People are often looking for the most natural products possible, as we all want to be more sustainable and protect the health of the planet and ourselves. However, what do words like ‘natural’, ‘clean’ and ‘no tox’ really mean, and how can you be given all the facts before making your decision?
What is “clean” and “no/low tox”?
Products are marketed as clean or low/no tox to appeal to eco-concious consumers. Many of these products claim to contain no toxic ingredients and are typically created from more sustainable brands and businesses with higher levels of traceability. There is no legal definition or legislation around the labelling of products as “clean” or “low/no tox” however, so it is always best to check the ingredient list for further information if you have concerns about a product working for your sensitivities.
Natural vs Synthetic
In most areas of life, synthetic products and materials are seen as lower quality or less eco-conscious than natural products.
When it comes to fragrances, there is no blanket rule. Depending on the source of the fragrance (natural or synthetic), either option can be better or worse for you and the planet. Most fragrance producers use a combination of natural and synthetic fragrances to create their perfumes.
Understanding each category can help you make decisions based on your preference, your ethics, and your health.
Natural Fragrances
Derived completely from natural sources, natural fragrances are sourced from, well, nature! These can be extracted from the essential oils of certain flora and plant life, and surprisingly, also from some animal sources (such as musk).
Natural fragrances and ingredients (such as essential oils) can be harvested from sustainable or non-sustainable practices depending on the producer.
Some natural fragrances can also cause reactions or contain toxic elements or heavy metals, despite being derived from natural sources. Classing a product as natural does not mean it is safe for everyone to use- many natural products can cause allergies.
It is important that consumers understand their bodies and check the ingredient list for products to determine their compatibility or allergens present.
Synthetic Fragrances
Synthetic fragrances are created in laboratories to mimic natural fragrances.
The safety of synthetic fragrances can vary depending on their chemical composition and how they are used- Not all products are created equal.
It is important for producers to source only from high-quality, trusted suppliers and to avoid using any synthetics that are deemed toxic (such as phthalates and parabens) to ensure a healthy product for consumers as well as the environment.
Using poor quality or volatile synthetic ingredients can also impact the environment and release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) into the atmosphere.
Why do brands use synthetic fragrances?
Perfume brands use synthetic fragrances for several reasons:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Natural ingredients can be expensive and scarce- thousands of dollars a gram to buy. Synthetic fragrances allow companies to produce perfumes for an acceptable market cost while maintaining quality.
- Consistency: Natural ingredients can vary to factors like weather and soil conditions. Synthetic fragrances ensure a consistent scent profile in every batch.
- Stability: Synthetic fragrances often have better stability and longer shelf life compared to natural ingredients, which can degrade over time or not react with other ingredients.
- Sustainability: Some natural ingredients, like certain flowers or animal products, are not sustainable or ethical to harvest. Synthetic alternatives help reduce environmental impact and avoid animal cruelty.
- Variety: Synthetic chemistry allows for the creation of unique scents that do not exist in nature, offering a broader range of fragrance options.
- Allergen Control: Natural ingredients can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Synthetic fragrances can be designed to minimise these issues.
To minimise risks, consumers can look for products that are labelled as hypoallergenic or free-from specific chemicals of concern.
For example, The Perfume Oil Company do not use any fragrances or ingredients that contain phthalates or parabens, to protect against unhealthy synthetics and ensure a low-irritation, stable fragrance product.
