​Up until the modernisation of perfumery in the late 1880s, all perfumes were made from natural plants and animal sources. Synthetic fragrance was subsequently discovered and 95% of commercial products today contain fragrance, otherwise also known as parfum. This can be found in a wide range of FMCG products such as detergent, soap, cream, lotion, sunscreen and candles. No, we are not telling you to stop using them. It is unfortunately inevitable that we are and will continue to be surrounded by chemically created scents. But we believe you should be more informed and aware of what you buying. In most products, fragrances are added to emit a pleasant scent and often than not, used to disguise the offending chemical smell of other ingredients. Can you now try to imagine your favourite face serum or shampoo without the fragrance you were first attracted to? Yes, I thought I would frown a little too!

Unknown outside the industry, fragrance was labeled as the "new second hand smoke" in 2009 by researchers from University of Maryland. What's the problem with fragrance? Not the scent as you might think but rather the synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum, tar and industrial processing. 

Less than half of the chemicals used worldwide in synthetic fragrances are tested for toxicity. You might be more surprised to learn that some components of the fragrance in your face cream and shower gel are the same as those used in pesticides! And that's not even the main problem! Toxins cause damage to the central nervous system and possible reactions to fragrance include but are not limited to the following:

1. Respiratory - sinus allergy, asthma, breathlessness and airway dysfunction syndromes.
2. Neurological - migraine, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, fainting and mental confusion.
3. Skin rash, irritation and sensitisation.
4. Tearing and inflammation of eyes.

Do you know that when you use products containing synthetic fragrance, it creates a bubble of toxins that continues to be dispersed for hours and affects everyone nearby? Do you know someone who reacts violently to the point of collapsing when she is surrounded by a heavy cloud of perfume? Do you know a child suffers from asthma triggered by clothing in contact with fragranced softener? Do you have a friend whose dermatitis is a result of fragrance in cosmetics? These are very real examples of how a fragrance may smell wonderful to you but is causes physical grief in others. In fact, parents should be very concerned. There is sufficient research evidence out demonstrating exposure to synthetic fragrances contribute to the development of asthma in children. 

Sure, fragrance is meant to be pleasurable but we should also adopt a sense of personal awareness when we are wearing them and not impose, directly or indirectly, "second hand smoke" onto others. It will require a huge mentality shift though, since most of us are simply too attached to one's own pleasure and do not feel the need to "lighten up" or give up synthetic fragranced products for alternatives that natural and "friendlier" to oneself, others and the environment. 

When you invest in a bar of natural soap, your overall health and well being will benefit as well since more than 60% of anything we put on our skin is absorbed into the body. But with a wide array of body cleansing products in the market, how does a simple bar of natural soap competes with the fancier perfumed body wash and shower gel? Essentially, all body cleansing products, natural or synthetic, have the same objectives to remove dirt, perspiration, bacteria and unfortunately some if not all of your natural body oil as well. This dries your skin out and result in a vicious cycle where the common solution is to apply moisturiser after shower or to look for a body cleanser that is specifically moisturising, where the additives help to replenish the oil first removed during the cleansing process.  

Unless your body cleanser is of a natural or pure botanical source, chances are it is packed with 20 to 30 man-made chemicals, including fragrance. In order to remain thick, coloured and perfumed, a typical shower wash/gel must contain at least 20 chemicals - a mixture of synthetic and a small amount derived from plants. It will also contain detergents, a blend of aroma, salt for thickening, glycerin and preservatives. Most of the plant extracts used have very little practical purposes and are just for clever marketing so the product can have fancy names and tag lines. 

Glycerin is a natural occurring byproduct in the process of soap making. It is removed during commercial manufacturing in order to produce a harder, longer lasting bar of soap and subsequently resell as a separate ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Glycerin is however retained in handmade soap (with the exception of Melt & Pour) and this results in a softer, more emollient bar of soap that keeps your body natural oil and moisture level in check.

While we are on the topic of glycerin, it helps to know that due to the high content of this super moisturising liquid, natural soap tends to dissolve quicker when in constant contact with water and produces a layer of gel after use.  For this reason, dry your natural soap out between use and do not leave it sitting in a damp shower or a pool of water. If you use soap everyday, consider 2 or 3 bars of your favourites and rotate them every second day.  And there, you now have a luxury bath spa.