If you’ve ever watched powerlifters before a massive lift or athletes in high-pressure sports, you may have noticed them sniffing a small bottle and instantly firing up. That’s the effect of smelling salts. But what is smelling salts, and are they safe to use?
In this guide, we’ll dive into what is inside smelling salts, how they work, what they feel like, their benefits and risks, and finally address the common concern: is smelling salts bad for you?
What Is Smelling Salts?
Smelling salts are chemical compounds that release ammonia gas when activated. When inhaled, the ammonia irritates the nasal and lung membranes, triggering an immediate inhalation reflex that increases breathing rate, alertness, and perceived energy.
In simple words: what does smelling salts do? → They shock your system into heightened alertness by making you breathe harder and faster.
What Is Inside Smelling Salts?
Most smelling salts are based on ammonium carbonate and/or a mixture of ammonia gas with water and ethanol.
So, if you’re asking what is in smelling salts or what are smelling salts made of—the answer is:
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Ammonium carbonate (NH₄)₂CO₃
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Dilute ammonia solution
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Sometimes stabilizers (like essential oils or fragrances in commercial versions)
What Do Smelling Salts Smell Like?
If you’ve never tried them, you might wonder: what do smelling salts smell like?
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Sharp, pungent, and chemical-like
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Similar to strong cleaning agents (ammonia-based)
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A smell so powerful it forces your body to take a reflexive deep breath
It’s not pleasant—it’s harsh. That harshness is exactly why they’re effective.
What Do Smelling Salts Feel Like?
Athletes often describe it like:
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A sudden rush of energy
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Eyes watering, nose burning
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A brain “jolt” that makes you feel super alert
So, if you ask what do smelling salts feel like—it’s an uncomfortable but energizing shock.
How Do Smelling Salts Work?
The science is straightforward:
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Activation – When you crush or open smelling salts, ammonia gas is released.
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Inhalation – You sniff it, and the ammonia irritates the nasal lining.
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Reflex Response – Your body reacts by inhaling sharply, increasing oxygen flow.
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Brain Alertness – Increased oxygen and sensory shock make you feel instantly awake.
👉 That’s the physiology behind how do smelling salts work.
What Are Smelling Salts Used For?
Traditionally and today, smelling salts serve two main purposes:
1. Medical History
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Used in the 18th–19th century to revive fainted individuals.
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Still occasionally used in emergencies for fainting spells.
2. Sports & Fitness
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Popular among powerlifters, strongmen, MMA fighters, and football players.
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Used right before maximal effort to feel sharper and stronger.
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Not a performance enhancer by chemistry, but a stimulant trigger.
So, what are smelling salts for? → To increase alertness, not strength itself.
Modern Popularity in Sports
In 2025, smelling salts are still legal and widely used in strength sports. Social media has amplified their visibility—clips of athletes sniffing salts before insane lifts rack up millions of views.
But here’s the truth:
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Smelling salts don’t make you stronger.
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They just heighten your perception of readiness and reduce hesitation.
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That mental edge can feel like extra strength.
Smelling Salts Side Effects
While smelling salts can provide a quick energy surge, they also carry risks. Let’s answer the common queries:
Short-Term Side Effects
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Burning sensation in nose and throat
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Watery eyes and coughing
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Headaches or dizziness
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Nausea if overused
Long-Term Side Effects (with frequent use)
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Irritation of nasal passages
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Potential lung issues from repeated ammonia exposure
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Overreliance for performance cues
So if you’re asking is smelling salts bad for you or are smelling salts bad for you—the answer is: occasional use is not highly dangerous, but frequent or reckless use can cause harm.
Are Smelling Salts a Drug?
No, smelling salts are not classified as a drug. They’re a chemical stimulant (ammonia) and completely legal in most countries.
However, they are regulated in sports:
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Banned in some professional leagues for on-field use
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Allowed in powerlifting and strength competitions
So, if you’re wondering are smelling salts a drug → they’re a legal chemical aid, not a narcotic or controlled substance.
Smelling Salts in Fitness: Should You Use Them?
Smelling salts can be helpful in specific scenarios:
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Before a max-effort lift (deadlift, squat, bench)
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Before a competition event where alertness matters
But they’re not necessary for everyday training. For long-term progress, you’ll benefit more from a structured workout program, nutrition, and tools like Best Fitness Apps For Men or even learning How To Build Muscle Without Gym.
Safe Use Guidelines
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Distance matters: Keep smelling salts 5–10 cm away from your nose.
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Don’t overuse: Reserve for rare, maximal efforts.
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Avoid medical conditions: If you have asthma, respiratory problems, or heart conditions, avoid them entirely.
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Don’t substitute sleep/nutrition: Smelling salts cannot replace rest, diet, or hydration.
The Bottom Line: Smelling Salts in 2025
To wrap it up:
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What is smelling salts? → A chemical compound releasing ammonia that shocks your body into alertness.
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What are smelling salts for? → Historically to revive the fainted, today used in sports for mental readiness.
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Are smelling salts bad for you? → Safe in moderation, risky with overuse.
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How do smelling salts work? → By stimulating your breathing reflex and increasing alertness.
Smelling salts can give athletes a psychological edge—but they’re no replacement for smart training, recovery, and lifestyle.
FAQs
1. What is smelling salts?
Smelling salts are ammonia-based compounds that release gas when inhaled, stimulating your breathing reflex and making you feel instantly alert.
2. What is inside smelling salts?
They typically contain ammonium carbonate or dilute ammonia mixed with stabilizers. That’s what is in smelling salts and why they’re so pungent.
3. What does smelling salts do?
They shock your respiratory system, increase oxygen intake, and create a heightened state of alertness for a short period.
4. Are smelling salts bad for you?
Occasional use is generally safe, but repeated use can irritate the nose, lungs, and even cause dependency for performance.
5. What are smelling salts used for in sports?
Athletes use them before maximum lifts or competitions to feel mentally sharp. They don’t increase strength, only alertness.
6. How do smelling salts work?
Ammonia gas irritates nasal membranes, forcing a sharp inhale that increases breathing rate and alertness—like a “jolt” to the nervous system.