Have you ever stopped to think about what makes your favorite perfume or candle smell so good? There are two main types of fragrances: synthetic and natural. Synthetic fragrances are made in a lab using a combination of chemicals, while natural fragrances come from essential oils extracted from plants.
Synthetic Fragrance
First, it's important to understand what synthetic fragrance is. Synthetic fragrances are man-made chemicals that mimic the scent of natural substances. They are created in a laboratory using a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients. Synthetic fragrances are designed to be long-lasting, stable, and cost-effective. They are also regulated by governmental agencies to ensure their safety for human use.
One of the main advantages of synthetic fragrances is their consistency. Unlike natural essential oils, synthetic fragrances can be made to the exact same standard every time. This means that each bottle of perfume or lotion will smell exactly the same, regardless of where or when it was made. Synthetic fragrances are also more affordable than their natural counterparts, making them more accessible to consumers.
Another benefit of synthetic fragrances is their longevity. Because synthetic fragrances are created in a lab, their molecules are more stable and less prone to breaking down over time. This means that the scent of a product containing synthetic fragrance will last longer than one containing natural essential oils.
In addition, synthetic fragrances can be more versatile than natural essential oils. With the ability to create a wider range of scents, synthetic fragrances can be used in a variety of products, including cleaning supplies, candles, and perfumes. This allows manufacturers to cater to a wider audience and create more unique and complex scents.
Finally, synthetic fragrances have come a long way in terms of safety and regulation. Today, the fragrance industry is heavily regulated by government agencies to ensure the safety of consumers. In fact, synthetic fragrances are often tested more rigorously than natural essential oils to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Natural Fragrance
Essential oils are natural fragrances derived from plants. They're extracted using methods like steam distillation or cold pressing and are often used in aromatherapy and natural health products. Essential oils are more expensive than synthetic fragrances and can be harder to produce in large quantities.
One of the most significant environmental impacts of essential oils is their cultivation. Many essential oils are sourced from plants that are grown in specific regions of the world, often in developing countries. The demand for these plants can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. In addition, intensive farming practices used to cultivate these plants can also contribute to soil degradation, erosion, and depletion of natural resources.
The production of essential oils also requires large amounts of water and energy. Steam distillation, the most common method used to extract essential oils, requires a significant amount of water and energy to produce the steam needed for the distillation process. In addition, the leftover plant material, known as the hydrosol, can be toxic and difficult to dispose of safely.
At Ghost Poppy we use a blend of synthetic and natural fragrance oil. Although there is no set definition for what a “clean” fragrance is, the generally accepted standards are ones that are free of phthalates, parabens, and adhere to Prop 65 standards for potential carcinogens. Ghost Poppy meets these standards and will contine to bring you smells that last, fill your space and are complex!