Almost everything has fragrance added to the formula these days. The fabric softener, the dishwashing liquid, your makeup, and the room fragrance candles. It goes without saying the perfume we don as we leave the house every day has its intention as a fragrance. Our senses are piqued when we walk past a fresh spritz of perfume. The health effects of synthetic fragrances are finally being uncovered, but is there really anything such as a safe synthetic fragrance?
How is Synthetic Fragrance Made?
Synthetic fragrances are made using a chemical modification of plant oils or by deriving the fragrance from petroleum-based substances. There are three types of synthetic (lab-created) fragrances.
The first type is full synthetic which is where the entire fragrance is almost entirely derived from petroleum by-products. The second is semi-synthetic which is created from a mixture of all or all three types of synthetic, natural, or artificially modified notes. The third variation of synthetic fragrances is called natural isolates which is a fragrance developed from synthetic and natural by-products.
Why do Producers use Synthetic Essential Oils?
The use of aromatic plant extracts for perfumes, fragrance oils, and scented household items go back hundreds if not thousands of years. The practice of aromatherapy is well-established and documented. The popularity of fragranced and scented items has soared in recent times and with the industrialization and commercialization of the manufacturing sector, so has the use of synthetic fragrances.
From a manufacturer’s point of view, there are several benefits to synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrance is used because:
- They are less expensive and bring costs down
- The fragrance is more potent and their chemical composition means longer lasting
- They are more stable and therefore have a longer shelf life
- The fragrances are consistent and reliable
- The manufacture of the fragrance itself is relatively simple and quick
Are there any Dangers to using an Artificial Fragrance?
It is a well-known fact that our skin is the largest organ of the human body. It processes everything we come in contact with, and this includes the various fragrances we expose ourselves to. The nose and the olfactory system is the first defense against diffused scents in the air you breathe.
Knowing this, it is of the utmost importance to pay special attention to what fragrance you expose yourself to. Synthetic fragrances, although helpful to the manufacturers, do not behave the same as natural essential oils.
Unfortunately, synthetic fragrances have been linked to a number of health problems that include possible cancer, asthma, infertility, autoimmune disorders, a weakened immune system, and much more. Some sensitive individuals can experience other side effects such as skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, and more.
Where to buy a natural fragrance?
There are several companies that are open and happily list their fragrances as fully natural and not synthetic. Get in touch with us at Aroma Designers as we use the best natural plant extracts to create premium fragrance oils. Contact us at info@aromadesigners.com or (833) 777-7268.
