Our sense of smell is engaged in many facets of every day life and a huge part of the pleasures we experience from the food we eat, cleaning products, detergents, personal care items, candles and perfume.

HOW DOES SCENT WORK?
Scent plays a powerful role in our wellbeing, influencing emotions, memory, and even physiological responses through the process of olfaction—our sense of smell. When we inhale a scent, odor molecules travel through the nasal cavity and interact with the olfactory bulb, which then sends signals to the brain’s limbic system, the area responsible for emotions and memory.

All scents, whether natural or synthetic, engage this process, but not all fragrances are created equal. Many synthetic perfumes contain artificial chemicals designed to mimic natural aromas, yet these compounds can have unintended effects on our health, wellbeing and the environment. These perfumes are also present in scented candles, shampoo, body oils, incense and many other fragranced personal care and household items.

Essential oils provide a natural alternative, derived directly from plants and free from synthetic additives. Because they contain only naturally occurring aromatic compounds, they work in harmony with the body’s olfactory and nervous systems without exposing you to artificial fixatives or potentially harmful chemicals. Understanding the differences between these two fragrance types can help you make more informed choices about what you apply to your skin and inhale every day.

Many commercial fragrances are designed to be long-lasting and potent, but this is often achieved using synthetic chemicals to replicate natural scents. While these scents may be pleasant, the compounds used to create them can have unintended effects.

Key Chemical Components in Synthetic Perfumes

1. Phthalates – Used to make fragrances last longer, phthalates act as a binding agent for scent molecules. However, they have been linked to endocrine disruption, meaning they may interfere with hormone regulation.
2. Synthetic Musks – Found in many perfumes, these compounds are designed to mimic natural musk but can accumulate in human tissue and have been detected in breast milk and waterways.
3. Benzophenones – These UV stabilizers prevent perfume degradation but are associated with skin irritation and potential hormone disruption.
4. Aldehydes – Responsible for bright, fresh scent notes, aldehydes are highly reactive compounds that can create oxidative stress in cells when inhaled in high concentrations.
5. Solvents (Ethanol & Isopropyl Alcohol) – These act as carriers to disperse fragrance molecules but can dry out the skin and cause irritation, particularly for sensitive individuals.

Essential oils are composed of naturally occurring compounds extracted from plants through steam distillation and cold pressing. Unlike synthetic perfumes, they contain a complex mix of bioactive molecules that contribute to both scent and therapeutic effects. The compounds can enter the body and be quickly and safely metabolised.

• Naturally Derived – Essential oils come directly from plant sources, without the need for synthetic additives.
  
  
• Emotional and daily support - Aside from scent, essential oils offer therapeutic effects such as: promoting relaxation, enhancing focus, reducing stress and anxiety, uplifting your mood.
  
  
• Safer for Your Skin – When properly diluted, essential oils are generally well-tolerated by the skin, making them a gentler alternative for those with sensitivities. Emulsified in carrier oils which are nourishing and often repairing dry skin.
  
  
• A Connection to Nature – Many people appreciate essential oils for their authentic, plant-based aromas, which can offer a grounding sensory experience and more connected to our emotions and memories.