Why I Choose Natural Perfume: The Hidden Impact of Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic fragrances are always the same, just recreate the formula and you have a standardised product. Nature has different ideas. She won't be standardised. Changing weather, soil, farming practices and distillation methods mean that each batch of essential oil will be slightly different, which to me is a part of the magic of Aromatherapy. Each batch of essential oil is different and unique, just like you.
Throughout history humans have added fragrance to their world. Think of the alluring yet mysterious Ancient Egyptians who valued fragrance so much that archaeologists find aromatic plant material at their burial sites. Or the famous story of a beautiful marriage being fragranced by filling a moat around the ceremonial garden with rose water. While our love of gorgeous fragrances has not changed, over time, our perfumes have changed a lot. Perfumes were once sourced from plants and now many perfumes contain synthetic fragrances, fixatives and other additives.
Why are Synthetic Fragrances used?
- Synthetic fragrances are often cheaper.
- Chemical fixatives make synthetic fragrances last longer. Plant based perfumes evaporate quickly so they need to be reapplied more frequently.
- Some essential oils are irritating to the skin, so synthetic versions are used instead.
- A fragrance that is produced in the lab can be more readily supplied. Fields of aromatic plants are vulnerable to weather and pests which impacts supply occasionally making the natural product unavailable or very expensive.
What’s the Problem with using Synthetic Perfumes then?
While our skin provides a barrier to many substances, it also allows things in. In the case of essential oils this is a good thing as many compounds in essential oils are therapeutic and once they are in the blood stream, they have health benefits.
Most essential oils have been used for thousands of years, so this, along with other testing, assures us of their safety and effects. Use of synthetic fragrances are relatively new. While some of these products passed initial safety tests, additional research found that many of these chemicals were harmful.
Synthetic substances also cross the skin and we know this because they have been found in blood and other body tissue samples.
A Sidenote on Labelling
Have you seen the words ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on some ingredient lists? What is in that? Companies do not need to tell consumers. This means that you don’t always 100% know what you are using. Compare that to labelling from responsible health promoting companies like ECO. Modern Essentials. You will see that every last ingredient is listed and that each ingredient is ethically sourced and of the highest quality.
What is ‘Fragrance’?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in many products including fragrances. Some phthalates disrupt our hormones and are linked to fertility issues such as:
- Low sperm count
- Egg health
- Early onset puberty
Many of the newer synthetics used in perfumes and other products have been thought to cause:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Contact dermatitis and dry skin
- Migraine and headaches
- Impacts on organ functioning
- Contribute to metastatic changes (tumour and cancer formation)
Ongoing research is focusing on uncovering links between synthetic products and health impacts. The good news is this research allows government agencies to ban certain chemicals from use and gives us as consumers information so that we can make informed decisions about what we use on ourselves and loved ones.
Essential oils have the advantage over synthetic fragrance in that they not only are an alternative to potentially harmful fragrances, they actually promote good health for body, mind and spirit. Think of using natural perfume as a holistic wellness practice too.
Using natural perfumes protects against the health impacts of synthetic perfumes. Safe and simple ingredients protect those around us who are also exposed to the perfume we wear. It is also kinder on the environment as some chemicals in synthetic perfumes have been found to be polluting.
Next time you are getting ready for the day, take a look at the ingredient list on your perfume.
Why use Natural Perfumes?
- Have a longer history of use so we know what products are safe and unsafe.
- Have therapeutic benefits, such as Lavender calming the nervous system or Patchouli healing and protecting the skin.
- Allows us to enjoy the unique gifts of nature.
- Is a part of a low tox lifestyle.
- Will protect the environment and be less harmful to those around us who also get to enjoy the delicious aromas of natural, aromatherapy based perfumes.
Enjoy the health benefits and beauty of plant-based perfumes. I love Almora and enjoy the ritual of spraying some on my jacket before I head out for the day. The sweet, floral notes leave me feeling confident and calm.
What is your favourite plant-based perfume?
