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Like so many products that we consume, wear, or put on our faces, trying to find an option that's better for us and the planet can be a journey. There's so much conflicting information out there, and it doesn't help that in the United States, there's no regulatory body to tell us exactly what ingredients a "clean," "green," "natural," or "organic" beauty product should or shouldn't have. But consumers are savvy, and that's where we, with the help of experts, swoop in to help offer some clarity. And with the latest beauty category to get a green makeover being perfume, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
What Is A Natural Perfume?
There are a lot of definitions out there, but here are the basics: Some consider "natural" perfumes to be scents that are created using organic extracts–like real flowers instead of synthetics created in a lab. These extracts can include things like essential oils in your fragrance. An additional definition is phthalate-free perfumes. Phthalates are a chemical that is common in many beauty products and household items. In perfumes, the ingredient is used to make the scent last longer, but some consider phthalates to be an endocrine-disruptor.
Are Natural Perfumes Better Than Regular Perfumes?
Choosing a fragrance is very personal. Some people are hypersensitive to the chemicals and synthetic ingredients that are used in traditional fragrances. That being said, essential oils can cause skin irritation, too. Plus, while it might sound better to use the "real" ingredient rather than a faux-version, the process of making a more "clean" fragrance can put a strain on natural resources. That's why it's important to make sure that any natural perfume you're buying is harvesting its ingredients ethically, or is creating healthy synthetic perfumes that aren't damaging to the environment or your body.
Are Natural Perfumes More Expensive?
The process to extract natural ingredients strong enough to linger on your body is often be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, you'll probably notice a higher price tag on natural perfumes than on a traditional fragrance. But there are so many variations in the natural perfume world, so odds are you'll be able to find one you love that's in your budget.
So whether you're trying to create the most eco-friendly routine you can, or you're just curious about the world of natural perfume, here are 11 scents to get you started.
With notes of sensual woods and warm amber, this Phthalate- and paraben-free perfume smells like you're taking a brisk walk in the forest. It's also formulated with alcohol derived from organic sugarcane.
A perfume that's sweet enough to eat? Say no more. This vanilla-scented fragrance uses only organic ingredients, like goji powder and natural extracts to create this chemical-free juice.
Queen Bee Perfume uses a blend of essential oils and safe synthetics to create this powerfully concentrated perfume. With notes of black currant, peonies, and amber, everyone will be buzzing (pun intended), wanting to know what fragrance you're wearing.
Perfume oils are a great natural option, because they linger on the skin for a long time, and are often made only with essential oils. This version by Kai is a beautifully sweet floral fragrance, with notes of gardenia.
This non-toxic perfume has a mission: To help you relax. Designed to relieve stress and anxiety, Functional Fragrance contains sweet and spicy notes of cardamon, iris, and cedarwood. Just a few spritzes will take the edge off your stressful day.
If you can't make it to the desert for Coachella this year, this Wild West perfume can mentally transport you. Created with 98% natural ingredients, notes of ginger, bergamot, and palo santo will keep you smelling good no matter what the setting.
With notes of fig, bergamot, sandalwood, and white florals, a spritz of this perfume will remind you of a picnic on a spring day.
A blend of jasmine, tuberose, and ylang-ylang, is a floral shop in bottle form. With no phthalates anywhere in the formula, this is an all-natural perfume that will make you feel just as delicate as real, fresh-cut flowers.
Handmade in California, this perfume is like a trip to the beach in spritz-form. It smells like sandalwood, bergamot, citrus and vanilla, all while using only clean ingredients, and environmentally-friendly packaging.
With notes of bergamot and vetiver, CLEAN RESERVE pays special attention to where its ingredients are sourced. Working only with vendors who care about the planet, they also provide funding for clean drinking water to farmers.
Created without Phthalates, this vanilla and pear-scented perfume harvests vanilla from Madagascar. In order to ensurer they do not harm the natural environment, the sourcing of the vanilla is done with special attention to the local community, with ethical and sustainable practices.
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