When it comes to choosing skincare, scent can play an important role. It can evoke memories, elevate your mood, and even affect whether you like a product or not. However not all fragrances are the same, and in the world of skincare, knowing the difference between natural and artificial fragrance can help protect your skin and keep it healthy. 

The Basics: What’s the difference between synthetic vs natural fragrance?

Synthetic (or artificial) fragrances: These are typically made from petrochemicals and can contain hundreds of undisclosed ingredients under the umbrella term "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label. These are engineered scents designed to mimic natural smells or create entirely new ones. Even if 'natural oils' is listed on a label, it is still classed as synthetic unless the botanical name of the plant is also listed. Examples of synthetic fragrance ingredients are musk, phthalates, citral and geraniol.

Natural fragrances: Derived from plant-based sources like essential oils, flower extracts, herbs, and resins. A natural fragrance is considered to be safer and more gentle on the skin. The natural, beautiful scent can also provide added therapeutic benefits for the skin and senses. Examples of natural fragrance ingredients are lavender, lemon, frankincense, and pine. This is what ishga uses.

Why artificial fragrances should be avoided

Potential skin irritation: Artificial fragrances are one of the leading causes of allergic reactions in skincare. They can trigger redness, sensitivity, itching, or even long-term skin issues, particularly for sensitive skin types.

Lack of Transparency: Since companies aren’t required to disclose the individual ingredients that make up their synthetic fragrance blends, you’re often left in the dark about what you're putting on your skin.

Hormone Disruptors: Some synthetic fragrance ingredients, like phthalates, have been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. These don’t belong in products meant to support your skin’s health and wellbeing.

No synthetic fragrances in ishga products

We carefully blend our natural fragrances to complement our results-driven skincare, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both beautiful skin and a sensory experience that calms and uplifts.

We are Organic Certified by the Soil Association. This is a certification that has rigorous standards to be met and gain accreditation. To achieve certification, 95% of all plant and microbial ingredients must be organic and when you buy a certified product from ishga, you can be sure it excludes certain, potentially harmful ingredients that are commonly found in other skincare products.

Synthetic fragrances can cause the skin to become sensitive or allergic, the fragrance undergoes a chemical change once it comes into contact with the skin, which can then cause an allergic reaction. Synthetic fragrances contain chemicals that do not break down easily, and this can then lead water and soil pollution.

The scents in our products only come from the organic essential oils used, such as lemongrass and lavender, which also contain skin-loving properties, so they are good for your skin and the planet.

Why choosing natural fragrances matters

Choosing products with a natural fragrance is a simple way to be kinder to your skin and knowing the difference between artificial and natural fragrance can transform your skincare routine for the better. Natural organic fragrances are also considered to be more sustainable and better for the planet than synthetic fragrances, as they don't harm wildlife or contribute to environmental pollution. 

If you want to make sure you are only buying certified organic, keep an eye out for this logo.