Perfumes: Analysis of Natural and Synthetic Ingredients
With the rise of organic products, consumers are paying more attention to ingredients and components. Chemical products are now viewed with suspicion by consumers. As a result, the term «chemistry» is often perceived as an enemy, while the term «natural» is considered a guarantee of health.
In the perfume industry, the debate centers on natural ingredients versus synthetic ingredients.
But does «synthetic» necessarily mean «dangerous»? Is «natural» synonymous with «safe»? In this article, we reveal everything!
Differences between natural and synthetic ingredients
In perfumery, a wide variety of natural ingredients are used, such as flowers, seeds, wood, and pods. Generally, these components are extracted from their natural sources to be incorporated into perfumes without undergoing any chemical treatment.
However, extraction is not applicable to all ingredients used in perfumery. Some so-called «silent» flowers, such as lily of the valley, violet, or carnation, are fragile and odorless after extraction; this is why perfumers often recreate their scents using synthetic raw materials.
The advent of synthetic molecules
It was in the mid-19th century that synthetic molecules made their appearance, alongside the development of organic chemistry. This discovery allowed perfumers to broaden their palette and reinvent themselves. Synthetic ingredients thus enabled them to create and offer even more perfumes with surprising olfactory dimensions.
Furthermore, animal welfare concerns have led to the prohibition of these notes in perfumes. Consequently, synthetic chemistry has offered perfumers an alternative for recreating scents such as musk, civet, or castoreum. These animalic notes are essential for creating a perfume with character and sensuality, and for extending the trail of a fragrance.
A commitment to natural ingredients at Studio des Parfums
Since 2006, our commitment to environmental protection has been reflected in our products, which contain more than 60 % of natural ingredients and are free of artificial colors and preservatives.
If you want to learn more about the world of perfumery and our perfume organ, reserve your spot. here starting today.
