Why Natural Perfume Matters

Fragrance is the leading cause of skin inflammation. If you care about what you put in & on your body, understanding what goes into your favorite scent is just as important. 

So what's the difference between a perfume made from natural ingredients vs a perfume made from synthetics? At its most simple definition natural ingredients are derived from nature, whereas synthetics are derived from petroleum. 

While synthetics offer the perfumer a wider palette of scents & are often cheaper, some have also been linked to health problems such as asthma, dermatitis & hormone disruption and have been shown to accumulate in fat tissue & breast milk. 

Naturals on the other hand come from roots, barks, twigs, resins, rinds and flowers. This doesn't mean people don't have allergies to some natural ingredients though, which is why it’s always recommended to apply a small amount and check for reactions first. The other key consideration with naturals is sourcing. Demand for some ingredients outstrips supply leading to significant environmental issues and in some cases, such as Indian sandalwood, extinction.

Here's a little overview of some of the key differences between natural & synthetic perfumes:

 Natural: derived from nature 
Synthetic: derived from petroleum

Natural: ingredients are alive
Synthetic: ingredients are inert

Natural: high vibration
Synthetic: no vibration

Natural: lasts 2-8 hours
Synthetic: can last for days

Natural: therapeutic qualities
Synthetic: no therapeutic qualities

If you're trying to decide on a perfume but are in doubt about ingredients, at a minimum check for key nasties (phthalates, parabens, synthetic dyes) and buy from a brand you trust with a good understanding of ingredients & sourcing.