Sea air has traditionally been thought to offer health benefits associated with its unique odor, which Victorians attributed to ozone. More recently, it has been determined that the chemical responsible for much of the odor in air along certain seashores is dimethyl sulfide, released by microbes.

The iconic "fresh" smell of the beach is actually a complex chemical cocktail, primarily driven by a gas called dimethyl sulfide (DMS). In 2026, marine biologists explain that DMS is produced when bacteria break down dying phytoplankton and algae in the ocean. While highly concentrated DMS can smell like rotting cabbage, at the low concentrations found on the coast, it creates that familiar salty, earthy aroma. Another contributor is dictyopterenes, which are essentially "seaweed pheromones" released during reproduction. Additionally, the "briny" note comes from bromophenols, which accumulate in fish and shellfish. When waves crash, they release these organic compounds into the air as aerosols, which our noses perceive as "clean" and "invigorating." This scent is often associated with the "sea breeze" effect, where the thermal difference between land and water pulls these aromatic molecules inland, creating the refreshing sensory experience we love.