NATURE IN A BOTTLE: WHAT ARE NATURAL FRAGRANCES?
Conventional perfumes often contain a variety of synthetic fragrances that are chemically produced. In contrast, natural cosmetic perfumes rely almost exclusively on Fragrances from natureBut what exactly is a natural perfume and what makes it unique?
CONVENTIONAL PERFUMES WITH SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
Usually Perfumes consist of a mixture of nature-identical, rarely naturally derived and synthetic fragrances. In modern perfumery, synthetically produced fragrance molecules such as Ambroxan, cashmeran or Iso E Super which can achieve specific scent notes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with natural fragrances. Esters are also chemical compounds often used in perfume, such as benzyl acetate, which smells like jasmine, and linalyl acetate, which has a sweet, floral scent.
Synthetic molecules offer the advantage that they can be produced in large quantities and with consistent quality, which makes their use in perfume production more efficient and cost-effective.
Based on the ingredients of perfumes, it is usually not clear which molecule or other synthetic fragrance was used. Synthetic fragrances are listed as “Parfum (Fragrance)”, making it difficult to determine the exact composition.
THE RISKS OF SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES
While natural fragrances consciously rely on natural ingredients and completely or largely avoid harmful synthetic substances, this is often not the case with conventional perfumes. In many Conventional fragrances may contain synthetic substances that are potentially harmful to health, such as phthalates, parabens, BHT, EDTA, formaldehyde, benzophenone, lyral, styrene and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
- Phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), are often used as solvents and fixatives to extend the fragrance's shelf life. They are suspected of causing hormonal disruption and impairing reproductive function.
- Parabens, which are used as preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, may have hormonal effects and increase the risk of breast cancer.
- BHT (butylhydroxytoluene) is used in perfumes as a preservative to extend the shelf life of fragrances and prevent oxidation. It helps keep the product fresh and prevents the fragrance from changing or deteriorating. However, it can cause skin irritation and is considered potentially harmful to health in high concentrations.
- EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is used in perfumes to bind metal ions that could otherwise destabilize the product. In doing so, EDTA helps to ensure the quality and durability of the perfume. EDTA is problematic because it is difficult to break down, can accumulate in water bodies and can enter the environment, where it could affect ecosystems and harm aquatic life.
- formaldehyde Formaldehyde is rarely used directly in perfumes, but it can be present in small amounts as a preservative or through its derivatives, such as formaldehyde donors. These substances help protect the product from microbes and extend shelf life. Formaldehyde can be a concern because it is considered a carcinogen and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. With long-term or high exposure, it can also cause respiratory problems and is considered a health concern at higher concentrations.
- Benzophenone and its derivatives serve as UV filters to protect the fragrances from sunlight, but they are also suspected of causing hormonal disorders and being carcinogenic.
- Styrene, a synthetic fragrance, is also considered potentially carcinogenic.
- Another problematic UV filter is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamatewhich can have hormonal effects and irritate the skin.
- lyral is a synthetic fragrance in perfumes that gives a floral scent. However, it can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, which is why its use has been restricted or banned in the EU since 2022.
These substances are used in varying amounts and their health effects are still being researched. Since the ingredient list on perfume packaging often only contains general terms such as "perfume" or "fragrance", it is difficult for consumers to identify harmful substances. Anyone who has concerns should therefore resort to perfumes from certified natural cosmetics that adhere to stricter guidelines regarding ingredients.
THE ESSENCE OF NATURAL PERFUMES
Natural perfumes, which are often found in natural cosmetics, consist mainly of essential oils extracted from plantsThese essential oils come from various parts of the plant, such as flowers, leaves, bark, fruits, herbs, or wood. However, natural tree resins such as incenseBenzoin, or galbanum are used in perfumery. The base is natural alcohol that has not been denatured (or denatured). Conventional perfumes use denatured alcohol, which contains harmful additives to make it unsuitable for consumption.
Typical fragrances in essential oils are geraniol, linalool, eugenol or coumarin. These substances are naturally present in essential oils, but can also be produced synthetically. However, some people can be allergic to these substances, which is why you should always do your research before buying a perfume and test it on a small area of your skin if you have any concerns.
In the past, natural fragrances of animal origin also enjoyed great popularity. Examples include Amber, a substance from the digestive tract of the sperm whale; civet, a secretion of the civet cat; and musk, a secretion from the glands of the musk deer. However, the extraction of these substances is extremely unethical and, fortunately, is now banned in many countries. However, there are now synthetic fragrances that imitate musk, ambergris, or civet and are in no way inferior to their natural counterparts in terms of quality and fragrance characteristics.
THE MULTI-LAYERED DEPTH OF NATURAL FRAGRANCES
In contrast to synthetic fragrances, Natural perfumes complex and multi-layeredThey consist of countless different fragrance molecules. A single essential oil can contain up to 400 natural fragrance molecules, while a synthetic molecule contains just one. also shows the true expertise of Master perfumers, because the complexity and interaction of natural fragrance molecules is much more difficult to control than when "only" 10 or 20 molecules are mixed together.
Living fragrances as opposed to synthetic ones. Conventional perfumes, with their one-dimensional scents, cover your personality with a veil of consistent intensity. The beauty of multidimensional, natural ingredients lies in the fact that they develop on your skin and, with your natural body chemistry, create a uniquely individual scent. Natural perfumes have a slightly shorter shelf life, but they never smell flat, penetrating, or intrusive. exude an intimate, complex fragrance that constantly changes throughout the day.
THE PRODUCTION AND EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils are usually extracted by distillation or cold pressing. In distillation, the plant material is heated, and the resulting vapors are condensed to extract the essential oil. In cold pressing, which is primarily used in Citrus fruits is used, the peels of the fruits are mechanically pressed to extract the oil.
A CHANGE OF THINKING IN NATURAL COSMETICS?
In recent years, natural cosmetics have Change in the acceptance of synthetic fragrances Advances in synthetic chemistry enable precisely imitated fragrances with a lower environmental impact and a wider range of consistent properties.
This development reflects a growing understanding that the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of cosmetic products depend not only on their origin, but also on how they are manufactured. The growing acceptance of synthetic fragrances opens up new opportunities for creative and responsible product innovations in natural cosmetics.
BENEFITS OF NATURAL COSMETIC FRAGRANCES
Opting for a natural niche perfume has many advantages. Natural cosmetic perfumes are often more sustainable because they are made from organically grown plants and support environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. The manufacturers of natural cosmetic perfumes make sure to only use essential oil from plants that are not contaminated with pesticides.
Also offer Niche fragrances from the natural cosmetics sector an authentic and genuine fragrance experience, which develops individually on the skin. Although natural perfumes can also contain allergenic substances such as geraniol or linalool, some people prefer them because of their natural ingredients.
HOW CAN I TEST HIGH-QUALITY, NATURAL PERFUMES?
Blanda Beauty offers the perfect method for this - make use of our perfume samples. We provide carefully filled samples of all our perfumes, each containing approximately 1,2 ml. Ideal for testing and getting to know each other. Another way to test niche fragrances is with our exclusive Parfum Discovery SetsThese sets consist of five fragrance samples and are based on specific concepts, seasons, or the bestsellers of selected brands.
NATURAL FRAGRANCES: A STATEMENT OF QUALITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Natural niche fragrances offer a wonderful alternative to synthetic fragrances. They combine the beauty and diversity of nature in a small bottle and allow us to experience the power of plants in a new way. With their complex, multifaceted scents and their ecological benefits, they are an enrichment for all who value naturalness, sustainability, and quality.