As a natural perfumer, I have spent years studying and perfecting the art of creating fragrances using only natural ingredients. But what exactly does naturally perfumed mean? Let me break it down for you. Natural fragrances are complex formulations containing aromatic raw materials that are derived solely from nature and are extracted through steam or water distillation. This means that the scents used in natural perfumes come from plants, flowers, and other natural sources. These ingredients are then combined to create a unique and beautiful fragrance. But it's not just about using natural ingredients.
As an expert in the field, I know that it is extremely difficult to obtain pure ethanol in some markets without denaturating it. This is because many jurisdictions require a license to use it 100% pure, due to customs and excise duties. This can make it challenging for artisanal perfumers to source the necessary ingredients. However, there are certain materials that are considered essential for natural perfumery. These include botanical extracts and other substances that are found in nature.
But even these ingredients can be tricky to define as "natural". For example, a botanical extract may contain both natural and synthetic substances. This is why it's important to unpack the term "natural" when it comes to perfumes. The processes of distillation, expression, and extraction are used to isolate the natural raw materials from plants. This means that even though they have been physically separated from their original source, they are still considered natural.
The International Perfume Foundation has its own strict guidelines and criteria for natural perfumes, ensuring that only truly natural ingredients are used. But what about products that claim to be natural, but may not meet these strict standards? This is where things can get a bit murky. The truth is, there is no legal definition of the term "natural" when it comes to cosmetics. This means that companies can use the word almost without impunity, even if their products are not entirely natural. So, is one type of fragrance better than the other? In my opinion, it's not about whether natural or synthetic fragrances are superior. It's about understanding the ingredients and making informed choices about what we put on our bodies.
As an expert in this field, I have developed my own classification system that reflects my attitude towards the overall safety of natural and synthetic fragrances.
