It can be challenging to navigate the aisles of your favorite department store if you don’t know all the terms used in the beauty industry. FDA doesn’t regulate what can be considered a clean product, and the word “clean” does not mean other types of products are dirty.
It also happens in the skincare, makeup, hair, and nail categories. The differences between synthetic and natural fragrances can confuse some “clean” perfumes.
A fragrance expert explains the differences. Check out the pros and cons of each type of fragrance and determine which one is best for you.
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Natural Fragrances: What Are They?
The most crucial point to remember is that “natural” does not have a definition for beauty products.
Frances Shoemack, the founder of Abel, said, “For us, natural means that every ingredient we use started its life as a plant.” Transparency about ingredients is also a core value of her brand, so consumers know what they’re putting on their bodies.
Synthetic Fragrances: What Are They?
Naturals are more expensive and complex than synthetics. Shoemack explains that synthetic fragrance ingredients are single aroma molecules, unlike natural fragrances with hundreds of molecules. Typically, they are synthesized in a lab from natural sources like rose petals, oranges, or base materials such as cement.
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Do Hybrid Fragrances Blend Natural And Synthetic Scents?
Yes! It’s the most popular fragrance type. Many hybrids exist for safety reasons. Combining them allows customers to create exciting new scents that balance lab innovations with natural ingredients. It is entirely possible to create an all-natural fragrance. However, it is costly and complicated.
What To Look For When Choosing A Perfume
It depends on your taste, but most fragrances on the market combine natural and synthetic scents. However, if you’d like to be more specific, synthetics are best for long-lasting complex scents. A good example is Maison Margiela’s REPLICA line. In the meantime, if you prefer natural ingredients and brands that offer full ingredient transparency and don’t mind a shorter fragrance life, then go for that.