Customers often inquire about the type of fragrance I use in my products. This is a expected and reasonable question. When someone shows interest in plant based and/or natural products, you want make sure the products are safe and not harmful to your health. Your skin is your largest organ. Its absorption characteristics makes it susceptible to constant change. The porous structure allows your skin to absorb molecules into the initial protective layer that can eventually reach the dermis layer. Nontoxic, skin safe, natural perfumes are those that use oils that are made without harmful synthetic and/or natural chemicals.

Are fragrance oils safe?

So are fragrance oils bad for your skin, the short answer is it depends on the type and its ingredients. There are various options on the market used to fragrant the products we use daily. The safety measure relies on the processing method, the components and the intended use. And finally, you must consider your skins sensitivity level.

Before we get there, I will explain exactly what are fragrance oils.

What are fragrance oils?

Fragrance oils are aromatic oils that are used to add appealing scents to all kinds of products including candles, body care products, colognes and perfumes, and homemade cleaning products. These oils are diluted with a carrier oil for our safety. In the health and wellness industry, we most commonly use essential oils, natural fragrance oils, and skin safe synthetic fragrance oils to offer a unique element to the products. Let’s talk a little about each type.

Essential oils are extracted oils from plants (from the flowers and/or roots). The oil is extracted using a cold pressed or distillation process. Essential oils often serve a dual purpose of aromatherapy and therapeutic benefits.

All-Natural fragrance oil are a combination of aromatic natural isolates and essential oils with no additives. Natural isolates is a single aroma chemical separated from a plant. This process can involve various distillation methods.

Synthetic fragrance oils are created from artificial chemical components that are not found in nature. Many commercial products opt for synthetic oils because they hold their fragrance for much longer than naturally occurring fragrances. Customer who loves fragrances often seek a product that provides long wear properties. When designed correctly synthetic fragrance oils can be clean, safer, and less toxic than some essential oils.

Why we use a combo of synthetic & natural fragrances

There is a myth that anything natural is healthy. This is not always true. Keep in mind that essential oils can cause irritation, photosensitivity, and/or trigger various reactions. For instance, lemon essential oil should NEVER be applied prior to sun exposure. It will likely result in adverse skin reaction. This is why we source our fragrance from reputable distributors that are equipped with proper documentation. The fragrances that are incorporated into our products are done so in accordance with the IFRA recommended usage rate. IFRA provides safety guidance on the amount of fragrance oil that can be incorporated into the skincare products without causing irritation.

Not sure of your sensitivity?

If you are unsure whether you have allergy to a particular fragranced product, it is always best to seek the guidance of a physician prior to applying the product. I am not a doctor but I can share what I do to test my sensitivity to new products. I place a small amount behind my ear. I leave the product on for 48 to 72 hours to see how my skin reacts. If I experience no adverse reaction, I continue use. Else, I immediately discontinue use of that product. When I’m in the market for a new product, I research the available options on the market and their ingredients. I usually opt for paraben free, phthalates free, SLS and SLES free, and vegan suitable products. The key is to use fragrant products that are healthy and safe for your skin or choose a non-fragrance option

Are Fragrance Oils Safe?