Why Natural Perfumes Are Way Better Than The Synthetic Stuff
Why make scents in a lab when nature produces something as amazing-smelling as lavendar??
Natural perfume is a true passion of mine. To celebrate turning 40, I treated myself to something special: a custom-designed natural perfume by Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes in Berkeley, California. Mandy is no joke—she sources rare and exquisite ingredients from around the globe through a handful of trusted purveyors. My custom blend includes castoreum, an earthy and woodsy scent derived from beaver glands (yep, you read that right). It smells like the most magical mix of nature (and sh*t) you can imagine.
Next week, I’m heading to India, and my very first stop will be Gulabsingh Johrimal, an eighth-generation perfume house in Delhi. They’ve been distilling fragrances the same way the Indus Valley civilization did over 5,000 years ago. Using a traditional method to extract fragrant oils from flowers, woods, and spices, this place is like a portal to ancient perfume-making traditions. I can't wait to dive into that world of scent!
A Fragrant Past: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Day
Perfume has been enchanting humans for thousands of years—long before the synthetic sprays of today, natural perfumes reigned supreme. The scents weren’t just about smelling good; they were about connecting to nature, culture, and even spirituality. But somewhere along the way, chemical-laden bottles started to dominate store shelves. It's time to rediscover the art of natural perfumes and why they’re far superior to that synthetic stuff you’ve been spritzing.
The roots of natural perfumes run deep. The ancient Egyptians, for instance, were obsessed with fragrance. Myrrh, frankincense, and rose were used not only to mask body odor but also in rituals to honor the gods and royalty. The Indus Valley civilization (modern-day India and Pakistan) is credited with creating the earliest known distillation techniques around 3000 BC, used to extract fragrant oils from flowers and herbs. Ancient Greeks and Romans followed suit, adopting perfumes for personal hygiene and status symbols, using materials like rose, lavender, and sandalwood.
Why Natural Perfumes Win
Natural perfume remained the gold standard for centuries until the industrial revolution changed the game. Synthetic perfumes hit the scene in the 19th century, offering long-lasting scents at a lower price. But here’s the thing—while synthetics might be convenient, they strip away the artistry and complexity that made natural perfumes so special. Here are a few of the major reasons that natural perfumes are way better than synthetics:
1. Earthy Ingredients, Not Chemicals : Unlike synthetic fragrances, which are made in a lab from chemicals, natural perfumes use real plant-based ingredients like flowers, herbs, and spices. The next time you spritz a natural rose-scented perfume, you can bet it was sourced from real rose petals, not a test tube.
2. The Scent Evolves : One of the coolest things about natural perfumes is how they evolve throughout the day. While synthetic perfumes often feel "one-note," natural fragrances shift and change as they interact with your skin. That citrusy punch in the morning might transform into warm, woodsy tones by the afternoon—making the experience uniquely yours.
3. Kind to Your Body: Synthetic fragrances are notorious for containing ingredients like phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption and allergies. Natural perfumes are typically free from these harmful chemicals, so you’re not only smelling good, but you’re also being kind to your body.
4. Eco-Friendly: Many natural perfume brands focus on sustainability, using ethically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. No petroleum-based ingredients, no harmful production processes.
5. Subtle, Never Overpowering: Natural perfumes offer a subtle elegance. They don’t scream "I just walked through a perfume cloud!" Instead, they provide a fresh, natural scent that feels sophisticated and not overwhelming.
Why Go Back to Natural?
The return of natural perfumes is part of a broader movement towards sustainability and wellness. Gone are the days of overpowering, chemical-laden scents—natural perfumes are making us fall back in love with the simple beauty of nature’s own aromas.
So, next time you’re reaching for that synthetic bottle, take a beat. The natural world offers everything you need for a fragrance that’s not only healthier but more artfully crafted. It’s time to swap out that lab-made spritz for something a little more… real.