These clean fragrances are good for your skin, the planet—and smell amazing
Our skin absorbs nearly 60 percent of what we put on it, so it’s important to know what makes up the fragrances we purchase. The majority of perfumes on the market contain harsh chemicals and synthetics, which can have serious long-term impacts on our health. Not to mention, many companies do not disclose how their ingredients are being sourced.
The good news? Clean fragrances do exist. There are several brands committed to making all-natural fragrances which are sulfate-free, phthalate-free and paraben-free. Plus, these companies are transparent about how their products are made, and are focusing on cutting down waste as much as possible by making small-batch formulas and using recyclable packaging. The best part—they smell divine and won’t harm your body.
1. Vanilla Woods by The 7 Virtues
This organic fragrance from The 7 Virtues is made with fair trade vanilla essential oil from Madagascar, along with notes of fresh pear, rose and soft caramel. It also has aromatherapy benefits that will have you feeling calm and stress-free.
CLEAN CHECK
The 7 Virtues not only makes amazing scents, but does a lot of good for the planet. All of its fragrances are vegan, hypoallergenic and made with organic sugarcane alcohol and essential oils which are ethically sourced. You won’t find any animal products being used, and testing is only done on friends and family.
2. Dirty Lavender by Heretic
Lavender meets bitter orange oil, neroli blossoms, a slight touch of CBD sandalwood and several other intoxicating notes in this little glass bottle from Heretic that will become a daily favourite. This fragrance will definitely elevate your mood and can even be sprayed on your sheets for a good night’s sleep.
CLEAN CHECK
Heteric creates non-gendered, plant-based fragrances from 100 percent naturally derived ingredients which are never tested on animals. All of the perfumes are blended in non-GMO organics sugarcane alcohol versus denatured alcohol (a common practice within the industry).
3. Isle by Skylar
Described as beachy, dewy and fresh, this rejuvenating fragrance from Skylar is basically a vacation in a bottle. It has notes of bergamot, cardamom and sandalwood that will last throughout the day, and make you feel super light and airy.
CLEAN CHECK
This cruelty-free brand uses conscious ingredients to produce hypoallergenic scents that contain zero parabens, phthalates, synthetics or animal by-products. Skylar also has a commitment to cut down on waste and uses recyclable materials for environmentally-friendly packaging.
4. Lush Fleur by Clean Reserve
This flirty and feminine scent from Clean Reserve is like a burst of fresh flowers. It brings together notes of bergamot, mandarin and raspberry, along with rose, musk, vanilla, moss and amber. As shown on the bottle, the brand partners with Earth Day for their #FlutterForChange campaign to raise awareness about protecting butterflies.
CLEAN CHECK
Clean Beauty Collective has been leading the way when it comes to ethical fragrances since 2003. It creates products that are sustainable, eco-conscious, cruelty-free, vegan and recyclable.
5. Fresh Life Eau de Parfum
Fresh co-founder Lev Glazman created four different compositions (the scent of earth, air, sun and water) to make this scent come alive. It’s refreshing, sweet and has a hint of warm citrus thanks to ingredients like bergamot, magnolia, tonka flowers, grapefruit and more.
CLEAN CHECK
This beauty brand formulates all of its products without parabens, BHA and silicones. All of the ingredients used are listed, and the company works with responsible suppliers and production sites which minimize the impact on the environment. Fresh also remains committed to reducing its transportation carbon footprint by sourcing locally as much as possible.
6. 11 11 Eau de Parfum by Lake and Skye
This is the kind of fragrance that you will want to spritz around the entire house, not just on yourself. It’s described as a musky blend of white amber that is light, clean and very long-lasting. We love that it’s cruelty-free, synthetic-free and created in organic sugarcane alcohol.
CLEAN CHECK
Lake and Skye is a conscious company that is always working on lessening its environmental impact. Some of its sustainable practices include using natural ingredients sourced from farms in the U.S., Europe, India and South America. All of its packaging is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified, plus, every order placed through the website means one tree planted.
7. Salt Eau de Parfum by Ellis Brooklyn
This natural perfume from Ellis Brooklyn is sensual, airy and has a gorgeous warmth to it, which makes it a perfect wear year-round. It’s a blend of tropical florals, sandalwood, musk and vegan ambergris bottled together in an environmentally-friendly glass.
CLEAN CHECK
Founder Bee Shapiro created her brand when she was pregnant with daughter Ellis in Brooklyn, New York (hence the name), and wanted to clean up her beauty and skincare routine. The company uses natural ingredients and sustainable sourcing to blend together luxury fragrances packaged in glass to cut down on single-use plastic.