Natural fragrances are derived from natural materials, such as plants, flowers, and herbs. Various methods, like distillation, are used to extract these ingredients. Citrus oil is typically obtained by pressing the fruit to extract the oil. Natural oils, including lemon and peppermint, tend to have a shorter shelf life and are less predictable than synthetic fragrances.
Organic fragrances are made from plants that are grown using organic methods, free from pesticides and non-organic fertilizers. This process is similar to how you might grow your vegetables using sustainable farming practices. Organic fragrances are generally more environmentally friendly and are less likely to cause skin irritations or allergies.
Organic fragrances Companies can only label their fragrances as organic if they are certified by a regulatory body, as the term “organic” is regulated in the fragrance industry. These products must meet specific standards established by organizations such as ECOgea, which allows manufacturers to certify their products under three categories: natural, natural-organic, and organic. This certification is recognized worldwide.
According to ecogea.org, the main benefits of certification for manufacturers include:
- Increased trust and confidence from customers, as certified products come with a guarantee of higher quality.
- Verification of product claims by a third party, making them trustworthy and not misleading.
- New market opportunities in the sector of certified natural and organic products.
- An opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility to customers.
Natural fragrances The term “natural” is not regulated, which means some companies may claim their products are natural while they may not be. Natural perfumes are made from natural ingredients and do not contain synthetic chemicals. However, it’s important to note that these natural ingredients are not necessarily organic or from sustainable farming practices, but the ingredients are from plants, flowers and herbs. The fragrance industry has regulations that require manufacturers to use safe ingredients in perfumes. Additionally, synthetic fragrances are designed to imitate the scent of natural fragrances.
Potential downsides of natural fragrance A common misconception is that because the fragrance is natural it cannot be harmful. This is not true some natural oils if ingested can harm you. Natural extracts from plants, herbs, and flowers should be used safely. If natural ingredients are too powerful in perfumes just like synthetic fragrances, it can cause skin irritants and sinus issues for some people.
Companies can only label their fragrances as organic if they are certified by a regulatory body, as the term "organic" is regulated in the fragrance industry.
The production of natural fragrances can involve the use of large amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, which hurts the environment. Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, can be produced using fewer natural resources and with less environmental impact.
Natural or Synthetic Fragrances The choice between natural and synthetic fragrances is a personal one. Vegans may prefer to use only certified organic perfumes to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while others might opt for just natural fragrances. The longevity of a fragrance depends on its formulation; some consumers may prefer scents that last only a few hours to avoid lingering scents on their clothing, especially if they wear the same garment repeatedly. On the other hand, some people enjoy fragrances that are more prominent and long-lasting.
I prefer organic and natural fragrances. The idea of having my scent derived from plants is fascinating to me, as I am captivated by nature and prefer items that are natural rather than chemically formulated.
Gifts Gifting organic and natural fragrances is a thoughtful way to provide a luxurious, eco-friendly scent experience. These fragrances make excellent gifts for occasions such as birthdays, holidays, graduations, or anniversaries. There are many brands available, including Skylar Clean Beauty, Floral Street, Henry Rose, Pacifica, Then/Then, and YSL, each offering a variety of captivating fragrances. Your gift is sure to be appreciated, especially if it features an organic certification label.
When selecting a natural fragrance, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully and confirm that there are no harmful chemicals. For organic products, check that the perfume has a visible organic certification on the box or bottle. You can also use your phone to research the certification body before making a purchase.