Valentine’s Day: Showing Love for You or Another With the Perfect Fragrance Gift
February 05, 2026 | Source: EWG | by Ketura Persellin
Fragrance is a longtime favorite Valentine’s Day gift, and for good reason: Some pleasing smells can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, contributing to feelings of happiness and well-being.
Choosing a fragrance isn’t just about how it smells, but also about what is actually in the bottle. Some can contain chemicals of concern, but knowing which ingredients to avoid can help you make a safer choice.
The association between February 14 and love reaches back to an ancient Roman fertility festival. It intensified in the 19th century, when sentimental traditions like personalized, fancy, often scented cards grew in popularity.
Fast forward to the 2020s: Total U.S. spending on fragrance for the big day is estimated to top $25 billion this year.