Natural Fragrances in Cosmetics

09 October 2024

Fragrance is an essential component in cosmetics. Using these products results in a sensory experience. From the appearance and aroma to the sensation when applied, each aspect plays an important role in your opinion about the product. Although the appearance, aroma, and application each contribute to the product’s overall allure, fragrance is one of the most important of the sensory experiences and is often a determining factor in the final selection process. However, fragrances are also known to be one of the most common allergens found in skincare and other beauty or personal care products.

Fragrances are divided into two classifications: natural and synthetic. Both natural and synthetic fragrance ingredients have the potential to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. Nevertheless, synthetic fragrances may cause more adverse effects than naturally derived fragrances. In this article, we’ll take a look at what natural fragrances are, how they are derived, and the safety of natural fragrances in skincare and other cosmetics.

What is Fragrance in Skincare?

Fragrance in skin care (also known as “flavour” or “parfum” in the EU) is any individual chemical compound or combination of chemical compounds used to give skincare products a distinct and appealing scent. Fragrances are also known as “aroma compounds”, and are present in most skincare products and other cosmetics. 

Fragrance ingredients have slightly different definitions and labeling requirements in the United States and the European Union. In the US, the regulation of fragrances is overseen by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), whereas in the EU, the regulation of fragrances is overseen by the European Commission (EC). The FDA and EC define fragrances as follows:

  • FDA Definition: “The term fragrance means any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product.“
  • EC Definition: “Fragrance and flavour substances are organic compounds with characteristic, usually pleasant, odours.”

Fragrance is a common additive in skincare products to add a pleasant aroma or mask unpleasant scents naturally occurring from other ingredients. Although it may seem unnecessary or superfluous, consumers tend to prefer skincare products with added fragrances over those without fragrances. 

Fragrance in skincare can either be natural or synthetic. Natural fragrances are derived from natural sources, such as plants, whereas synthetic fragrances are man-made chemical compounds manufactured to imitate natural fragrances. 

Are fragrances safe?

Fragrances make the use of cosmetics more enjoyable. However, these ingredients are also known to be one of the most common allergens found in beauty and personal care products. Synthetic fragrances, for example, usually contain an undisclosed blend of chemical fragrances and other ingredients, such as artificial preservatives. According to FDA and EU cosmetic regulations, these ingredients can remain proprietary to protect trade secrets. Therefore, they are simply labeled as “fragrance”, “parfum”, or “flavour”.

Due to the secrecy of the exact fragrance ingredients, it can be difficult to discern whether the product will be safe for you to use. There are several synthetic fragrances listed as official known allergens by both the FDA and EC, which may cause irritation to the skin or respiratory problems. Is natural fragrance safe for skin? Although they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction, there are some natural essential oils or extracts that are also listed as known allergens.

What is Natural Fragrance?

Natural fragrances are scents (also known as aroma compounds) derived from natural sources. Most natural fragrances come from aromatic plant-based raw materials. To separate the natural aromas found in these plants, they must first be processed through an extraction or distillation process. Finally, at the end of these processes, the aroma compounds will be collected in the form of an essential oil or made into an extract. Once the essential oils or extracts have been prepared, they are ready for use in cosmetic products. 

Ingredients

Natural fragrances are a wonderful addition to beauty and personal care products. They add character, beauty, and enjoyability to cosmetics. The natural fragrance market offers a wealth of natural aroma options. Cosmetics typically contain two or more fragrances, which add depth and dynamize the olfactory experience. 

Natural Perfume Ingredients List:

  • Lavender
  • Citron
  • Jasmine
  • Rose
  • Sandalwood
  • Cinnamon
  • etc.

How are natural scents extracted?

Natural scents originate from plants, or in some cases, animals as well. To collect these fragrances, the raw plant materials must first be processed to separate and isolate the aroma compounds within them. The aroma compounds found in plants can be extracted in several different ways, depending on their volatility and sensitivity to heat exposure. Here are three of the most common extraction methods for natural fragrances:

Distillation

Distillation is one of the most common and simple fragrance extraction methods. There are two primary types of distillation processes: steam distillation and dry distillation. 

  • Steam distillation involves heating raw plant materials over steam and collecting the condensation containing the aroma compounds in a flask where it can settle and the oils containing the aroma can separate from the distilled water (also known as hydrosol).

  • Dry distillation involves heating raw plant materials directly over high heat without water or any other solvent. This process produces different aromas from the raw aromas and adds a toastiness to the final aroma. This method is common for materials such as amber or fragrant woods.

Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction does not require heat. There are numerous raw plant materials that lose their aroma when exposed to heat; therefore, solvent extraction is an ideal method for those materials. Solvent extraction involves placing the raw plant materials in a liquid solvent to dissolve and separate the aroma compounds and all other hydrophobic compounds into a viscous substance known as a “concrete”. The concrete then goes through another extraction process to isolate the aroma compounds from the rest of the concrete.

Expression

Expression is a common extraction for raw plant materials with a high essential oil concentration. It involves pressing or squeezing raw plant materials to collect the aromatic essential oils. This process is standard for plant materials such as citrus peels. There are two types of expression: mechanically expressed and cold-pressed.

What is the Difference between Synthetic and Natural Fragrances?

To put it simply, the difference between synthetic and natural fragrances is their origin and production processes. 

  • Synthetic Fragrance: a chemical compound created in a lab to mimic natural aromas.
  • Natural Fragrance: a fragrance derived from natural sources, such as aromatic plants.

In addition to the difference in the origin and production processes of these two types of fragrances, synthetic fragrances are also relatively easy to manufacture, cheaper, and have a longer-lasting aroma. On the contrary, a naturally derived fragrance requires a more intensive and time-consuming production process, is more expensive, and fades faster than its synthetic counterparts. 

 

However, despite the apparent downsides of natural fragrances, an authentic, natural fragrance is far more valuable and desired than a synthetic fragrance. Furthermore, the safety concerns and skin allergy risks associated with natural fragrances are far less than that of synthetic fragrances.

Are Natural Fragrances Safe for Skin?

Natural fragrance ingredients are generally considered to be safe for the skin. Compared to synthetic fragrances, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Under EU Regulation 2023/1545, the EU provides a list of more than 80 cosmetic fragrances classified as allergens. This list includes both synthetic fragrances and natural essential oils. 

Natural fragrances may cause certain side effects, especially on the skin. Some potential symptoms of an allergic reaction to natural fragrances may include: skin irritation, redness, itchiness, eczema, burning sensation, etc. 

ADA Cosmetics: Beauty and Fragrance Combined

At ADA Cosmetics, we develop skin and hair care products that promote relaxation and spark curiosity and amusement. Each line has its own unique fragrance blend, ranging from deep and woodsy to bright and floral. Our products are made from ethically harvested materials, which are carefully formulated into environmentally conscious cosmetics that our customers can enjoy and use without a negative environmental impact. Check out some of our product lines below. 

  • The Perfumer’s Garden: The Perfumer’s Garden Green Tea and Ginger skin and hair care line invites you to a peaceful stroll through cultivated grounds. A pleasant balance of refreshing green tea, zesty ginger, and bright citrus notes are complemented by elegant floral scents and the deep warming aroma of musk and sandalwood.

  • Amouage: The Amouage Anchorage Body & Home collection is a stately line equally suited for both men and women. Frankincense, rock rose, and ambergris exude the essence of Oman with its characteristic boldness and depth, but calming and refined aroma.

  • Estéban: The Estéban collection is complete with a well-rounded, gentle, and refreshing aroma. Coming straight from the heart of luxury and romanticism, this unique French cosmetic line draws from decades of perfumery expertise, combining soothing aloe with bright floral notes, hints of citrus, and the muted warmth of white musk. 

FAQ

What are natural fragrance oils for skincare?

“Natural fragrance oil” in skincare is a standard term similar to “natural fragrance” used in cosmetic ingredient labeling to describe a combination of natural essential oils.

Why are fragrances used in cosmetics?

Fragrances are commonly added to cosmetic formulations to add a pleasant scent to the product and improve its appeal. Fragrance is a significant contributor to the consumer’s sensory experience. Therefore, most consumers prefer cosmetics with a pleasing aroma. 

 

What is the difference between fragrance and perfume in skincare?

Fragrance and perfume in skincare are two very similar substances that are often perceived as the same thing. However, although the terms fragrance and perfume are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between them:

  • Fragrance: a natural or synthetic aroma compound

  • Perfume: a concentrated preparation of aroma compounds (including aromatic essential oils and other substances), fixatives (chemical stabilizers & preservatives), and solvents.
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