions. We created a Japanese version of the EOS (the Japanese version of the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale; J-GEOS), which could be compared across cultures. In addition, we conducted an experiment to examine the relationship between odors and emotions among Japanese participants. The J-GEOS was created by translating the existing multilingual EOS into Japanese. It was also used to examine emotional attraction to 10 odors in 200 participants, which included older adults. This study showed that the J-GEOS could be used to describe emotions elicited by odors via further specific affective terms. We expect that the J-GEOS could be widely used as a comparative tool between various cultures to understand the psychological characteristics of olfaction among the Japanese.

Reshaping the experience of topical skincare products: A multisensory approach for promoting loyalty and adherence

The increasingly competitive skincare market demands more engaging consumer experiences to foster loyalty and adherence. The framework developed here analyzes the customer journey for topically applied skincare products, first, through a literature review of multisensory design and consumer behavior research, and second, by proposing the redesign of different touchpoints focusing on multisensory cues to create a cohesive product experience. This contribution offers a novel approach that distinguishes between topical pharmaceutical and cosmetic product experiences. In general, both offer distinct opportunities for hedonic and utilitarian values. Multisensory design can be adopted to prioritize clear communication of function and efficacy for pharmaceuticals, or luxurious, pleasurable experiences for cosmetics. Multisensory design can lead to higher engagement, promotion of loyalty, and treatment adherence by differentiating topical skincare product brands and enhancing customer journeys. Future research agenda draws attention toward crossmodal correspondences, digital transformations, and eco-friendly product development.

Development of Biomimetic Tactile Sensing Systems for Cosmetics and Cosmetic Ingredients

The comfortable application of creams and powders and the texture of human skin and hair are essential factors in the design of cosmetics and cosmetic raw materials. However, the mechanisms underlying these diverse and delicate tactile sensations are poorly understood. We developed a "biomimetic tactile sensing system" to reproduce the interfacial phenomena that occur on the skin surfaces and evaluated the "moist" and "dry" sensations of surface-treated cosmetic powders and the texture of organogel and dispersion formulations. This tactile sensing system consists of a finger model contact probe that mimics the fingerprint and mechanical properties of a human finger and a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation device that can reproduce natural and smooth motions. The finger model contact probe, which mimics the fingerprint and mechanical properties of a human finger, was designed such that the elastic modulus, which reflects hardness, and the surface energy, which affects adhesion, were comparable to those of human skin. In addition, grooves of hundreds of micrometers were engraved to imitate fingerprints. A scotch yoke mechanism that converts elliptical motion into sinusoidal motion was introduced into a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation device to reproduce natural and smooth motions. We analyzed the relationship between sensory evaluation and friction data for cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients and constructed a physical model of tactile sensation evocation. For example, the "moistness" of cosmetic powder was strongly felt when the friction coefficient in the sliding process was low, and a gap existed where the frictional force reached its maximum value. Commercially available makeup cosmetics and sunscreens were characterized based on their friction dynamics and classified accordingly. The wax derived from rice bran and rice paraffin was shown to have high oil-gelling ability, and the resulting gel was smooth to the touch, indicating that it is suitable as a raw material for lipstick and cleansing products.

Multisensory contributions to skin-cosmetic product interactions

The human face is one of the most salient regions of the body surface. Ratings of facial attractiveness, as well as judgements of a person's age, are influenced by the appearance of facial skin (not to mention the presence/absence of wrinkles). Unsurprisingly, many consumers spend huge amounts of money on trying to protect, maintain, and/or enhance their facial appearance. As highlighted by the evidence presented in this narrative review, both the skin and the cosmetic products that many consumers use are fundamentally multisensory in nature. The complex interaction between the particular skin site stimulated and the multisensory attributes of the product (e.g., when it is applied) can exert a number of effects on an individual's mood, their emotions, as well as on their self-perception (and self-confidence), over-and-above any functional effects that the cream or lotion may have on the skin itself. In this narrative historical review, the literature on the multisensory perception of facial skin is summarized and critically evaluated. Multisensory interactions taking place between the cosmetic product, its packaging, as well as its use/application at the sensory, cognitive, and emotional levels are all discussed.

Neurophysiological approaches to exploring emotional responses to cosmetics: a systematic review of the literature

Introduction

This systematic review explores the use of neurophysiological measurements to study emotional responses to cosmetic products. The aim is to evaluate existing literature on these measurements in cosmetics, identify the main findings, highlight methodological challenges, and propose new guidelines for future research.

Method

A systematic search focusing on neurophysiological measures to determine emotions induced by different cosmetic products was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 33 articles identified with the EBSCO database met the inclusion criteria. In all, 10 different measurement tools were used in these articles to assess the emotional effects of cosmetic products.

Discussion

This review emphasizes the complexity of interactions between cosmetics and emotional responses. It underscores the importance of future research with a more holistic approach that couples several physiological measurements. Among them, electrophysiological brain activity shows potential for enhancing understanding of emotional responses related to cosmetic products. Frontal asymmetry, particularly in the alpha frequency band, was often use and frequently linked to positive emotional states, although conflicting evidence exists. Additionally, cardiac activity, specifically the LF/HF ratio, emerges as a promising marker for differentiating between different cosmetic products. However, methodological heterogeneity, present challenges for replicability, generalizability, and complicate data interpretation.

Impacts of sensory multimodality congruence and familiarity with short use on cosmetic product evaluation

Cross-modal association between sensory modalities is a natural phenomenon in the perception of our environment. For cosmetic evaluation, touch and smell are the two major sensory modalities involved in the whole product perception. In this study, we investigate whether a specific cosmetic texture is preferentially associated with a specific fragrance: congruence between texture and fragrance. In addition, we investigate whether 1-week use of a fragrance-texture congruent or non-congruent product can influence user's whole product appreciation and well-being. We have conducted a four-test experiment with 29 participants; first in the laboratory to evaluate: six fragrances and four textures individually with free description (test 1); the same stimuli with a description with cross-modal descriptors (test 2); 10 fragrance-texture combined products (test 3); and secondly at home, two fragrance-texture combined products: one congruent and one non-congruent (test 4). Results showed that: (1) For a given texture type, specific olfactory notes are necessary to lead to a congruent cross-modal pairing product. (2) Sensory modal congruent products produce the highest hedonic response. (3) Real-life use or familiarisation with a product can influence not only the degree of cross-modal congruence but also overall cosmetic product appreciation.

Applying cosmetic oil with added aromatic compounds improves tactile sensitivity and skin properties

Tactile sensitivity generally decreases with aging and is associated with impairments in skin properties. Products that hydrate the skin can combat touch deficits and aromatic compounds have been shown to improve skin mechanical properties. Thus, we tested a base cosmetic oil against a perfumed oil, applied to the skin of females aged 40-60 years, on tactile sensitivity and skin properties after repeated application. Tactile detection thresholds were assessed using calibrated monofilaments applied at the index finger, palm, forearm, and cheek. Spatial discrimination on the finger was assessed using pairs of plates with different inter-band spaces. These tests were performed before and after 1 month of base or perfumed oil use. We found that tactile detection thresholds and spatial discrimination improved only in perfumed oil group. A complementary immunohistological study using human skin was conducted to estimate the expression of olfactory receptor OR2A4 and elastic fiber length. Further, the expression of OR2A4 intensity and the length of elastic fibers increased significantly with oil application, where larger effects were seen with the perfumed oil. We conclude that the application of a perfumed oil may be of additional benefit and could repair, and even prevent, tactile decline with aging by ameliorating skin condition.

A three-factor benefits framework for understanding consumer preference for scented household products: psychological interactions and implications for future development

Humans have deliberately scented their environment for purpose or pleasure for millennia. In the contemporary marketplace most consumers prefer and purchase scented versions of common household products. However, the drivers of this consumer preference have not been elucidated. To explain the attraction to scent in household products we propose a novel three-factor framework, comprising functional benefits (malodor mitigation, base odor coverage, freshening), in-use experience benefits (cleanliness, efficacy, pleasure), and emotional benefits (increasing in confidence, mood and nostalgia). To support this framework, we present new data from a market research survey on US consumer purchasing habits and attitudes towards home cleaning, laundry, and air freshening products. Further substantiating our framework, a focused review of olfactory psychological science illustrating the central role of scent in cognition, wellbeing, motivated behavior, and social behavior, as well as sensory marketing research highlights the benefits and implications of scent in consumer household products. Based on our three-factor framework we go on to discuss the potential for scent to influence health and raise issues to consider (such as potential negative responding to fragranced products). We conclude by showcasing new opportunities for future research in olfactory science and on scented household products that can advance the positive impacts of scent.