Did you know that fragrance companies are not required to list ingredients on the labels?
Shocking, right?
Regulations have made it legal to keep their ingredients hidden by simply disguising them under the term “fragrance”. In fact, a company can legally use over 400 ingredients under the single term, fragrance, to “protect” their trade formulas. Not cool.
In 1991 the EPA tested conventional, synthetic perfumes and found a long list of toxic chemical ingredients, including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, linalool, methylene chloride as well as phthalates, stearates, and parabens.
Top 8 Chemical Ingredients in Fragrances
- Styrene: National Toxicology Program and the National Academy of Science, declared styrene to be an anticipated human carcinogen” back in 2011. 2, 3
- Phthalates: Studies show that phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can decrease IQ by several points in children whose mothers were exposed to them during pregnancy. The use of phthalates have also been linked to sperm damage in studies. Phthalates are also considered “obesogens” which means they can suppress the metabolism and contribute to obesity. 4
- Musk ketone: A skin irritant and hormone disruptor. 5
- Benzaldehyde: This substance is a known narcotic, lung and eye irritant. It causes nausea, abdominal pain, and kidney damage.
- Benzyl acetate: Known carcinogen, which causes eye and lung irritation as well as coughing.
- Ethyl acetate: Can cause eye and respiratory irritation.
- Linalool: Can cause respiratory disturbances in animal studies, depression, and central nervous system disorders.
- Methylene chloride: This substance has actually been banned by the FDA due to severe toxic effects; however, the ban is not enforced as it still may be found in labels listing “fragrance”.
I stopped using perfume several years ago. For a while, I simply went without. Then I discovered that I could use a roller bottle of essential oil as a perfume and BONUS, many times I get additional health benefits simply by rolling it on my pulse points.
My Favorite Essential Oils as Perfume
BEAUTIFUL: This incredible essential oil is only released every once and a while. It is currently not available for purchase. However, the Beautiful Body Mist is always available. The mist contains natural oils like sunflower as well as essential oils Lime, Osmanthus, Bergamot and Frankincense.
MAGNOLIA: Steam distilled from the sturdy petals of the magnolia flower, Magnolia essential oil has a fruity and floral aroma. It is also known for promoting relaxation and decreasing anxiety. Magnolia is available in a 10ml roller bottle and is diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil. BONUS- This oil is 10% off in May 2022.
ROSE TOUCH: If you enjoy sweet floral scents, you will love this. Rose Touch combines Fractionated Coconut Oil with Rose essential oil, one of the most precious essential oils in the world. This floral, dry and sweet oil can be applied to the neck and wrists for a beautiful and romantic personal fragrance.
ADAPTIV TOUCH: This is my daily use oil. I never leave home without it. It does all the things!! Lavender, Magnolia, Neroli, and Sweetgum provide stress-relieving effects while Wild Orange and Spearmint energize and uplift. Copaiba and Rosemary soothe anxious feelings to round out the calming blend.
DIY BLEND: Unleash your inner scientist and create your own fabulous PUREfume! As you use more essential oils you can sort of imagine the scents and blends before making them. But if you’re new to blending, it can be a little trickier. It helps to remember that not only does note matter, but types of aroma can help you craft your perfume. Here are some helpful tips.
EARTHY/WOODSY SCENTS: Root notes are the foundation of your personal fragrance. They underlie the other fragrances in your aromatic combination. These are usually earthy and woody. They tend to last longer, giving your aroma depth and a strong base to build on. These oils are commonly used as root notes: Myrrh, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, and Cedarwood.
FLORAL: Heart notes, or middle notes, are the scents at the center of your perfume. They aren’t the first scents you notice, but they contribute to the core. It’s the heart notes that weave the rest of the aromas together to create something truly beautiful. Florals often make great heart notes. Some wonderful heart notes to try are Lavender, Jasmine, Geranium, Neroli, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Rose, Blue Lotus, and Magnolia.
CITRUS: Crown notes are the lightest and most noticeable aromas in your composition. They are the first scents you smell, capturing your attention before giving way to the heart and root notes. Without the beautiful crown note, your fragrance is incomplete. Crown notes include citrus oils like Lime, Grapefruit, Wild Orange, Bergamot, as well as others such as Spearmint, Lemongrass, and Petitgrain. (6)
how to create your own PUREfume
Creating your own perfume will require the following ingredients and materials:
- 1 5 ml (0.2 fl oz) roller or spray bottle
- 3 essential oils: root, heart and crown
- 4 pipettes or glass droppers: one for each essential oil and one for the carrier oil
- Unscented carrier oil, like grapeseed or coconut
There are about 100 drops of oil in a 5ml bottle, give or take. You will need:
- 80 drops of carrier oil
- 20 drops of essential oil blend (10 drops root: 5 drops crown: 5 drops heart)
Once you have the necessary supplies and ingredients follow these easy steps:
- Add 80 drops of carrier oil to the perfume bottle.
- With a dropper, add in 10 drops of the essential oil base notes, followed by 5 drops of head note, and 5 drops of heart notes.
- Seal the bottle and shake well (and again before each use).
- Label your creation.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
My current DIY fav is cedarwood, lavender and wild orange. If you decide to try the DIY PUREfume, please comment and let me know what combo you used. I am always looking for new blends to try.
