Of all the human senses, olfaction is neurologically unique. Where sight, sound and touch are processed through relay stations before reaching conscious awareness, scent travels a direct pathway to the brain's emotional and memory centres, the amygdala and hippocampus.
This is why a scent can return you instantly to a moment, a feeling, a version of yourself. Neuroscientists call it the Proust Effect.
Research published in Nature Neuroscience found that pairing a scent with a specific emotional or behavioural state can change how that odour is represented in the brain. Repeated exposure can strengthen the learned association between the scent and the experience or state with which it has been paired.
Research in Brain Sciences confirmed that when an odour becomes a proxy for the emotional properties of an experience, re-exposure can reactivate aspects of the associated emotional and physiological response.
A 2022 EEG study measuring real-time brainwave activity found that specific aromatic compounds produced measurable neurological responses. Lavender increased alpha wave activity associated with relaxation, while ylang ylang was associated with changes in measures of brain activity. Across all compounds tested, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the study population.
Research published in Phytotherapy Research found that bergamot essential oil inhalation produced significant improvements in positive feelings and reductions in anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure and stress.
Athletes exercising with aromatic exposure reported more positive emotional states and lower perceived fatigue.
The science does not claim that fragrance creates performance. It demonstrates that scent can act as a conditionable cue, so that when paired with training and competition experiences, they can help reactivate an associated cognitive and emotional state.
The scent is immediate. The conditioned response is built through repetition.
Then, by selecting notes with the required known associations, PACE® Hyperformance Parfum becomes a trigger for the cognitive state required in competitive sport.
PACE® doesn't replace mental-performance training, sports psychology or preparation. It gives athletes a portable sensory cue to reinforce the state they've worked to build.
Working with our formulation lab and our athletic colleagues, Matt took PACE® through multiple rounds of prototype development to achieve the final product.
We approached formulation the same way we approached the fragrance: every element has to earn its place.
We set the bench high in order to support our 100% natural origin fragrance, and opted for premium grade, naturally derived ingredients with proven functionality.
PACE® draws on established research into olfaction, associative conditioning, emotional memory and the psychophysiological effects of aromatic compounds. The studies below informed our approach to fragrance architecture and the PACE® conditioning protocol. They do not constitute clinical trials of PACE® Hyperformance Parfum itself.
*Han, X., Gibson, J., Eggett, D.L., & Parker, T.L. (2017). Bergamot essential oil inhalation improves positive feelings in the waiting room of a mental health treatment center. Phytotherapy Research, 31(6), 812–816. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5434918/
*Choi, N., Wu, Y., & Park, S. (2022). Effects of Olfactory Stimulation with Aroma Oils on Psychophysiological Responses of Female Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5196. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095196
*Kwon, S., Ahn, J., & Jeon, H. (2020). Can Aromatherapy Make People Feel Better Throughout Exercise? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 4559. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124559
*Murthy, V. (2020). How scent, emotion, and memory are intertwined — and exploited. Harvard Gazette. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/
*Herz, R.S. (2016). The Role of Odor-Evoked Memory in Psychological and Physiological Health. Brain Sciences, 6(3), 22. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5039451/
*Frank, M. et al. (2019). Associative conditioning remaps odor representations and modifies inhibition in a higher olfactory brain area. Nature Neuroscience, 22, 1844–1856. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-019-0495-z
*Bhatti, S.F. et al. (2015). Olfactory memory networks: from emotional learning to social behaviours. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 9, 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00036
*Zhu, Y. et al. (2025). A Neural Circuit For Bergamot Essential Oil-Induced Anxiolytic Effects. Advanced Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11714174/
Matt Saunders - PACE® Founder
Across both historical use and contemporary research, certain scent molecules have been associated with measurable cognitive and physiological responses.
While all aroma can evoke emotion through the olfactory system, some compounds are studied for their influence on attention, alertness and self-perception.
PACE® applies this selection criteria as an architectural system designed to offer both powerful olfactory character and the potential to support the mental attributes required in athletic performance.
Here is our Neuro-Scent library
Calming; associated with emotional regulation and composure.
Energising; associated with restoring vitality and helping combat burnout.
Relaxation; associated with controlling hyperactivity and maintaining consistent regulation.
Uplifting; associated with improved mood and reduced stress or fatigue.
Stimulating and warming; associated with activation and forward momentum.
Brightening and uplifting; associated with positive mood and renewed energy.
Grounding; associated with present-state focus and emotional stability.
Mood-balancing; associated with relaxation and confidence under pressure.
Neuro Scents
Lavender
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Orange
Ginger
Mandarin
Patchouli
Ylang Ylang
Olfactory signals have a uniquely direct pathway to the limbic brain regions governing memory, emotion and state - faster than any other sense. Neuroscientists call this the Proust Effect: the phenomenon by which a single scent can instantly return you to a moment, a feeling, a version of yourself. Not as a memory you recall, but as a state you re-enter.
It is not poetic licence. It is anatomy.
PACE® applies this principle to performance preparation. Through intentional tuning - pairing the fragrance with key moments such as disciplined training sessions; breakthroughs, or competition - repeated use can build a learned association between the scent and a competition-ready state.
Each bottle of PACE® Hyperformance Parfum comes with a PACE® Manual which provides instructions on how to tune your parfum to strengthen this connection, turning the fragrance into a deliberate psychological trigger for your competitive edge.
Proust Effect
Fragrance Tuning
PACE® Manual
Most fine fragrances fade or distort under heat, sweat or prolonged activity. PACE® Hyperformance Parfum is engineered to: Adhere to skin under heat. Resist breakdown during perspiration. Maintain clarity and release notes in sequence.
Naturally Derived
A lightweight skin-conditioning base derived from coconut oil and glycerin. Engineered for fast absorption and a dry-touch finish, it helps deliver fragrance evenly without heaviness or residue.
100% Natural Origin Ingredients
ISO 16128 certified, made in Grasse, France.
Naturally Derived.
Derived from jojoba oil, these wax esters closely mimic the skin’s natural oils. They improve skin feel, glide, and formula stability while supporting smooth, balanced application during activity.
Naturally Derived.
A high-performance skin hydrator derived from plant sources. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it helps maintain skin moisture without clogging or residue.
Naturally Derived.
A plant-based antioxidant-rich oil that supports skin conditioning and softness. Known for its light texture and quick absorption, making it ideal for active, performance-focused formulas.
Naturally Derived.
A skin-softening emollient sourced from wool wax. Used to condition and protect the skin barrier, it supports comfortable, long-wear application, keeping skin supple and receptive to fragrance throughout training and competition.
Naturally Derived.
A stabilised form of Vitamin E that protects formula integrity and extends shelf life. Converts to active Vitamin E on the skin, contributing to antioxidant protection and skin conditionin
Naturally Derived
The active form of Vitamin E. Works directly on the skin as an antioxidant, supporting skin health and protecting against environmental stress during wear.
Caprylic
Parfum
Jojoba Esters
Squalane
Vitis Vinifera
Lanolin
Tocopheryl Acetate
Tocopherol
From the moment it arrives, PACE® is designed to feel different. Our premium presentation box has been thoughtfully designed to make opening your fragrance part of the experience - whether you’re treating yourself or giving it to someone else.
Beautifully considered, beautifully made, and crafted with Future Friendly Materials, it’s packaging designed to leave an impression without leaving a lasting footprint.
Every detail of the unboxing experience has been considered, from the weight and feel of the packaging to the way the bottle is revealed. It’s clean, elevated and intentionally minimal, creating a sense of anticipation before the first application.
Thoughtfully Crafted
Future Friendly
The Art of the Unbox
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Uses olfactory association to trigger an ideal mental state fit for competition
Supports things like hydration, energy, protein intake & recovery
Works on mindset, confidence, focus, performance anxiety & mental resilience
A flower-essence blend to settle nerves fast
Gives you something to blame when you lose
Medium
Medium-High
Medium-High
Low
Low
Immediate scent; conditioning through repetition
Hours to weeks
Weeks to months
Immediate
Unknown
In key training sessions and competition day
Daily
During ongoing mental-performance work
Before stressful moments
In training and competition
Gives the athlete a portable cue to access their trained state
Supports physical performance and recovery
Develops the athlete's mental toolkit
A calming ritual or support tool
Provides psychological comfort
Whatever your competition preparation ritual looks like, there’s only so much time and money to go round. PACE® fits into what you’re already prioritising, and replaces some you don’t need to.
Welcome to the next generation of athletic support: PACE® Hyperformance Body Care.
Built for bodies that demand more, every formula is engineered to support preparation, performance and recovery. By combining active ingredients with our Neuro-Scent Architecture, each product works on two levels — supporting the body, while surrounding you in scent designed to cue the mindset of either preparation, performance or recovery.
Functional ingredients soothe and relax fatigued muscle, aiding recovery and supporting rebuild. Naturally derived, aluminium-free formulations protect and perform daily, while our curated scents leave you feeling at the top of your game.
PACE® Aftercomp is the counter-signal, cueing the body down when exertion is not required. Vetiver, sandalwood and musk ground the senses, telling the nervous system: the pressure's off. Worn post-activity, it's the scent of recovery - balance and reward. Neuro-Scent Architecture, engineered for the exhale.
Formulated for post-competition recovery, this high performance naturally derived body wash features arnica extract, aloe vera, Epsom salts and the revitalising fragrance of sharp citrus, green tea and cedarwood. A complex composition designed to support muscle comfort following intense physical exertion.
Engineered for every day. Cold-filled to protect fragrance and skin sensitivity, and formulated without aluminium, this premium, gender-neutral deodorant works with the body rather than against it. As the skin warms, the hypnotic fragrance of bergamot, camphor and tonka bean deliver the mark of confidence to your day. Functionally driven, no compromises.