With the arrival of spring, our senses are subjected to a unique experience. Often, floral scents serve as inspiration for cosmetics creators when deciding on the final fragrance of a product.
There are two main reasons why fragrance additives are used in cosmetics. Firstly, the ingredients themselves do not always have a pleasant smell, and the variety of substances used can lead to mixed olfactory effects. Secondly, the fragrance of the cosmetic should complement its intended function, harmonize with the declared active ingredients, or simply make the product enjoyable to use.
In modern times, due to the trend of using natural ingredients, essential oils are increasingly chosen over synthetic fragrance compositions. It also happens that companies consciously refrain from fragrance additives, and the scent arising from the used raw materials becomes an asset of their products.
The use of essential oils poses a certain challenge. They may be less stable in the formulation, leading to changes in the product’s scent over time. Additionally, some essential oils contain allergens in high concentrations, which can lead to allergic reactions. Therefore, some cosmetics, especially those intended for sensitive skin, allergy sufferers, or children, may be completely devoid of fragrance additives.
In terms of safety and legal regulations, the European Union has introduced regulations regarding the labeling of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products, making it easier for consumers to identify potential allergens in products. Several months ago, changes were made to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, expanding the list of fragrance allergens from 24 to 80. Among the allergens, we can find various types of fragrance oils mentioned above.
The choice between synthetic compositions and essential oils depends on many factors, such as the target group of the product, its intended function, and the product’s form.
It is also worth mentioning the IFRA standard, which defines the categories of products to which a given fragrance substance can be applied, further influencing the safety of the product.
Selecting the right fragrance for a cosmetic requires consideration of many factors, such as customer preferences, the type of product, and its intended function. It is also important to conduct stability tests of the product with the chosen fragrance.
In conclusion, both synthetic fragrance compositions and natural essential oils used in cosmetics are significant elements that influence not only the scent but also the user experience. In terms of safety, it is important to comply with legal regulations and industry standards. Ultimately, choosing the right fragrance should consider the diversity of customer preferences, providing them with the opportunity to choose a product that best suits their needs and expectations.
