Two approaches to a fragrance palette
Natural perfumery works with aromatic materials of natural origin. A perfume using synthetic aroma materials has access to a different palette, and many compositions combine the two. A fragrance can smell like a garden without being an all-natural perfume; an all-natural composition can smell abstract rather than like one recognizable plant.
The Natural Perfumers Guild describes natural perfume as a particular material practice. This is a useful starting point, but a house should still explain its own claim. Oilboros uses natural aromatic materials throughout its perfumes.
Compare the right things
| On the label | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Natural | A clear account of which materials the claim covers. |
| Botanical | A statement about plant-derived materials, rather than a guess based on floral imagery. |
| Organic | The actual scope and basis of the organic claim. |
| Vegan | A separate statement about animal-derived ingredients. |
| Clean | The brand's stated definition and criteria. |
These descriptions overlap in some products, but they are not interchangeable. In the United States, the FDA does not have regulations defining natural or organic for cosmetics. A specific explanation is more informative than a reassuring word on its own.
Origin is not a safety test
Natural origin alone does not establish that a fragrance will suit every person. The FDA notes that plant-derived materials can be irritating or cause allergic reactions. Read the product's ingredient information and directions, particularly if you know you react to a fragrance material.
At Oilboros, natural describes our aromatic palette. We do not use it as a claim that synthetic perfumery is inherently harmful, or that every wearer will respond to our perfumes in the same way.
Choose the perfume you want to wear
After the material questions, return to the experience. Does the opening invite you closer? Does the perfume stay interesting as it develops? Do you enjoy it when you are reading, walking or simply going about the day?
Those questions make a useful companion to a label. Compare perfumes in similar conditions and try them more than once if you can. Avoid deciding that a louder perfume is automatically better, or that a subtle one must be natural.
Explore Oilboros samples or read how to try a perfume over time.