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.
