As a fragrance expert, I am often asked about the benefits of using natural fragrances versus synthetic ones. And the truth is, there is no clear-cut answer. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately depends on what you are looking for in a fragrance. One of the main benefits of using natural fragrances is that they do not contain as many chemicals as synthetic ingredients. This can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
In addition, brands that use natural extracts tend to be more transparent about their ingredients, as they are limited to a restricted list of organic materials. However, it's important to note that most fragrances on the market today are a combination of both natural and synthetic ingredients. This is because synthetics are often used to recreate the scent of natural ingredients that are not readily available or cannot be extracted to obtain an essential oil. For example, floral oils like lilac and freesia are commonly recreated using synthetic materials. There is also a growing demand for completely natural fragrances, as consumers become more conscious about the products they use. Many people now expect their fragrances to be free of synthetic substances, just like their skincare products.
However, it's worth noting that sometimes synthetic products can be less allergenic than certain natural ingredients. Actress Michelle Pfeiffer discovered this when she set out to create her organic and plant-based fragrance collection, Henry Rose.If you prefer to stick with natural products and brands that offer full transparency about their ingredients, then that is certainly an option. Just keep in mind that natural fragrances may not last as long as synthetic ones. One interesting fact is that synthetic materials often smell more "natural" than the actual natural products themselves. As fragrance expert Goldworm explains, "while the raw materials are beautiful and complex, they can in fact smell completely different from what the consumer expects, because once they're in a form that can be used in perfumery, they don't smell like 'nature'."Another important point to consider is that both synthetic and natural ingredients have been used in perfumery since the 19th century.
So while synthetics may seem like a new concept, they have been around for quite some time. They are often cheaper than natural fragrances and have a longer lifespan, but they can also cause headaches, dizziness, and other health problems. Some examples of natural fragrances include lavender, citrus fruits like lemon and tangerine, incense, and pine. From an artistic standpoint, some experts believe that purely natural perfumes may lack clarity and structure. On the other hand, a fully synthetic perfume can be discordant.
However, as fragrance expert Shoemack points out, sometimes this discordance can be interesting. It's also worth noting that creating a natural fragrance can be more expensive and difficult due to the complexity of natural ingredients. As Little, the perfumer behind Heretic Parfum, explains, some natural products can contain hundreds of molecules. In the end, whether you prefer natural or synthetic fragrances is a matter of personal preference. Both have their own unique qualities and it's important to choose what works best for you. As for me, I believe that there is beauty in both natural and synthetic fragrances, and it's all about finding the perfect balance.
