This week, we’re diving into another age-old debate in the skincare industry: Synthetic fragrance oil versus natural essential oil. As always, our goal is to define these terms and lay out the facts so that you can make more informed choices when purchasing skincare products.
At Lake+Main, we think essential oils are the clear choice when it comes to your skin’s health. We’re excited to tell you why.
What Are Synthetic Fragrances?
As amazing as pumpkin spice and French vanilla smell, they’re not scents you’ll find in your garden. Synthetic fragrance oils are manufactured with chemical ingredients to create long-lasting scents that cannot be found in nature.
They’re often used in perfumes, candles, lotions and room sprays under the names “perfume/parfum,” “fragrance,” or “fragrance oil.”
Our Research
While products with fragrance are generally cheaper than those using natural essential oils, synthetic oils expire much quicker and have zero medicinal benefits.
In fact, manufacturing these scents can require up to 80 chemical ingredients. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, this can make it difficult to identify and avoid ingredients that irritate your skin or trigger an allergic reaction.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are naturally found in plants, including flowers, herbs, and roots. These plants are steamed in order to extract and distill the desired oil from its source, a practice that can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
Natural oils don’t require any additives before going into your skincare products. They simply need to be paired with natural, inactive ingredients in order to deliver aromatic and therapeutic benefits.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Skin Health
We love essential oils because they offer twice the benefits of synthetic fragrance oils. They smell amazing, and have their own natural skincare benefits.
Essential oils are naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and have their own unique skincare benefits. If that weren’t enough, essential oils are usually more environmentally friendly as they can be locally sourced and are completely biodegradable.
Here are some natural oils we love at Lake+Main for more than just their delicious scent:
- Lavender Essential Oil: Found in our Zen Wellness Spray for its smell and calming effect, and in GLOW and SMOOTH for its ability to treat inflammation and promote skin healing.
- Ho Wood Essential Oil: Found in our CLEAN cleanser and NOURISH moisturizing serum for its calming, sweet scent, and for its ability to treat acne and reduce stress.
Synthetic Fragrances vs. Essential Oils: A Clear Difference
The synthetic fragrance versus essential oil debate perfectly illustrates why we at Lake+Main love natural skincare. We opt for essential oils simply because they provide more benefits to the skin than fragrance oils.
We’ve found this to be true time and time again. When you do the research, natural skincare often turns out to be the superior option. Need more convincing? Check out our list of natural alternatives to retinol, and our blog on the benefits of natural active ingredients.
Your Skin Deserves the best
At Lake+Main, we believe in the power of nature to enhance your skincare routine. By choosing natural essential oils over synthetic fragrances, you're not just treating your senses—you’re nourishing your skin and supporting eco-friendly practices. The rise of natural beauty companies reflects a growing awareness of the importance of what we put on our skin. Make informed decisions and choose products that align with your values. Your skin deserves nothing less.