The Great Perfume Debate: Natural vs. Synthetic Materials Unveiled

This week on the Perfume Making Podcast, Karen enters into the debate around natural versus synthetic materials. At first glance, most people would assume that using natural materials is the preferred method of perfume making for the consumer and the company. However, as Karen explains, the answer to this question is not black and white, there are advantages to both types of material.    KEY TAKEAWAYS Although most people will say that they prefer perfumes with natural ingredients over those with synthetics, they are often shocked to discover that they’re favorite scents contain more synthetic materials than is advertised. Despite what people think, synthetics aren’t necessarily always bad and naturals aren’t always good. Karen explains the pros and cons of both.  The main part of a perfume is called the ‘concentrate’. Traditionally this was made from 80 to 90% synthetic materials, however, things are starting to change and there is a greater shift toward natural materials.  Perfumes made with natural materials only can be quite dense and heavy smelling and don’t last as long as those made with synthetic materials.    BEST MOMENTS    “Mainstream marketing of perfume has confused the consumer as to what is natural and what is synthetic.” “Independant perfume makers are leading the push to use more natural materials in their fragrances and the mainstream industry are following their lead.” “The landscape of perfumery has changed massively over the last ten years.”     VALUABLE RESOURCES   Getting Started Guide: https://www.karengilbert.co.uk/podcast-getting-started-guide   Artisan Perfumery Mastermind: https://karengilbert.info/artisan-perfumery-mastermind   ABOUT THE HOST Fragrance expert, author, teacher and speaker; Karen Gilbert runs courses in the UK and online which demystify the secretive world of perfumery in a fun and interactive way.  Karen has inspired thousands of students to explore their olfactory sense and create their own personalised fragrances.   With extensive product development experience in both the commercial perfumery and the organic skincare industry, Karen is able to offer a unique insight into creating natural and mixed media fragrances for fine fragrance, room scents and skincare/bodycare products using commercial perfumery techniques. Karen is also a certified meditation teacher and has a passion for helping people to create daily rituals that integrate scent with other modalities to shift state and increase your sense of wellbeing.   CONTACT DETAILS Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Email