They say you are what you eat and this also rings true to what you put on your skin. Earlier this year, The Soil Association predicted that natural and organic beauty sales would reach £34b by the end of the year. It’s clear from the recent surge in sales and this mammoth prediction, we’re much more aware of what we absorb through our largest organ. However, an industry that appears to be trailing behind is the world of fragrance. Dominated by global perfume houses, it’s been slow on the uptake when it comes to embracing the consumer’s growing desire for more natural fragrance. We’ve often wondered why fragrance has lagged behind… founder of NEOM, Nicola Elliott says “I think it’s largely due to demand. People haven’t always been so clued up about the ingredients that are used in fragrance, combined with the fact that synthetic perfumes are favoured due to their strength and how long they last on the skin. However, consumers have become far more knowledgeable about the irritations caused by synthetic ingredients and are reading labels more carefully than ever before!”

So, before you pump another spritz of your beloved Coco Mademoiselle, let us explain why your perfume collection might need a revamp, for the sake of your health.

Would you be surprised to discover that your favourite floral scent might not actually contain any flowers at all? Or your fruity pick-me-up might not contain any real fruit extracts? Many perfumes are formulated with entirely lab-produced ingredients, meaning they are completely synthetic. What’s more, the ingredients used to prolong the perfume’s scent and shelf life are highly toxic. From carcinogenic ingredients like pyridine, benzophenone, methyl eugenol and styrene to petroleum-based chemicals, your perfume could be responsible for skin rashes, headaches, migraines, triggering allergies and even disrupting your hormones. 

Although big-name perfume houses still have a way to go, there are some gorgeous natural fragrance brands that still offer that luxurious element of buying and using perfume, just without the chemical shit storm of ingredients! From 100% natural to most natural and hand-crafted to ethically produced, here are the best natural fragrance brands below.