Natural scents

[smrex13]

Hi everyone,

I hope that this message finds you all well. I have been working my way towards natural products (soaps, shaving creams/soaps, aftershaves, moisturizers, etc.), and my skin is thanking me for my efforts. I don't want to turn this post into a debate on natural vs. synthetic products. The only area of personal care that I have struggled to find a 'natural' product is personal scent. I like Nancy Boy's Butch cologne, but at 60 bucks an ounce it's pricey. I may try to make my own cologne, but I'm not too experienced in this area. Burt's Bees has a decent cologne that is natural, but it doesn't seem to last too long. Any suggestions for things that have worked for all of you?

Thanks for your input!

Cheers,
Scott

 

[BCatl]

Maybe some of the middle eastern perfume oils (unisex)? They might last on you.

The term "natural" or "unnatural" is very hard to define. A living plant merely acts as it's own little chemical factory.

For instance Tea Tree oil contains: (Scroll down to "composition") http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

The chemical complexity of tea tree oil helps it kill bacteria etc. However, just because it's natural doesn't mean it's harmless in all circumstances. For instance, it might not be a good idea to get 100% essential oil in your ears until further study is done: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10720822

Just giving this as an example that this is a complex subject.

 

[smrex13]

Maybe some of the middle eastern perfume oils (unisex)? They might last on you.

The term "natural" is very hard to define. A plant merely acts as it's own little chemical factory.

For instance Tea Tree oil contains: (Scroll down to "composition") http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

The chemical complexity of tea tree oil helps it kill bacteria etc. However, just because it's natural doesn't mean it's harmless in all circumstances. For instance, it might not be a good idea to get in your ears until further study is done: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10720822

Yes, but I don't want to get into a debate over the whole thing. Given the choice between "proplyparaben" and "aloe juice", I think the decision is clear. I know that there are always some compounds whose long term use is inconclusive, but I prefer to stick to the most basic/natural ingredients possible.

Scott

 

[alexo]

I don't have skin problems but I got tired of seeing colognes I like at prices I don't so I reached the same conclusion as you. In the last week I ordered about 20 essential oils, oud and musk and will make my own. This isn't any different IMO than making a cocktail or using spices for cooking so I believe I can make something I'll like. Actually, I already have some liquer making experience, having prepared passion fruit and limonchelo liqueurs so I think it just requires more precise handling and recording.

 

[J2010]

Some good natural ones at the site below although most are for the ladies. They also have "solid perfumes". Make good stocking stuffers.

http://www.pacificaperfume.com/fragrances/shop

 

[A-Man]

The Burt's Bees Bay Rum is good for fall/winter seasons.

And Aubrey Organics has a nice cold weather scent called North Woods I believe.

 

[smrex13]

The Burt's Bees Bay Rum is good for fall/winter seasons.

And Aubrey Organics has a nice cold weather scent called North Woods I believe.

Thanks. Burt's Bees Bay Rum is not all-natural. Aubrey Organics has some nice aftershave/colognes. They don't have a good staying power, but they are still a nice all-natural alternative.

Scott

 

[Evbo]

There are any number of niche botanical (i.e., only use natural substances) perfumers. A few of the better ones I've come across in my travels are:

Aftelier
Strange Invisible Perfumes
Soivohle
Profumo (This guy had an article about him recently in the NY Times Magazine.)

The good news: All of these folks make scents for both men & women. All of them, without question, are tremendously talented. Their fragrances are completely unique & individual. You won't find anything else like them.

The bad news: None of them are cheap.

I would suggest samples. The Perfumed Court carries samples of virtually all of Profumo's fragrances. Otherwise, the only place to buy them is via his website (he also sells samples). For that matter, all of these folks sell samples. If you're serious about exploring natural fragrances, I highly recommend you check these guys out.

You've been warned.