What is Asmona? The Reason Many People Need Stronger Fragrances

Many perfume lovers ask why certain scents seem to last all day for some people but fade quickly for others. This contradiction often isn’t about the perfume itself but about a lesser-known olfactory condition called Asmona. People with Asmona have reduced sensitivity to scents, meaning they may need stronger fragrances to perceive them fully. In this blog, we explain what Asmona is, how it affects fragrance perception, why it creates debates about perfume longevity, and how to choose scents that work best for those with this condition.

Understanding the Contradiction Around Fragrance Longevity

It’s a common conversation in the perfume world—someone buys a fragrance, loves the scent at first spray, but complains it fades within hours. Yet another person wearing the same fragrance claims it lasts all day. This contradiction leads to debates about whether the product is “weak” or “long-lasting,” but often, the difference lies not in the perfume itself, but in the person’s sense of smell.

One of the possible explanations is Asmona, a condition affecting the olfactory glands. People with this condition may not fully perceive certain scent notes or may experience faster scent fatigue, leading them to believe a perfume has worn off even when others can still smell it strongly.

What is Asmona?

Asmona refers to a partial olfactory dysfunction where a person’s ability to detect and process scents is reduced. Unlike complete anosmia (total loss of smell), Asmona typically means someone can still detect fragrances but at a lower intensity. This reduced sensitivity makes it harder to notice subtle or mid-layer fragrance notes, often causing people to perceive perfumes as weaker than they are.

Read Also: The Reason Why Certain People Can’t Smell Baccarat Rouge / Ambroxin. – Find out why some noses miss this iconic scent.

Asmona can occur for several reasons, including:

• Genetics – Some people are naturally less sensitive to certain scent molecules.

• Age – Our sense of smell often weakens as we get older.

• Illness or injury – Sinus infections, allergies, or nasal injuries can affect olfactory performance.

• Prolonged exposure – Wearing strong fragrances daily can sometimes cause “olfactory fatigue.”

How Asmona Creates Fragrance Longevity Confusion

Perfumes are designed with top, middle, and base notes. A person with Asmona may miss certain lighter top or middle notes, meaning they only detect the heavier base notes once the fragrance settles. They might also lose perception of the scent entirely after a short time, even if others nearby can still smell it.

This explains why in perfume reviews, you’ll often see mixed opinions:

• One reviewer says a scent “lasts all day.”

• Another says it “disappears in an hour.”

In many cases, both are correct, based on their own scent perception.

Do People with Asmona Need Stronger Fragrances?

Yes, in most cases, people with Asmona benefit from fragrances that have:

• Higher concentration levels (Extrait de Parfum or pure parfum rather than Eau de Toilette).

• Stronger base notes like oud, amber, musk, or patchouli.

• Bold projection so that the scent radiates more noticeably.

For example, perfumes within a Private Oud Collection tend to have deep, rich notes that linger longer and remain detectable even for those with reduced olfactory sensitivity.
Explore our Private Oud Collections.

Choosing the Right Fragrance if You Have Asmona

If you suspect you might have Asmona, here are some practical tips when choosing a perfume:

1. Go for long-lasting concentrations – Look for “Extrait” or “Parfum” on the bottle rather than lighter formulations.
   
   

2. Choose bold, warm notes – Oud, sandalwood, vanilla, amber, leather, and spice-forward compositions stand out more.
   
   

3. Layer fragrances – Use a matching scented body lotion or oil to reinforce the scent.
   
   

4. Test over time – Spray a tester and smell your wrist at intervals throughout the day. You might be surprised at what you detect hours later.

If you need inspiration, our Fragrance Collections include options that range from bright citrus openings to rich woody dry-downs, giving you multiple ways to find a scent that fits your perception. Browse our Fragrance Collections.

The Psychological Impact of Scent Perception

Fragrance is not just a sensory experience—it’s emotional and personal. When someone feels their perfume “isn’t working,” it can affect their confidence and enjoyment of wearing it. For those with Asmona, finding a perfume that they can detect and appreciate throughout the day can greatly improve their satisfaction.

Interestingly, others around them may still notice the fragrance even when they don’t. This is why receiving compliments can be a good indicator of how well your scent is performing, even if you feel it has faded.

Read Also: Why Do Some Fragrances Smell Cheap. – Uncover the factors that make a perfume feel low-quality.

How Brands Account for Scent Perception Differences

Perfume houses are aware that scent perception varies from person to person. That’s why many collections include both subtle, fresh scents and bold, powerful blends. By offering a variety, brands cater to different olfactory needs, including those with conditions like Asmona.

At Rosa Salas Perfumes, we carefully select and create perfumes that cater to a wide range of scent preferences and intensities, allowing everyone—whether they have full scent sensitivity or reduced perception—to find something that feels satisfying and personal.
Shop from Rosa Salas Perfumes to explore scents designed for every type of fragrance lover.

FAQs About Asmona and Fragrance Longevity

1. What is the difference between Asmona and Anosmia?
Asmona is a partial loss or reduction in smell perception, while anosmia is the complete inability to smell.

2. Can Asmona be treated?
In some cases, improving nasal health, treating sinus issues, or reducing exposure to strong odors can help, but for others, it’s a long-term condition.

3. How do I know if I have Asmona?
If you often feel that fragrances fade quickly while others say they can still smell them, you may have reduced scent sensitivity. A medical professional can provide confirmation.

4. Do stronger perfumes last longer for people with Asmona?
Yes, higher concentration perfumes with bold base notes generally perform better for those with reduced olfactory sensitivity.

5. Can I still enjoy light floral or citrus perfumes if I have Asmona?
Yes, but you may need to reapply more often or layer them with other stronger scents to perceive them better.