What's in a Fragrance?
We are hearing more and more how people are reacting to skincare products. Have we become thin skinned and less resilient than previous generations or is there something else going on?
What's In Your Skincare Products?
Up until I started research for Honey&Rose, I have to say that I was aware that ingredients like preservatives, colours and fragrance were in my skincare products but I was blissfully unaware of what I was REALLY putting onto my skin and that of my children. Here I will talk about just one ingredient that is listed on skincare product labels- fragrance/parfum- and is it really so bad for us? Because let's face it, the product would not be so appealing if it smelled like rancid cheese!
Pick up any high street shop face cream, body lotion or soap and have a look on the ingredients list. Right at the end you'll see the fragrance aka Parfum listed in teeny tiny writing after all the other ingredients that seem to be in Latin (Inci listing by law).
So what's in a fragrance? Maybe essential oils? That would be nice! But at £5 a jar for a high street moisturiser, I doubt it very much.
A good old fashioned google search comes up with this on the first page:
www.cosmeticsinfo.org/product/fragrance-products "Fragrance Products are products that enhance the fragrance of the body in a desirable manner. Fragrances are among the oldest cosmetic products and represent an art form that combines fragrance ingredients with the natural properties of the individual."
Ooh, I like the sound of being desirable! And Fragrance is amongst the oldest cosmetic products- assuming here, that they mean it has been used since cosmetic products began. Well, that makes it ok to slather all over me or does it?
Now this I find a tad alarming...
"There are over 500 potential chemicals that can be used under the single name “fragrance” found on the label of many products, not just perfumes and colognes. Fragrances are found in “air fresheners,” room deodorizers, cosmetics, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, candles, and many other places. Manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on the labels of these products, nor do they have to reveal the specific ingredients that qualify as “fragrance” to regulating authorities because they are protected as trade secrets." www.care2.com/greenliving and they go on to say "Some of the most common chemicals in perfumes are ethanol, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, a-pinene, acetone, benzyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, linalool, a-terpinene, methylene chloride, styrene oxide, dimenthyl sulphate, a-terpineol, camphor, and limonene. Some of these chemicals cause irritability, mental vagueness, muscle pain, asthma, bloating, joint aches, sinus pain, fatigue, sore throat, eye irritation, gastrointestinal problems, laryngitis, headaches, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, spikes in blood pressure, coughing, and burning or itching skin irritations."
And did you know that the same fragrance may be in your toilet spray and your handwash?
All very well and good BUT...
I need to moisturise and they all have fragrance or parfum! Feeling the skin wrinkle as I deliberate. There is an alternative. There are cosmetic companies that make natural skincare products (ahem, Honey&Rose being one of them). Do a little research, check out the company and ingredients they use. Are they all natural or plant based? If you can afford it, Neal's Yard use blended essential oils as their 'Fragrance'. But I think you'll find that Honey&Rose is very reasonable and natural. www.honeyandrosebath.com
Ooh, Something different....
On Honey&Rose product ingredients list we state that a blend of essential is used and if you are allergic to a specific essential oil (eg. lavender), we can make your skincare product to suit your needs. On our website you can even choose what you would like in your Bliss Bath Tea from an ingredients menu.
https://www.honeyandrosebath.com/online-store Honey&Rose offers a selection of quality, natural skincare products that can be tailor made to suit your skin at no extra cost. You can check with us via the website if you are unsure or have any questions.
You can even request a free sample and just pay the postage to try before you buy.
