TheRoundup is reader supported. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase via links on this site, at no cost to you.
All products are personally reviewed and tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
Are you an eco-conscious consumer looking for ways to reduce your daily impact on the environment?
One area of your wardrobe that often gets overlooked when it comes to being eco-friendly is scent!
As an advocate of eco-friendliness for over a decade (and a father of two perfume-loving daughters), I know that prioritizing non-toxic perfume is a simple way to add eco-luxury to your life.
You no longer have to skip out on smelling divine to ensure what you spritz won't endanger your health or harm precious ecosystems.
I'll explain more about the health benefits later. But first, let's get to the perfumes...
✔ Long Lasting
✔ Supports Conservation
✔ Unique Inspirations for Each Scent
I'm super impressed with how Abbott Fragrance is trying to stand out in the world of perfumery with its unique approach to creating scents.
Its philosophy intertwines a deep respect for nature and a commitment to health-conscious, eco-friendly practices, all inspired by various American landscapes.
I tested two Abbott scents and was blown away by both.
Sequoia and Papaya Isla are perfect examples of how fragrance can be both a personal pleasure and a celebration of the natural world.
If you're in the market for fragrances that are as responsible as they are delightful, Abbott is a brand worth exploring further for many reasons, including:
Unsure which Abbott Fragrance will suit you best? Check out the Exploration Box Set and get eight sample-sized scents to test at your leisure.
✔ Sustainable Packaging
✔ Plastic Free & Glass Free
✔ Safe for Sensitive Skin
State of Change's dedication to sustainability is truly commendable. Their innovative paper tube packaging, made from FSC Paper and printed with eco-friendly soy ink, is biodegradable and recyclable. It's a breath of fresh air in an industry often criticized for wastefulness.
State of Change keeps it simple and offers three scents. You can buy them individually or in a trio pack. I went for the latter.
The State of You trio pack of perfumes comes beautifully packaged. It makes an excellent gift. But, to be honest, the scents were too good. I had to keep them for myself.
Whether you're seeking a new signature scent or looking to support sustainable, ethical businesses, State of Change is a brand that deserves your attention.
✔ Enhances Your Natural Scent
✔ Genderless Appeal
✔ Non-Toxic Formula
DedCool is redefining the fragrance industry with its genderless, vegan, and non-toxic ethos. Its fragrances are a statement and a badge of honor for conscious consumers like you.
The brand champions biodegradable and recyclable materials, from FSC-certified paper to soy inks. and the partnership with Pact Collective ensures that hard-to-recycle items don't end up in landfills.
I've heard a lot about DedCool Xtra Milk, so that's the option I tested.
If you're in the market for a fragrance that aligns with your eco-friendly values, is gender-inclusive, and makes a statement, Xtra Milk is worth considering.
However, while this fragrance might be a universal delight, its natural intensity and longevity can vary from person to person (it smells more intense on my skin than on Mrs. M's).
But isn't that the beauty of fragrance? It's deeply personal!
✔ Vegan and Cruelty-Free
✔ Subtle Oil Perfume Scent
✔ Luxurious Heritage
Maison Louis Marie brings a legacy of botanical exploration to the contemporary world of fragrance.
With roots stretching back to the French Revolution, the brand honors Louis Marie Aubert du Petit Thouars's botanical discoveries by crafting luxurious fragrances that blend tradition with clean, modern sensibilities.
I love a back story, so I tested Maison Louis Marie No4.
Maison Louis Marie's commitment to clean beauty means strict adherence to environmentally mindful products free of toxic ingredients. The packaging uses 100% recycled fiberboard and FSC-certified paper, avoiding toxic coatings and prioritizing recyclability.
The company is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, and its commitment to Climate Neutral certification ensures the offsetting of carbon emissions by investing in climate change solutions.
While the brand's niche appeal and price points may not suit everyone, if you're drawn to unique, historically rich, and environmentally conscious scents, Maison Louis Marie is a treasure trove of olfactory delight.
✔ Sensual, Complex Aroma
✔ Long-Lasting Scent
✔ Vegan-Friendly Ingredients
Ellis Brooklyn is a fragrance brand that marries luxury with an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability.
Each fragrance is a testament to founder Bee Shapiro's dedication to creating compelling, safe, and environmentally friendly products, but one stood out for me.
All ingredients are carefully selected to ensure they're safe for your skin and responsibly sourced. Packaging is also a critical focus, with recyclable and reusable glass prioritized over plastic wherever possible.
All this sustainability and use of high-quality ingredients come with a premium price point. However, for discerning, eco-conscious consumers, Ellis Brooklyn offers not just a fragrance but a fragrant revolution...if your budget can stretch that far.
When testing and choosing the recommendations for this article, I had a long list of things I was looking for. My key considerations included the following.
When selecting a natural fragrance, it's essential to consider the ingredients.
Look for perfumes made with natural and organic ingredients, such as essential oils and fragrance oils, to ensure a clean and safe scent without toxic chemicals.
Some of the key toxic ingredients to avoid include:
Traditional perfumes often contain toxic chemicals that can have detrimental effects on health.
Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your hormones. This can lead to numerous health issues, from reproductive problems to developmental abnormalities.
Parabens have the potential to mimic estrogen in the body, which can interfere with the normal functioning of hormone systems. This, in turn, may impact male and female reproductive system functioning, fertility, and birth outcomes.
By choosing natural fragrances, you can minimize exposure to harmful substances and reduce the risk of allergies and skin irritations.
The production and use of traditional perfumes can contribute to environmental pollution.
Phthalates have a reputation for lingering around. Once they enter the environment, they don't easily break down. Instead, they stick around in the air, water, and soil, causing a lasting impact.
Phthalates are also not just confined to their original habitat. They can travel long distances through air and water currents, reaching even the most remote ecosystems.
Parabens, like phthalates, tend to linger in the environment. Once released, they can persist in the air, water, and soil.
When introduced into aquatic environments, Parabens can disrupt the delicate balance of life underwater.
Navigating the perfume landscape can be overwhelming, especially when terms like 'natural' and 'organic' are thrown around.
Many dishonest companies misuse these terms to trick you into thinking the perfume you're buying is more sustainable than it is.
This sneaky practice is called greenwashing and is rife in the beauty and perfume industry. To help you avoid falling for their tricks, I've put together this quick guide:
Certifications such as PETA Cruelty-Free, Certified Vegan, USDA Organic, FSC-certified, 1% for the Planet, and Climate Neutral indicate ethical and non-toxic practices.
Brands displaying these certifications adhere to specific standards, ensuring they're as eco-conscious as you are.
Sustainable packaging should be a significant factor in your selection process.
I've prioritized brands championing eco-friendly packaging materials, avoiding excessive plastic, and opting for recyclable glass or biodegradable alternatives.
Some brands even take it a step further by encouraging the reincarnation of their packaging. Whether repurposing the perfume bottle into a chic decor piece or offering refillable options, these eco choices resonate with my commitment to a greener lifestyle.
Your favorite scent must last a reasonable amount of time on your skin.
Non-toxic perfumes, crafted with natural oils, can boast impressive staying power, challenging the notion that synthetic equals long-lasting.
I recommend layering to enhance and extend the life of your chosen scent. Brands also often offer matching body lotions or oils that complement the perfume, creating a multi-dimensional experience that lingers elegantly.
The world of fragrance is full of fancy-sounding terms, so I thought a quick glossary of the most common might help you demystify your next purchase:
Absolutely! High-quality natural fragrances are formulated to linger on your skin for just as long.
Safe synthetics are lab-engineered fragrance components designed to mimic natural scents while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards.
They avoid harmful substances, prioritize sustainability, and minimize allergens, offering a fragrance experience that is both safe and eco-friendly.
Perfume oils are concentrated, oil-based formulations offering a longer-lasting, intimate scent experience. Sprays, however, are alcohol-based and provide a lighter, more immediate burst of fragrance.
Oils are great for a subtle, personal allure, while sprays offer a refreshing, versatile application.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) evaluates fragrance brands meticulously. EWG's ratings range from "Low Hazard" to "High Hazard," providing valuable insights into the safety and environmental impact of the best clean perfumes.
Regular perfume is crafted by dissolving aromatic substances in distilled water and alcohol. Non-toxic fragrances often replace the alcohol with different ingredients (such as beeswax for sold perfume sticks).
Perfume oil (also known as fragrance oil or essential oil) is a highly concentrated liquid containing aromatic compounds that capture the essence of a particular scent.
When applied to the skin, perfume can be absorbed into the bloodstream, although the extent of absorption varies. The skin is a barrier that protects the body, but certain fragrance compounds can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
However, the amount that enters is generally considered minimal, and most fragrance molecules are metabolized or excreted before reaching significant concentrations.
Clean and sustainable vegan perfume is formulated without any animal products or by-products.
Traditional perfumes may contain ingredients derived from animals such as musk (from the musk deer), ambergris (from sperm whales), castoreum (from beavers), or lanolin (from sheep's wool).
As consumer preferences shift towards clean beauty and environmentally conscious choices, the demand for natural scents grows.
Understanding the importance of non-toxic ingredients and seeking out reputable brands allows you to enjoy natural and safe fragrance experiences while contributing to healthier and more sustainable practices.
Are you looking to integrate the best clean fragrances into your lifestyle? Do you insist on only the best natural ingredients? What are your thoughts on balancing a perfume's scent profile and environmental impact? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
TheRoundup.org - As Seen On