Odor hedonics and their modulators

Olfactory perception in humans is characterized by salient emotional reactions that reflect our preferences. These preferences are modified by external and internal factors and when designing their studies, sensory scientists should take into account these modulators of olfactory perception. The present review is aimed at describing these factors that affect our affective responses to odors. A number of these modulators are related to the odorant characteristics. Other factors that influence the perceivers refer to the inter-individual variations according to sex, reproductive status and intraindividual changes occurring throughout the human life-span. Finally, relevant factors also stem from the experimental context where the smell is perceived.