By Claudia Cole
However, there has been a growing concern about whether some perfumes are a health and environmental hazard.
A study found that around 36 well-known perfume brands contained at least two synthetic toxic chemicals. Not only are some of these chemicals harmful to our skin and health, but it’s also harming the environment.
Therefore, many consumers are choosing ‘chemical-free’ or ‘natural’ alternatives. Yet, sustainable perfumes are more complex than that.
What Makes A Sustainable Perfume?
Firstly, any sustainable product should be produced or consumed in a way that doesn’t cause harm or destruction. Sustainable fragrances represent a balance between social welfare, economic growth, and environmental protection. This includes following fair-trade ethics, responsibly minimising waste, and using renewable resources.
There is a common misconception that synthetic ingredients can’t be sustainable. However, renewable resources aren’t limited to natural ingredients.
Although some synthetics can contain allergens, they aren’t all bad. In fact, both natural and synthetic ingredients can be environmentally and health-friendly.
The benefits of Synthetic ingredients:
- They last longer
- They can replace over-harvested natural ingredients such as sandalwood.
It’s not a case of natural ingredients vs. synthetics. The key to a sustainable product is transparency! We, as consumers, must be able to know the production process to ensure we are buying sustainably.
Luckily, there are new brands that are shaking up the industry by upping the transparency.
British brand, Floral Street is breaking boundaries with its successful sustainable perfume range. Their most significant achievement is their compostable packaging. They have created ground-breaking cartons made of pulp from a former paper mill. The brand pride themselves on being transparent and authentic about their production process. Founder, Michelle Feeney explains:
“When I started this brand, I knew if I wanted it to be commercially successful, it had to encompass change in the way fragrance is formulated and sold. The fragrance industry isn’t like any other industry. If it doesn’t evolve and change and become more in the eyes of the consumer, it can’t survive in the way it has been.”
With the ongoing innovative changes in the fragrances industry, there are many sustainable perfumes available. Here are our top three heavenly smelling brands.
Floral Street
As mentioned, the award-winning British fragrance brand is doing everything differently. It’s powered by flowers and inspired by the streets of London. Compared to other brands, Floral Street don’t use sexuality to sell scents. Whether you’re feeling focused, dreamy, or rebellious, they have a product for every mood. Furthermore, the brand has sustainability and eco-responsibility as its very core. Their vibrant fragrances contains sustainably sourced ingredients. Its packaging is also reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
The Perfume Edit
After 25 years, The Perfume Shop has finally created its first fragrance collection. It comprises three unisex scents, embracing the wonders of nature. Explore the warm and fruity Peppered Earth or the aromatic Lime & Basil. The combinations of rich earthy scents is perfect for each occasion. Above all, each fragrance comes in 100% recyclable packaging.
Clean Reserve
After making a fragrant debut in 2015, Clean Reserve has quickly become a beauty staple. They are firmly focused on sustainability. For instance, each of their artisanal blends uses ethically sourced ingredients. Whether that’s Saffron or patchouli, their collection serves unforgettable fragrances. Each product has wooden caps, completing the chic minimal look.
As more fragrance brands strive to be sustainable, you can finally complete your beauty routine smelling divine. Besides, in the wise words of C. Joybell, “you are never fully dressed without perfume.” Just pair a fragrance with a stylish outfit from our list of sustainable fashion brands, and you’re all good to go!
What’s your favourite scent? Share with us in the comments below.
Claudia Cole
Claudia is a film graduate and writer from London. While an enthusiast for books and all things screen related, she is a passionate advocate for mental health & wellbeing.
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