|
|
Natural perfume, also known as
botanical perfume, is the name given to any perfume that contains
only natural ingredients. This means that the product does not
contain artificial ingredients of any kind. The idea behind this
product is that it is kinder to the skin and to the environment.
Modern living and political
outlooks have paved the way for the natural perfume to become
increasingly popular. However, the idea of it has always been
around, and until the 1800s when synthetic materials were created,
natural perfume was the only option. The synthetics were a breakthrough
in modern science, and offered a valuable commodity for perfume
makers. It enabled the product to have a longer shelf life and
could also create more effects and blends.
Synthetic perfume is still excellent quality, but
there is a modern trend for trying to recapture the essence of
all things natural; and this includes with perfume. Botanical
perfume is created from raw organics and rare aromatics, with
natural extraction processes used. The aromatics are obtained
through tincturing, enfleurage, infusion and distillation, and
then added to a combination of carrier oil and water or a natural
alcohol base. These bases are less severe than their synthetic
counterparts and so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
|
|
|
Allergies are a common reason why
people are turning to botanical perfume. The high levels of pollution
have made many people more sensitive and intolerant to many chemicals
that would previously have produced no adverse affect. Natural
perfume ingredients are in their purest form, and so the absence
of chemicals creates less irritants and skin pollutants.
Another reason for the popularity
of natural perfume is that it can be used to create a signature
blend. In the modern world where mass production is the norm,
many people are turning to the unique and rare to recapture a
sense of identity. Natural perfume enables this. Firstly, synthetic
perfumes are mass produced, and so it is down to the taste of
the buyer as to whether they are purchased, whereas natural perfumes
can be made bespoke.
These
bespoke perfumes are created in relation to the tastes of the
buyer, and are available for that buyer only. Many natural perfumeries
are opening across the globe, where clients can go in for a whole
experience which includes answering questions about tastes to
determine a particular classification such as oriental, citrus,
marine or floral. Then different base scents are tested, and
those liked are then combined to create a signature fragrance,
usually stored on a database for future purchases.
The ingredients are also a key factor. Natural
perfumes often contain rare aromatics that would be too expensive
to use in mass production. Therefore, it can offer a wider variety
of fragrances. Another element to consider is the concentration
of the blend. Synthetic perfumes have strict concentrations of
perfume per alcohol and water base, which must be adhered to.
Natural perfumes can step outside of these conventions, and create
a strength that suits your requirements. Certain perfume may
be based upon aromatherapy and aromacology theories also, to
try and help assist with mood and health.
Of course, natural perfume does have its disadvantages
also. For instance, the absence of any chemical fixative in the
perfume, similar to the preservatives found in food produce,
means that it is evanescent or short lasting. The ingredients
in botanical perfume may separate also, as they contain no chemicals
that bind, but this can be resolved with a gentle shake, so not
too much of a problem but worth remembering. Natural perfumes
are generally inexpensive and a pleasant change from the norm.
Ultimately, however, they need to suit your requirements and
needs; so weight the pros and cons and make an informed choice
before purchasing.
This article
is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous
authorization from the author. However the author's name and
all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must
be kept. |
|
|
|
|
|