Sarah explains why naturals often aren’t superior

Here’s something Sarah often finds herself needing to explain, and I’d imagine that’s not changing any time soon.

Before I first heard her speak about it, I assumed naturals were most likely better. And when I talk to others about it, they think so too. But when it’s explained, it makes a lot of sense.

Let Sarah explain why making 100% natural fragrances likely won’t give you what you’re looking for:

Don't let me stop you, but let's give some context before you start putting together some formulas.

A lot of people believe - some even "know" - that natural fragrances are better. Better than what, at what? Better for your skin, for the environment? Do they smell better?

What exactly is counted as natural? Isn't it obvious? Actually, no.

If we're not careful this discussion can quickly descend into a "You're stupid!" "No you're stupid!" angry squabble, with each side retreating into its own bunker firing insults and failing to listen to the other.

Understanding the complexity of the science involved doesn't always help, as the intuitive position - Nature is Better - is far easier to adopt, and is reinforced by salespeople, marketing departments, people who write without fact-checking, and unethical brands which pose as ethical without following the fundamental principles of ethics like telling the truth to their customers.

Part of the problem is that science at school often goes in one ear and out the other, leaving people with a vague feeling that a chemical is something dangerous that turned up every Wednesday behind a perspex screen and made a loud bang.

Is natural musk, involving the death of the deer/goat/muskrat, better than a synthetic, made in a laboratory with no harm to animals?

I know what my answer is to that question. The option that causes the least harm. The least harm to people, animals and the planet, and I’ve now come to understand that it’s often the synthetic.

Here’s a film where Sarah really get into the topic: Making Perfume: Naturals & Synthetics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHbl515LB4A