Are Fragrance Oils Safe?

Are Fragrance Oils Natural and Safe?

 

Fragrance oils are found in everything from washing-up liquids to perfume.

All of us probably come across fragrance oils every day without thinking about it. Even soaps and many toothpastes contain fragrance oils.

 

This is one of my favourite topics. As my colleagues at Perfume Price know, I can spend many hours talking about this subject. Over the years, it has become a personal passion of mine.

 

Let’s find out more. First, let's start with a little history on fragrance oils.

 

The History Of Fragrance Oils

 

Fragrance has been an important part of our history since the dawn of time.

 

Early man probably knew oils could be extracted from plants and trees. The oils were used for many different purposes.

 

Fragrance oils were used for anointment and as healing oils. How did early man learn about fragrance oils? Many trees and bushes secrete oils - they are contained in the sap or resin of the tree or bush.

 

This is probably how early man discovered fragrance oils. Good examples are myrrh, eucalyptus and sandalwood.

 

At one time, myrrh was more expensive than gold. Today, the essential oil oud costs more per kilo than gold. That is mind-boggling!

 

Natural fragrance oils have always been used in perfumes and cosmetics.

 

As science has moved on, we have learned to “copy” natural fragrance oils.

After all, fragrance oils are made up of natural chemicals.

 

Today, labs around the world produce copies of fragrance oils using man-made synthetic chemicals with similar properties as natural fragrance oils. These oils are used in low-cost perfumes, body lotions and household products. They are also found in candles. Your naturally scented candle may not be so natural after all.

 

Popular copied oils, synthetic oils as they are better known, are rose, lemon, orange and lavender. Many other oils are also copied.

 

Are Natural Fragrance Oils Safe?

 

You are far less likely to experience an allergic or other reaction to a natural oil than you would be to a synthetic fragrance oil.

 

But, just like with anything else, if you are sensitive to an oil, you can have an allergic or other physical reaction.

 

Let’s use rosemary oil as an example.

 

Rosemary Essential Oil

 

It has long been recognised that natural oils extracted from the herb rosemary smell nice and have health benefits.

 

In ancient Greece, scholars often recommended rosemary to their students. They found it helped to boost memory. Rosemary is often called the remembrance herb.

 

Traditionally, rosemary has been used in folk medicine for a long time. Today, scientists think rosemary can have a positive effect on patients with dementia.

 

But, as with everything else, there can be downsides. Rosemary along with other herbs including eucalyptus is linked to an increased risk of epileptic seizures. If you have epilepsy, err on the side of caution and don’t use any fragrances or skincare products containing rosemary.

 

In general, rosemary fragrance oil is safe.

 

Does This Mean Natural Fragrance Oils Are Unsafe?

 

No, it doesn’t.

 

Natural fragrance oils are much safer than synthetic fragrance oils which we know can cause health problems.

 

As a matter of fact, there is a list of 56 synthetic oils which are probably going to be banned in the future. This is the list of the oils you should look out for:

 

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone,

Amyl Cinnamal

Amyl Cinnamyl Alcohol

Anise Alcohol

Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl Cinnamate

Benzyl Salicylate

Cinnamal artificial

Cinnamyl Alcohol

Citral artificial

Citronellol artificial

Coumarin artificial

Eugenol artificial

Evernia Prunastri Extract

Evernia Furfuracea Extract

Farnesol alcohol

Geraniol artificial

Hexyl Cinnamal

Hydroxycitronellal

Isoeugenol,

Limonene artificial

Linalool artificial

Methyl 2-Octynoate

 

The above oils have been identified as harmful by the European Union.

 

Most commonly they are present in cheap cosmetics and perfumes. You also find them listed on skincare and household cleaning products.

 

From what scientists know, these oils can’t be broken by our bodies. Instead, they accumulate.

 

Not only are they dangerous to us directly. We are also indirectly exposed to them when they are released into our environment.

 

What Are The Best and Safest Natural Oils For Skin?

 

What oils do you like the smell of? Many natural oils have properties that are good for your skin.

 

Lavender

 

Lavender is a popular oil used in the fragrance industry.

 

Dior and Lancome like to use lavender oil in their fragrances and skincare products. It is one of the leading fragrance oils in the scent Paris from Yves Saint Laurent.

 

Both Guerlain and Tom Ford use lavender oil. If you like the scent of lavender, one of the best perfumes for you is Mon Guerlain Sparkling Bouquet. This is a gorgeous fragrance which truly smells like a bouquet of flowers. It is a great perfume for spring and summer.

 

Sandalwood

 

Sandalwood is an excellent oil for the skin. It helps to nourish the skin and may even help to reduce the appearance of scarring and wrinkles.

 

If you have dark spots, sandalwood is your go-to natural remedy.

 

Sandalwood makes an appearance in Armani's My Way and Yves Saint Laurent Libre Intense.

 

If you are looking for a classic fragrance with a sandalwood component, you should try Elizabeth Arden’s 5th Avenue.

 

Don’t underestimate Clinique’s Aromatics Elixir. This fragrance makes fantastic use of sandalwood. You can both smell it and feel it on your skin.

 

Rose Oil

 

One of the most useful oils when it comes to both fragrances and skincare is rose oil.

 

It is also one of the more expensive oils. This is why perfumes containing the essential oil of roses are expensive.

 

The cost is rather staggering. Did you know that 1000ml of Damascus rose oil can cost as much as $10,000?

 

There is little wonder why low-cost perfumes contain synthetic rose oil instead.

 

What are the benefits of pure rose essential oil?

 

Traditionally rose oil is used to lighten and moisturise the skin. It helps to reduce blemishes, dark spots and scars. Fortunately, you only need to add one drop to your natural face cream to enjoy the benefits.

 

Rose essential oil has been used as part of folk medicine for hundreds of years if not thousands.

 

What Are The Benefits of Natural Rose Oil In Perfume?

 

The benefits of rose essential oil on the skin are well documented. But, if it is so pricey, why is it used in perfume?

 

Many argue that applying perfume has just as many psychological benefits as it has physical ones.

 

In particular, this is true when you use a perfume containing rose oil.

 

It has long been thought rose oil has mental health benefits. Ongoing studies indicate that rose oil is one of the few essential oils which has mental health benefits.

 

Scientists studying rose oil have found it helps the brain produce and release endorphins.

What are endorphins? Endorphins are happy hormones or chemicals.

When released, we almost immediately feel better and calmer.

 

It appears that rose essential oil can help to improve our mental well-being. Five scientific studies into the health benefits of natural oil of rose indicate the same findings.

 

In other words, this is not a fluke. Further clinical studies are needed to find how much we need and how we can use rose essential oil to improve our mental health.

 

In the meantime, there is no reason why you should not continue to enjoy natural rose oil. Very few negative side effects have been reported.

 

What Perfumes Contain Rose Essential Oil?

 

Elie Saab is one of the best brands to take a look at if you like what rose essential oil has to offer.

 

Le Parfum Intense is one of the best fragrances from Elie Saab. It offers an amazing hit of rose. Best of all, this is a very enduring perfume which lingers.

 

Spray it on your hair and you can enjoy it for longer.

 

Chloe is another brand which likes to add essential oil to its perfume. Nomade body lotion from the brand feels like it has rose added. It has that sort of powdery finish I associate with roses.

 

Rose Passion from Jimmy Choo is another fragrance which has managed to bottle the very essence of rose essential oil. As far as a rose perfume goes, it is excellent value for money. It is one of those fragrances that gives you an instant pick-me-up and makes you feel confident.

 

A great alternative to Rose Passion is Lancome La Vie Est Belle En Rose. This is a lovely scent which is slightly lighter and playful.

 

Can I Spray Perfume On My Skin?

 

A perfume containing natural oils is safe to spray directly on your skin. When you want the fragrance to last longer, you should also spray it on your hair. I always spray perfume on my hair.

 

If you can, try to find a body lotion in the same fragrance. This is one of the main reasons I am always snapping up gift box sets when I shop for perfume. Using a body lotion helps intensify the overall fragrance experience and increases its endurance.

 

If you have bought a low-cost replica perfume, it is best not to apply it to your skin. Most of the oils in low-cost perfumes are synthetic which will do your skin more harm than good.

 

Instead, spray it on your hair or clothes. Synthetic oils can damage clothing by staining or discolouring it. Make sure you are aware of the risk.

 

How Long Should I Keep My Perfume For?

 

Natural oils in perfume can deteriorate. If you have a favourite daytime perfume, you probably buy a new bottle every two or three months.

 

If you have a perfume you only use on occasion, it is best to buy a smaller bottle and look after it.

 

Natural oils are heat-sensitive. Never store your perfumes or cosmetics near a heat source. Hot radiators can do your perfume a lot of harm.

 

Daylight and sunshine both interfere with the quality of perfume. Keep all of your perfumes and cosmetics well away from sunlight.

 

Do Synthetic Oils Deteriorate?

 

Yes, they do. Many perfumes based on synthetic oils are also rich in alcohol.

 

This means the contents will start to evaporate quickly. After all, alcohol is volatile. Once exposed to oxygen, synthetic oils quickly lose their potency and may even smell different.

 

Why Are Fragrances Containing Natural Oils Expensive?

 

There are many reasons why branded perfumes are more expensive.

 

Natural ingredients are more expensive as they are not mass-produced. You can’t just go into a factory, blend chemicals and switch on a machine to blend them. They have to be extracted.

 

When it comes to natural oils, you have to rely on nature to do the work.

Also, they are delicate which means you need to harvest the plants which produce them carefully.

 

Many natural oils are just like good wines. They need to be stored for a while before they are used. Doing so increases their potency.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Natural oils have so much to offer. They are much more fragrant than synthetic oils and safer for us to use on our skin and hair.

 

Buying perfumes containing safe natural oils is not only better for you, it is better for the environment.