How to Buy All-Natural Scented Oils

Natural perfumes smell just as good or better than commercial ones.

All-natural scented oils, made from plant-based ingredients, offer an alternative to synthetic fragrances that contain, according to the National Academy of Sciences, up to 95 percent petroleum-derived ingredients.

Identification

Essential oils, derived from plants through distillation, expression and extraction, contain the concentrated scent or aroma compounds of their source. Not for application directly on skin, essential oils are mixed with different types of vegetable oils, known as carrier oils.

Benefits

Natural fragrance oils can increase alertness, decrease fatigue and even improve driving performance, according to a study by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, published in the June 2009 issue of the "North American Journal of Psychology." One of the earliest forms of naturally scented oils, the attar, comes from hydro distilled essential oils. The Oasis Reiki Institute reports the use of natural attars and aromatherapy scented oils goes back thousands of years, to treat skin conditions, depression and anxiety.

Considerations

Fragrances made with synthetic ingredients lack the therapeutic properties of their natural counterparts, which also have a lower rate of causing allergic reactions in those sensitive to fragrance. Some modern attars contain synthetic ingredients, due to the cost involved in making them, so ask about their origin before purchasing such products.

References

• "Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace"; Report by the Committee on Science & Technology; 1986
• "North American Journal of Psychology": Effects of peppermint and cinnamon odor administration on simulated driving alertness, mood and workload; Bryan Raudenbush, Rebecca Grayhem, Tom Sears, Ian Wilson; June 2009
• Aromaweb: What are Essential Oils?
• Oasis Reiki Institute: Attars

Resources

• Aromamedical: Natural Perfumery vs. Synthetics