As I’m becoming more aware of the toxic chemicals used in mainstream perfume, I’ve been on a mission to find beautifully constricted, locally produced fragrances that are made using as many natural ingredients as possible.
Mainstream fragrance is the last frontier of dirty beauty. Let me explain why. Are you aware that the term “fragrance” allows beauty companies to put ANY ingredient they want into a fragrance without disclosing it on the label?
When you see the word “fragrance” appear on a label – and this includes creams, lotions, shampoos, makeup and body wash – remember the formula could include ANY number of potential cosmetic ingredients – and there are over 3000.
When interviewed about her selection of clean fragrance brands available on GOOP, Gwyneth Paltrow had the following to say, “The term “fragrance” has become a way for corporations to hide ingredients, from phthalates, allergens, and potential endocrine disruptors and carcinogens to anything toxic they don’t want to list on the label,”
It seems that what began as a term to keep perfume formulas trade secrets, has evolved into a legal chemical dumping ground.
It’s all a bit disconcerting. And what worries me, is many consumers are none the wiser about the potential endocrine disrupting, highly toxic chemicals they inhale and apply to their skin daily.
But what to do if you love perfume?
Seek out brands, preferably local, that make clean and natural formulas.
One such brand is LOAM by Fijn Botanicals. Four scents are available in their range (with a fifth launching soon).
Each of their 100% natural pure perfumes are created from a variety of plants from the farm Kogman & Keisie situated in Montagu in the Western Cape.
The first step to constructing the fragrance is to make a tincture in layers, foraging from raised herb beds, lavender fields, the mountain slopes and the gardens.
The tincture is left to age for a few months, maturing the scents to create a base for the perfume. When the base is ready, a secret blend of between 15-25% essential oils – mostly fynbos, and a combination of fynbos hydrosols are added.
Ethanol (alcohol) is a key ingredient in fragrance because it helps dissolve and mix the oils used to create perfume. Loam perfume uses only the highest quality Ethanol, derived from distilled sugarcane. This helps to avoid skin irritation (because fragrance is the biggest irritant in skincare, and is why I always recommend fragrance free skincare).
The result is a handcrafted, fresh, purely natural perfume that is free of synthetic fragrances, fixatives or scent enhancers.
All four scents contain only six ingredients: Sugarcane derived ethanol, Botanical tincture, Jojoba Seed Oil, Glycerin (natural), hydrosol and a proprietary blend of essential oils. Each scent is available in a 15 ml spray.
Each fragrances comes in a natural cotton drawstring bag
I’ve been so impressed with the longevity of each of the fragrances which is around 4-6 hours. I love how each develops on the skin, according to your unique chemistry.
A unique feature of the range is that each of the various fragrances notes are described in a short story.
Loam Avodah Pure Parfum R395 BUY is described as an olive tree on the slopes of a Klein Karoo farm, the dawn mountain air scented with the fragrance of Buchu, Renosterbos and Helichrysum (Everlasting flowers). French lavender and rose geranium are planted between the trees, attracting bees and people alike.
Avodah = “doing what is right”. By strength of spirit: self-control.
Loam Aytmē Pure Parfum R395 BUY is inspired by a farm garden planted with Rose Geranium, lavender, Jasmine and Citrus trees in bloom. Kapokbos and Buchu grow wild on the mountain slopes, their scents wafting down on a warm breeze. Green Lichen on the baked rocks emanates its scent to anchor the place and its fragrance.
Aytmē = “Breath; scent, fragrance”. The sweet fragrance of faithfulness.
Loam Phyō Pure Parfum R395 BUY imagine a glass conservatory in the Karoo featuring a lush collection of tropical plants: Ylang-ylang, Jasmine and Vanilla vines basking in the hot and humid climate. A warm dusk breeze carries in the scent of the veld beyond, rich in pioneer species of Anchor Karoo and Kraalbos.
Pao = “to rest”. We are led to peace, a calm place in perfect love.
Loam Pao Pure Parfum BUY conjures up an orange and lemon orchard on the foot of a mountain in the Klein Karoo, with the sun baking their blossoms. The warm air mixes with the scent of the mountain fynbos and the yellow mimosa flowers of the sweet thorn trees growing verdantly along a stream.
Phyo = “to bring forth; to give birth; to grow”. A manifestation of goodness.
Are you ready to make the switch to all-natural perfume?
Follow Fijn Botanicals HERE on Instagram and LOAM Pure Perfume HERE on Instagram to learn more about the brands and their offering.
