Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrances

Hey everyone! It's April already. How's your Q1 going so far? AOS has been crafting natural fragrances for eight years now, and in the beginning, our focus was entirely on using natural ingredients. Do you know what natural fragrance truly is? Let's talk about something near and dear to my nose: fragrance. You know, those lovely scents that fill our homes and make us feel all warm and fuzzy? But have you ever stopped to wonder what exactly you're smelling?

Most home fragrance products on the market are made with synthetic fragrances. They are created in a lab, designed to mimic natural scents. These often contain phthalates, sulfates, and other chemicals that are linked to potential health issues like sinus problems, headaches, migraines, and risks of endocrine disruption. And that’s why you won’t find any "Ocean Breeze," "Clean Linen," or "Green Tea" scents in my collection. Those are typically created using synthetic molecules, and I’m all about keeping things real.

Now, what about natural fragrances? These scents are gifts from nature, derived directly from flowers, herbs, spices, or cold-pressed fruits. Essential oils are the most well-known type of natural fragrance. They are concentrated plant extracts obtained through methods like steam distillation (think of how steam releases the scent of herbs) or cold pressing (like squeezing the oil from citrus peels). But the natural fragrance family also includes botanical extracts, which capture a broader range of plant compounds, and natural absolutes, which are highly concentrated and often used for their deep, rich aromas.

So, what's the actual difference between synthetic and natural fragrances? Well, I like to think of synthetic fragrances as being like oil paints—rich, bold, and sometimes a bit overwhelming. They're designed to hit you with a strong, powerful scent. Natural fragrances, on the other hand, are more like watercolors—light, delicate, and nuanced. They're subtle, clean, and layered, which is exactly how I like my home to smell. There's no right or wrong. Both synthetic and natural have their artistic value. It's all about what you prefer. For me, I prefer the subtle, clean experience of natural fragrances in our products, despite the higher cost and rare material availability. And here's a little tip: don't be afraid to experiment! Try combining two or three natural fragrances to create your own signature scent, whether for your home or yourself. It's like creating your own personal masterpiece.

Whether you prefer the boldness of synthetic fragrances or the subtlety of natural ones, it's important to be informed. And if you're looking for amazing natural scents, you know where to find us!