The Case For Clean Perfume + 6 Alluring Non-toxic, Clean Fragrances

The rise of the clean beauty movement has seen many people seeking to switch out their conventional fragrances for a non-toxic, clean perfume. However, it’s easier said than done. A ubiquitous ingredient in beauty and grooming products, fragrance is one of the only ingredients that companies are under no legal obligation to disclose the ingredients of. 

The unregulated nature of the fragrance industry means that the labels ‘fragrance’ and ‘parfum’ can mask dozens (or even hundreds) of undisclosed ingredients. These include potentially harmful or irritating chemicals like sulphates, phthalates, petrochemicals, and parabens, meaning it’s difficult to know what you’re really dabbing or spraying on your skin.

The most potentially hazardous ingredients found in conventional perfumes include phthalates (hormone disruptors linked to birth defects in newborn boys) as well as octoxynols and nonoxynols (which also act as hormone disruptors).

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Are natural essential oil-based fragrances clean?

While fragrances composed of plant-based, botanical essential oils can be good alternatives to conventional perfumes, essential oils can also be irritants at certain levels. The quality and how the essential oil is processed also needs to be taken into consideration; with some essential oils being extracted, synthesised, or diluted with petrochemicals which are then inhaled or absorbed into the skin. 

How can you choose a non-toxic, clean perfume?

Non-toxic, clean perfumes often come with the impression of being earthy, woody, and overly pungent. Fortunately for the olfactory minded among us, there are a new breed of fragrance houses making non-toxic, clean perfumes that actually smell amazing. These new clean perfumes rival your favourite fragrances, with multifaceted, complex scent notes. With completely natural, non-toxic, vegan, and organic options, there’s a clean perfume for everyone. 



The best clean, non-toxic fragrances to try

Here are our 6 favourite clean perfumes.

1. Ellis Brooklyn Myth

ellis brooklyn myth clean perfume

Subtle and sophisticated, this scent by clean fragrance hour Ellis Brooklyn is sensual and inviting, drawing those around you in. Instantly recognisable without being overpowering, it features floral notes of jasmine and tiger orchid, grounded by the warmth of white cedarwood and liquid musks. 

Brand: Ellis Brooklyn
Scent notes: bergamot, ambrette seeds, cassis, tiger orchid, pink lotus, jasmine petals, patchouli, liquid musks, white cedarwood

2. Clean Reserve Skin

clean reserve skin clean perfume

This perfume by farm-to-fragrance label Clean Reserve embraces sensuality of skin, resulting in a fresh and undeniably clean scent. Simultaneously salty, sweet, lightly floral, musky, and warm, while remaining fresh, it’s the perfect everyday scent. 

Brand: Clean Reserve
Scent notes: bergamot, orange blossom, honeysuckle, warm skin accord, vanilla orchid, sunkissed peony, salted praline, fresh musks, white cedarwood

3. Heretic Parfum Florgasm

heretic parfum florgasm clean perfume

Bright and sunny with an underlying note of sensuality, Heretic Parfum Florgasm explores what it would smell like if a flower had an orgasm. The result? Tantalising pink pepper and bergamot meet orange blossom and sweet coriander, before giving way to a blend of jasmine, tuberose, and ylang ylang. Ambrette seed provides a potent leathery, musky scent that lingers on the skin long after the florals are gone.

Brand: Heretic Parfum
Scent notes: coriander, bergamot, bitter orange, pink pepper, lemon, pimento berry, jasmine, linden blossom, ylang ylang, tuberose, ambrette seed

4. Henry Rose Queens & Monsters

henry rose queens and monsters

Decidedly rich and intoxicating, Henry Rose Queens & Monsters is reminiscent of cologne; combining zesty petitgrain with creamy vanilla and heady notes of sandalwood and jasmine to create a sensual fragrance. Founded by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose uses both plant-based and synthetic oils to create safe, non-toxic scents, with every product featuring complete ingredient transparency. 

Brand: Henry Rose
Scent notes: undecavertol, petitgrain, freesia accord, jasmine, vailla, patchouli, ambroxan, sandalwood

5. Maison Louis Marie No.09 Vallee de Farney

maison louis marie clean perfume

Designed to be applied directly to the skin, this clean perfume oil by Maison Louis Marie is reminiscent of walking through a forest after the rain. Fresh notes of vetiver, grapefruit, orange, and black pepper meet deep notes of patchouli and cedarwood, resulting in a woody, mineral fragrance. 

Brand: Maison Louis Marie
Scent notes: grapefruit, orange, black pepper, cedarwood, patchouli, geranium, vetiver, amber, musk

6. DedCool Fragrance 03 “Blonde”

Created by Los Angeles-based fragrance house Dedcool, Fragrance 03 “Blonde” is a non-toxic, vegan-friendly, unisex scent that smell amazing on anyone. Soft notes of black violet and saffron combine with blonde woods to create an edgy, yet sophisticated fragrance. 

Brand: DedCool
Scent notes: juniper berries, saffron, black violet, blonde woods, vetiver


Words by T. Angel
Feature image by Ernst Beadle