What is Fragrance?
Fragrance is a mixture of aroma compounds that emit a pleasant smell. It is derived from natural or synthetic chemicals and has been used for hundreds of years as part of personal hygiene and as an ingredient in cosmetics. Over 5000 different fragrance chemicals are used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics today. The majority of these chemicals are derived from petroleum and include carcinogenic, endocrine disrupting and hormone disrupting compounds such as phthalates and styrene. Over-exposure to fragrances and related chemicals can lead to a wide range of health issues including allergies, dermatitis and respiratory distress. The term “fragrance” encompasses a broad spectrum of odors, ranging from the sweet scent of flowers to the pungent stench of rotting pine trees. It is felt by the nose and can evoke feelings, moods, memories and emotions. The use of fragrance dates back thousands of years, starting with ancient Egyptians who used oils and spices in religious rites. Fragrance is an important part of many people’s lives as it can keep body odor at bay, leave behind a lasting impression and boost confidence. Perfumes are liquid mixtures that are applied to the skin and emit a pleasant odour. They can be composed of essential oils derived from plants and spices or synthetic aromatic compounds. They can be classified based on the dominant scents, such as floral, fruity, woody and spicy. They can also be categorized by their intensity, which is defined as eau de parfum (up to 40% fragrance composition in an ethanol solution), eau de toilette (10%-15% fragrance composition diluted with a higher percentage of alcohol), eau de cologne (3-8% fragrance composition diluted mainly with water) and au fraiche or eau de shampoo (3%-8% fragrance composition diluted primarily with oil). [1] The production of perfumes involves the blending of ingredients to create a desired scent. Historically, these ingredients were natural, but today most are synthesized in laboratories. The most common extraction methods are distillation, maceration and expression. During steam distillation, the plant material is heated to high temperatures and condensed into a liquid to capture volatile aroma chemicals. In maceration, the plant is soaked in oils which act as solvents to capture heavier, larger molecules. The enfleurage method involves drawing out the fragrance compounds from the plants with fats or oils, but this technique is no longer commonly used. Fragrance chemicals have been associated with a host of health problems, including atopic eczema, allergic contact dermatitis and asthma, as well as disruption of the endocrine system and hormonal imbalances in women. They can also irritate the skin and cause toxicity to aquatic organisms. Chemicals used in fragrance formulations are largely unregulated and are not subject to testing before being put into consumer products. The Skin Deep database includes a fragrance score, which provides an estimate of the concentration of fragrant chemicals in a product. While the FDA regulates personal care and beauty products, it does not require that products include allergy warnings for fragrance ingredients. Instead, manufacturers must rely on industry trade groups to set standards for safe usage of fragrance chemicals.
Read more