Natural perfumes do a lot more than just help you smell amazing and avoid toxins  - they are actually contributing to your sense of wellbeing.  Plant-derived essential oils have been used for centuries as traditional medicine, and recent scientific studies have provided us with some answers as to why and how these plant extracts work to heal our bodies and improve our wellbeing. From helping relieve anxiety and reducing stress, these powerful plant extracts can make a huge difference to your world. 

There are several forms of phthalates utilised in perfume, the most common being DEP (diethyl phthalate), used as a denaturing agent for alcohol, and as a fixative to hold scent on the skin for longer. Although there has been some action taken in some countries to reduce the extensive use of phthalates (mainly in relation to children’s products), they are still used widely, and continue to pose a serious risk to our health.

Around 1000 chemicals in use worldwide (in many types of products) are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to their ability to mimic or block the action of natural hormones and interfere with development and function.

EDCs have been linked to adverse impacts on both the endocrine and nervous systems (which are intimately intertwined), and have been known to alter important animal behaviours by modulating serotonin and dopamine in the body (neurotransmitters which regulate many functions including mood, sleep and cognition), as well as other neurotransmitter pathways.

Ever considered that the synthetic scents you love could be contributing to your mental health challenges?⁠⁠ Research shows that some of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrance can negatively impact your nervous system, hormones and cortisol, leading to (or exacerbating) feelings of anxiety and/or depression.

There is a lot of assuming that goes on when people buy vegan products. But just because it's vegan, doesn't mean its healthy. Or safe. Or environmentally friendly. We give you the lowdown on what factors to consider when looking for safe and healthy vegan cosmetics and fragrance.

This year, we’re swapping unnecessary stuff for commitments - to ourselves and the planet - and making the magic of Christmas mindful again. We're pledging to prioritise presence over presents by spending more time with loved ones... and when it comes to gifting, we're committing to asking people what they really need, supporting local businesses, and investing in natural, ethically sourced presents where possible.

In the interest of keeping our commitment to you of 100% transparency, always, we want to help you choose a truly natural fragrance this Christmas - whether it’s for a loved one or for your own wish list. To help you look for the right information and ask the right questions, here's our simple guide on how to identify a 100% natural fragrance for your home or body, and not fall into the “clean” trap.

 

There’s no universal or official definition for "clean" when it comes to beauty, so any brand can make this claim without the need for certification. This isn’t surprising given that the cosmetics industry is incredibly lax when it comes to labelling laws. But this lack of transparency is frustrating for consumers who unwittingly believe they are making an informed choice about what they’re choosing to use on their skin. 

Fragrance has an enormous impact on our health, so why aren’t brands more willing to disclose what goes into their formulas? Here, we talk about Trade Secret laws and why it’s so important consumers demand answers.

Despite environmental issues becoming increasingly more obvious, brands are talking the talk without walking the walk – especially when it comes to what we’re loading into our washing machine. Learn about the impact this is having on your health and the wellbeing of the world, and how to know which laundry products you should love or lose. 

Did you know that it can take seven days for your olfactory system to feel the full effects of using natural perfume? Put simply, it’s totally normal if you’re not completely converted at first sniff. 

We’ve listed some common fragrance faux pas to clear up any confusion when you commit to making the switch.

It's the catch-phrase of the year: clean.But what if clean is not as pure as you think? We explore what clean really means, and how to find perfume and cosmetics that are truly natural, healthy and safe.