What’s the difference between natural fragrance and essential oils?

From the calming lavender fragrance in a moisturiser to the refreshing citrus notes of a supermarket hand soap, natural scents play a significant role in beauty and personal care products. But what sets apart conventional products with these scents from the natural formulations found in Dársy's range of products?

The answer lies in the ingredient list. Flip over the lavender body cream or the cirtus-y hand soap and you’ll find the scent isn’t lavender or lemon itself but contained in the words ‘natural fragrance’ or simply ‘fragrance’. Regulations surrounding fragrance labelling don’t require each individual ingredient to be listed, with the word ‘fragrance’ able to house hundreds of potentially harmful ingredients. Meanwhile, Dársy products are powered by essential oils, which provide them with not only their refreshing and invigorating scents, but also provide additional therapeutic benefits.

What is a Fragrance or Natural Fragrance Oil?

Fragrance oils can be natural or synthetic, with both varieties produced in a laboratory. Despite their name, natural fragrance oils also contain synthetic compounds (sometimes including benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and toluene), however, these are paired with aromatic plant parts or even a small amount of essential oils. Cheaper to produce than essential oils, fragrance and natural fragrance oils boast the scent of the plant or flower they’re replicating (e.g., rose, lavender, peppermint), but do not contain any of the therapeutic or medicinal properties found in these plants.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are pure plant extracts obtained through methods like steam distillation or cold pressing. They retain the natural scent and beneficial properties of the plants they come from, offering a range of skincare benefits. For example, lavender essential oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. On the other hand, frankincense essential oil boasts anti-aging and rejuvenating effects, promoting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These essential oils, along with many others, are commonly used in skincare products for their therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

Here's why the difference is so important:

Natural Fragrances:

• Can contain synthetic compounds and hidden ingredients.
• Provide a pleasant scent but lack the therapeutic benefits of plants.
• Do not contribute to the product's skincare efficacy.

Essential Oils:

• Are pure plant extracts with concentrated therapeutic properties.
• Offer natural scents along with various skincare benefits.
• Enhance the product's effectiveness while adding a sensory experience.

About Dársy

At Dársy, we harness the power of essential oils in our skincare formulations to provide science-backed solutions that are both safe and effective. We believe in the transformative potential of nature's botanicals, and our formulations reflect our commitment to natural beauty and wellness. Each product is crafted to nourish your skin, promote balance, and enhance your natural beauty.