For me, it’s about wanting to honor the original art of perfumery that placed such an emphasis on botanical essences. I would never say people who use synthetics should pack it up and go home. There’s room for both.
— Perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis of Strange Invisible Perfumes, quoted in Eau Naturel at the LA Times. (found via Natural Perfumers Guild at Twitter)
I think the author does a nice job of introducing readers to the world of natural perfumery and highlighting some of that world’s “stars.” However, the second paragraph of her article sets up two inaccurate contrasts between the worlds of natural vs. synthetic perfumery.
First of all, the author sets natural fragrances against mass-market “celebuscents”, implying – although not explicitly stating – that such scents constitute the majority of scents that contain synthetics. And the comment about allergies is just inaccurate: yes, many people are allergic to the synthetic components of scent but I’m sure that just as many – if not more – people are allergic to natural products, too.
Sorry to sound like a crabby old schoolmarm but I believe that, as important sources of information for many people, the media have a responsibility to be factually correct.
Couldn’t agree more. As someone with very sensitive skin* I come across this “natural is more gentle” mindset whenever I shop for cosmetics and have to interact with a SA. It simply isn’t the case and I’ve lost count of how many products from ‘wholesome’ skincare brands which use high concentrations of botanical extracts etc have been a source or irritation.
*I never had a problem with perfume funnily enough. I do apply mostly on fabric simply because scents last considerably longer on clothes than they do on my skin.
Oh I agree, I live in the land of Aveda (Minnesota) and have had horrible experiences with their products. I once had a severe reaction to their Shampure shampoo. Dermy took one look at me and asked “Do you use Aveda hair products”? He said they are notorious for causing skin reactions. I innocently asked, “but aren’t they better because they’re natural”? And his classic response “Poison ivy is natural too but you wouldn’t smear it all over your face”! LOL Needless to say he was NOT a fan.
It’s what papers do — make everything into this vs that. At least she does point out that famous perfumers make masterpieces using synthetics.
Totally agree about allergies…huge mistake to think you’re better off with naturals on that front.
What bothers me the most about this article is that it perpetuates the misconception that “natural” products don’t contain any “chemicals”. Excuse me, but–EVERYTHING is made of chemicals. The only thing that would be chemical-free would be a perfect vacuum.
True! But do think most people understand her usage in this case — that she is contrasting synthetics & naturals.