Natural Fragrance
Prior to the evolution of modern chemistry, fragrances had to be distilled from natural substances and concentrated. The scents were mixed with musk, castoreum, or civet. These are substances produced in the odorous glands of some animals. Ambergris was also another popular ingredient, a substance that is secreted by sperm whales. If you are getting a perfume today, they will probably not be using any of these ingredients and instead opt for synthetics. In some ways, this is beneficial as the hunting of sperm whales purely for their ambergris and the like is not ethical or environmentally friendly.
There are still some fragrances that you can get that don’t include any synthetic ingredients: essential oils. These can be use to scent rooms in the home, added to potpourri, in the bath, and even, in some cases, used directly on the skin. However, you do have to do some research as some essential oils are too strong to be placed directly on the skin and can result in a rash or burning sensation.
The easiest way to use a natural essential oil is to dilute it with other oil or with water. You can use a base of almond oil with other fragrant essential oils to create massage oils or just a light hand lotion that is very fragrant. There is an essential oil for practically every plant or flower out there and it’s just a matter of finding the ones that you like. Keep in mind that many essential oils are use in aromatherapy to help create psychological changes in mood and well being.
Regardless of what you choose, synthetic or natural fragrance, you can have an allergic reaction to either. The key is to test it slowly instead of opting to put it all over your body at once. If you try a test spot and notice redness or itching, discontinue the use. Otherwise, it may be safe to use in larger quantities.
