Your Nose (And Body) Will Thank You For Switching to Natural Fragrances

Ever read the label on your fragrance bottle? Chances are there isn’t one, and if there is—you will be sure to find a long list of ingredients you probably can’t pronounce.

There are reportedly around 3,000 ingredients used in the fragrance industry today. And according to safecosmetics.org, some of these ingredients have been linked to "health effects including cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies and sensitivities."

When Michelle Pfeiffer launched her natural fragrance brand, she worked closely with EWG (Environmental Working Group) and The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute to meet their superior safety standards.

When considering fragrance, this meant eventually whittling down the list of 3,000 common ingredeints to just 300 ‘safe’ ingredients. With our skin absorbing a reported 60% of whatever we put (or spray) on it, it begs the question: What are we putting on our skin and what are the risks?

According to healthdirect.gov.au, "fragranced products aren’t as heavily regulated in Australia as food or pharmaceutical products. Manufacturers can put the words ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on a list of ingredients rather than the specific chemicals used. This makes it more difficult for people to identify the substances they know may affect them." Secret formulas are well and good until you discover that you are spritzing hazardous chemicals all over your skin.

With compelling evidence abounding, these discoveries have prompted a shift to non-toxic scents and natural fragrances. Yet another incentive to switch to natural fragrances is that they are frequently infused with essential oils.

According to Healthline, different essential oils have proven to improve focus and memory, prevent fatigue, enhance mood, improve athletic performance, balance the nervous system and stimulate adrenal glands.

To help get you safely scented, here is our round-up of 3 of the best high-end natural fragrance brands:

The Best Natural Fragrance Brands

Henry Rose

Henry Rose was founded by none other than award-winning actress Michelle Pfeiffer. With the birth of her children, the Hollywood stunner became increasingly concerned about the hidden and harmful ingredients in her products as well as the total lack of transparency. She set about creating a range of fine fragrances that are all safe without skimping on quality or sophistication.

The 100% transparent brand is doing good in more ways than one. Not only are the scents cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and free of any nasties, but the bottles and packaging are made from sustainable or renewable resources with 90% recycled bottles, compostable soy caps and boxes made from recycled paper.

The brand’s bestseller is Jake’s House, where a "watery clean freshness encounters honeyed neroli for a light and clean musky finish." But to find your signature scent, why not take the quiz provided on the brand's site?

henry rose jake's house natural perfume — henry rose, JAKE'S HOUSE EAU DE PARFUM ($120)

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Lurk

Lurk was developed by Anne Nelson Sanford: A perfumer, product development specialist, interior designer and creative director from New York City. Lurk's scents were "inspired by a long-time passion for sustainable living, eco beauty and the power of essential oils."

Framed as "luxury perfumes for the modern organic lifestyle," this range of unique natural fragrances has been formulated to create the purest, safest products possible. Lurk fragrances are made using sustainably sourced ingredients, and each fragrance is produced and packaged with the highest eco-standards.

Each scent is blended in a base of USDA organic jojoba that has been sustainably sourced. Our favourite is Lurk Fragrance Oil - BS 003, in which "dry woods mix with crisp citrus notes and sweet bergamot to produce an effervescent yet balanced fragrance."

lurk fragrance natural perfume — lurk, bs003 ($85)

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Child Perfume

Child Perfume is a cult fragrance known for the fact that it is so elusive and au natural. The once hard-to-find fragrance was launched in 1989 by Susan D. Owens and became a fast favourite amongst celebrities.

The intoxicating scent, described as "summer in a bottle," is derived from exotic flowers and is an alcohol-free blend of natural and nature-identical perfume essences.

The sought-after product is available as a perfume oil roll-on and now in a limited edition Extrait de Parfum. Also available is the unisex Heir Fragrance Roll-On, sometimes referred to as the male version of Child with fragrant notes of forest woods, deep leather and clean lime.

Screen Shot 2021-03-25 at 11.11.45 am.png — child perfume, ROLL ON 1 OZ ($98)

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