Introducing NEW Beautycounter perfume: Clean Eau de Parfum, the first one you’ll wear without “fragrance” in the ingredient list: nothing to hide!
Understanding Fragrance
In North America, the law does not require government approval before products containing “fragrance” go on the market. In fact, if a cosmetic is marketed on a retail basis to consumers, companies list almost all ingredients. But under U.S. and Canadian regulations, fragrance and flavor ingredients can be listed simply as “Fragrance” or “Flavor.”
FDA requires the list of ingredients under the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, but this law is not allowed to be used to force a company to tell “trade secrets.”
In fact, from FDA’s own website they state, “Some products labeled “unscented” may contain fragrance ingredients. This is because the manufacturer may add just enough fragrance to mask the unpleasant smell of other ingredients, without giving the product a noticeable scent.”
Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in cosmetics, food, or other products.
In fact:
- 34.7% of the population reported health problems, such as migraine headaches and respiratory difficulties, when exposed to fragranced products.
- 15.1% have lost workdays or a job due to fragranced product exposure in the workplace.
- Over 60% would not continue to use a fragranced product if they knew it emitted pollutants.
- 19% reported breathing difficulties, headaches, or other health problems when exposed to air fresheners and deodorizers.
- 10.9 % reported health problems from the scent of laundry products vented outdoors.
Which is why Beautycounter is working to close the fragrance loophole. I partner with them to advocate to put safer products into the hands of everyone through 3 pillars. The first two, advocating for legislative change and educating, I talk more about in my recent post, Why the Fragrance Loophole is Bad. And today I’m SO excited to share more about our 3rd pillar: leading the industry with the cleanest, safest product on the market.
Clean Eau de Parfum proves the industry doesn’t need to use toxic ingredients to make perfume that performs!
Beautycounter Perfume: Why Nobody Does it Cleaner
We’ve always pushed the beauty industry to disclose the ingredients behind fragrances. That’s how we change beauty forever, for all.
Countering Beauty Standards
The first perfume you’ll wear with confidence of next-level safety; fully transparent without ‘fragrance’ ingredients hiding the industry’s dirty little secret legislative loophole.
3rd Party Certified Safe
Screened against 23 human health and environmental endpoints. Validated by globally recognized external toxicology experts to support rigorous safety standards; sustainable ingredients and packaging.
Allergen-Friendly
Clinically tested safe for sensitive skin; tested for gluten, soy and peanut allergies; vegan; formulated without animal-derived ingredients.
UNMATCHED INGREDIENT SAFETY:
No other perfume on the market screens each ingredient and tests every batch of final product for safety. You can be assured that there will never be endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, or other toxic contaminants in your perfume – or any personal care products from Beautycounter.
FULL INGREDIENT DISCLOSURE: Natural and Synthetic Ingredients in Beautycounter Perfume
Historically the words “no synthetic fragrance” were used to refer to a product made with only essential oils. But as science evolved, we learned a few important things:
- Not everything in nature is safe (poison ivy and snake venom, I’m looking at you – but also many essential oils can be hormone disruptors).
- Not everything man made is unsafe (this is where full transparency in ingredients and testing for safety matters).
- For those that value Earth’s precious resources, safer synthetic offers a way to create more sustainable scents.
- Just because something says “natural” or “only fruit oils in the perfume” doesn’t mean anything, since our laws allow for hidden chemicals without disclosure – many “natural” scents contain phthalates and other potentially harmful additives.
Natural ingredients contain hundreds of aroma-molecules, which bring complexity to a fragrance.
Synthetics are usually comprised of a single molecule, but they add vibrant effects and sensations that sometimes do not exist in nature. They also help to recreate scents for a variety of reasons, and in Beautycounter’s case it is to create vegan musk and sustainable scents that are better for people and planet.
Stronger industry science and a bigger in-house team allowed for this growth. In 2018, after 5 years of research, we tightened the list of essential oils allowed and allowed the use of select natural fragrance ingredients. Around that same time, we began to study safer synthetics, which we slowly added to our ingredient toolkit in 2019-2021. For the past three years, we did an enormous study of over 300 new ingredients to allow us to finally enter fine fragrance with a new Clean Standard.
TESTED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Yes, clinically. With 3rd party validation. For so many of us who get headaches or other irritation from other perfumes or fragrances – you won’t experience that with Clean Eau de Parfum! The clean formula means the chemical additives that can cause sensitivities or allergic reactions are not in this fragrance. All ingredients are fully disclosed if you need to check for anything specific.
EWG-VERIFIED
There is only one other EWG-Verified perfume on the market. And it doesn’t do full ingredient screening or final safety testing. And, it’s not vegan or sustainable. Friends, this is HUGE! I wouldn’t personally use a fragrance that wasn’t validated by EWG, since toxins in sprays are absorbed through inhalation. I’m thrilled you (and I) can be assured!
VEGAN & CRUELTY-FREE, Leaping Bunny Certified
I was fascinated to learn that the “musk” base in most perfumes is made from animal products. Ambergris is one of the most sought-after ingredients in perfumery, fetching anything from $100,000 upwards for 1.5kg. Contrary to popular belief, ambergris is not sperm whale vomit. But it’s close… it’s a by-product of the sperm whale’s digestive system and is excreted.
We also do not use animal fats as a means of chemical extraction of the fragrance scent components nor do we use chemical solvents like hexane, which is a neurotoxin.
Olfactive Structure
Each perfume is a blend of fragrant elements that are more than the sum of its parts. Our bodies have an Olfactory pathway. The olfactory nerve is responsible for our sense of smell. It is the first of the 12 cranial nerves and one of the few cranial nerves that carries special sensory information only.
What is the Olfactive Pyramid of perfume?
The olfactive structure or perfume, also called the olfactive pyramid, serves to create a structure of the fragrance blend which creates a harmonious blend.
Most fragrances use a formula consisting of 30-60 raw materials, both naturals and synthetics. Therefore, the balance in the finished formula is important.
Based on the rate of evaporation of different components, perfume has top, heart (middle) and base notes. Together they make up an olfactive pyramid, a concept used to visualize a fragrance’s development and its harmony.
Top or head notes (15 min)
The first impression of a composition is given by the top notes, also referred to as the head notes. Often we sense citrus first, as a vivid, bright effect that can range from delicately stimulating to dramatically dazzling, depending on the composition and its intent. Their important function is to set the mood and pave the way to the heart notes.
Some examples of Top notes often used:
- Citrus: Bergamot, Pomelo, Tangerine
- Herbal/Aromatic: Lavender, Mint, Rosemary
- Watery: Marine notes
Heart or middle notes (60 min)
The heart notes are also called middle or body notes. They are an important part of a composition, its heart, as it were. Lingering far longer than the top notes, this is usually what we think of as the true scent of a perfume. It is what we smell most, lasting up to 1-3 hours. The heart notes might continue the theme developed in the top notes or hide certain facets of the base notes that need more time to mature and meld into the general impression of a perfume.
Some examples of Heart notes often used:
- Floral: Rose, Orange Flower, Jasmine
- Spices/Spicy: Clove, Cinnamon, Black Pepper
- Fruit/Fruity: Blackcurrant, Peach, Raspberry
Base or bottom notes
The signature and depth of a fragrance is formed by its base (bottom) notes. These are the aspects that deliver deep, sensual or warm character. As the foundation of a fragrance, the base notes last long after the head notes have burned out and the middle notes have finished their slow dance, the base notes linger. They can last up to 8-10 hours. They continue to tell the story of the fragrance and provide the final element of its harmony.
Some examples of Base notes often used:
- Woody: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Patchouli
- Musky: White Musk, Fluffy Musk
- Amber: White Amber, Crystal Amber.
What is a fragrance accord?
While the olfactive pyramid is a key way to visualize the structure, each fragrance has its own shape. Most fragrances are built around one or two main accords, each accord being a combination of several raw materials, typically five to twelve.
This accord gives a personality to the fragrance and determines what fragrance family a composition belongs. Using accords allows for distinctive, recognizable signature to fragrances.
Linear vs. Not
In the fragrance world, the terms “linear” and “non-linear” refer to the development of a fragrance over time. A linear fragrance maintains a consistent scent from the moment it’s applied up until it fades. Singular essential oils are an example of a linear scent, with the same note detectable over time.
Like a true fine fragrance, Beautycounter’s Clean Eau de Parfum is non-linear and delivers a full pyramid of the olfactory experience. And because of the clean nature of their formulation, which means not only do you experience the scent differently over time – from top note to base – but your own personal pH and pheromones customize the scent to be specific to you.
A non-linear scent is one that truly becomes your signature. One that people will ask, “What are you wearing?!” because it won’t smell like anything they’ve experienced before.
Scent Guide and Comparative Brands
If you’re wanting to switch to safer but not sure which scent would work for you, here is a guide to choosing your signature scent!
Beautycounter Perfume: MILES AWAY
Like a calming walk in the woods! Drop into the deep wild with this woody and restorative scent.
Fragrance Family: Green Woods
Top notes: Lemon, Bergamot
Heart (middle notes): Chamomile, Jasmine, Juniper Berry
Base notes: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Ingredients here: NOTHING HIDDEN BEHIND “FRAGRANCE” LOOPHOOLE
Smells like… perfumes and colognes in a similar scent family (Ingredients in bold have an EWG.org safety warning of 4+):
- Rabanne Fame & Phantom ($141) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Tris (Tetramethyl- hydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Farnesol, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Ci 19140 (Yellow 5), Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 42090 (Blue 1)
- Baccarat Rouge 540 ($325) Ingredients: Alcohol; parfum (fragrance); aqua (water); ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate; butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane; ethylhexyl salicylate; limonene; bht; benzyl benzoate; linalool; eugenol; benzyl alcohol; ci 60730 (ext. violet 2)
- Dior Sauvage ($180) Ingredients: #12053A Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Limonene, Linalool, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Coumarin, Citronellol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Citral, BHT, Geraniol, Ci 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), Tocopherol, Ci 19140 (Yellow 5), Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 42090 (Blue 1).
- Creed Adventus ($365) Ingredients: Alcool (Alcohol), Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Limonene, Linalool, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Bht
- YSL Myself ($148) Ingredients: Ingredients: alcohol, parfum / fragrance, aqua / water / eau, limonene, linalool, coumarin, citronellol, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, alpha-isomethyl ionone, citral, methyl anthranilate, geraniol, cinnamal, isoeugenol, farnesol, ci 60730 / ext. Violet 2, ci 14700 / red 4, ci 19140 / yellow 5, ci 42090 / blue 1
A few others in the same scent family:
- Bleu de Chanel
- Gucci Guily
- Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal
- Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Fragrance
- Carven Vetiver
- Guerlain Mitsouko
- Ralph Lauren Polo
- Pasha de Cartier Noir Absolu
Beautycounter Perfume: SUN SPILL
Summer’s golden glow as a scent. Try this sun-drenched floral and citrus scent is bright and uplifting!
Fragrance Family: Citrus Floral
Top notes: Grapefruit, Neroli
Heart (middle notes): Rose Petals, Jasmine, Coriander
Base notes: Vetiver, Cedarwood
Ingredients here: NOTHING HIDDEN BEHIND “FRAGRANCE” LOOPHOOLE
Smells like… perfumes and colognes in a similar scent family (Ingredients in bold have an EWG.org safety warning of 4+):
- Rabanne Lady Million ($155) Ingredients: alcohol denat., parfum (fragrance), aqua (water), limonene, benzyl salicylate, alpha-isomethyl ionone, benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol, hydroxycitronellal, butylphthalimide, ethylhexyl salicylate, butyl methoxy- dibenzoylmethane, hexyl cinnamal, linalool, isopropylphthalimide, coumarin, citronellol, geraniol, citral, benzyl alcohol, isoeugenol, ci 14700 (red 4), ci 19140 (yellow 5), ci 61570 (green 5), ci 15985 (yellow 6).
- Chanel Chance Tendre ($145) Ingredients: Alcohol, Fragrance, Water, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Hexyl Cinnamal, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ci 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), Ci 14700 (Red 4), Il36-1.
- Joe Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey ($165) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Water, Bht, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol.
- D.S. & Durga Grapefruit Generation ($300) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance (Parfum), Water (Aqua), Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Linalool
- Dior J’Adore ($170) Ingredients: #11057/A Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alpha- Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Linalool, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Bht, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Alcohol, Farnesol, Tocopherol, Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5), Ci 60730 (Ext. Violet 2).
A few others in the same scent family:
- Tocca Lucia
- Daisy Marc Jacobs
- The Maker Lover
- Heretic Dirty Peach
- Clique Happy
- Arquiste L’Or de Louis
- Chanel No. 5
Beautycounter Perfume: HYPER ROSE
Enjoy this sultry soft rose with a lavish twist! It’s rose redefined with an effortless scent.
Fragrance Family: Soft Floral
Top notes: Bergamot, Cassis
Heart (middle notes): Turkish Rose, Gardenia, Apple Blossom
Base notes: Cedarwood, Cashmere Woods
Ingredients here: NOTHING HIDDEN BEHIND “FRAGRANCE” LOOPHOOLE
Smells like… perfumes and colognes in a similar scent family (Ingredients in bold have an EWG.org safety warning of 4+):
- Bulgari Allegra Ma’Magnifica ($280) Ingredients: alcohol denat., parfum (fragrance), aqua (water), hydroxycitronellal, citronellol, butyl methoxydi- benzoylmethane, ethylhexyl salicylate, coumarin, geraniol, benzyl benzoate, linalool, benzyl cinnamate, farnesol, benzyl alcohol, pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, citral, anise alcohol, eugenol
- Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb ($180) Ingredients: Alcohol, Parfum/Fragrance, Aqua/Water, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Limonene, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Ci 19140/Yellow 5, Ci 60730/Ext. Violet 2, Ci 17200/Red 33.
- Coco Chanel Mademoiselle ($172) Ingredients: Alcohol, Fragrance, Water, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Coumarin, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 42090 (Blue 1), Il28-1.
- Tom Ford Cafe Rose ($235) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Water, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronellal, Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss) Extract, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Farnesol, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin.
- Gucci Bloom ($168) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bht, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Eugenol, Isoeugenol, Farnesol, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citral.
A few others in the same scent family:
- Narciso Rodriquez Ch 3, All of Me
- Caroline Herrera VGG
- YSL Libre
- Elizabeth Arden Red Door
- Philosophy Amazing Grace
- Lancome Idole
Beautycounter Perfume: SECOND SKIN
Like a warm, elegant sensual experience! Get all wrapped up in quiet luxury with this floral-amber scent.
Fragrance Family: Soft Amber
Top Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Lemon
Heart (middle notes): Jasmine, Rose, Cinnamon, Lily of the Valley
Base Notes: Vanilla Creme, Sandalwood, Musk, Amber
Ingredients here: NOTHING HIDDEN BEHIND “FRAGRANCE” LOOPHOOLE
Smells like… perfumes and colognes in a similar scent family (Ingredients in bold have an EWG.org safety warning of 4+):
- Guerlain Shalimar ($155) Ingredients: alcohol, parfum (fragrance), aqua (water), limonene, linalool, coumarin, ethylhexyl methoxy- cinnamate, citronellol, hydroxy- citronellal, geraniol, citral, butyl methoxydibenzoyl- methane, butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, alpha- isomethyl ionone, benzyl benzoate, bht, eugenol, benzyl alcohol, cinnamal, tocopherol, ci 19140 (yellow 5), ci 14700 (red 4), ci 60730 (ext. violet 2)
- Miss Dior ($165) Ingredients: Alcohol, Parfum (Fragrance), Aqua (Water), Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Bht, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Farnesol, Eugenol, Methyl 2-Octynoate, Tocopherol, Ci 14700 (Red 4), Ci 60730 (Ext. Violet 2), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5).
- Mugler Alien Goddess ($185) Ingredients: Alcohol, Parfum / Fragrance, Aqua / Water / Eau, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hexyl Cinnamal, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Limonene, Citronellol, Methyl Anthranilate, Geraniol, Citral, Tris (Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate, Benzyl Benzoate.
- Tom Ford Vanilla Sex & Myrrhe Mystere ($395) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance (parfum), Water Aqua Eau, Coumarin, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
- YSL Black Opium ($160) Ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxy- citronellal, Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl- methane, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Methyl Anthranilate, Amyl Cinnamal, Citral, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Ci 15985/Yellow 6, Ci 17200/Red 33
A few others in the same scent family:
-
- Krigler Boudoir Renaissance 223
- Burberry Goddess
- Prada Candy
- Mon Guerlain
- Perfumehead Xanaboud
- Lancome La Vie Est Belle
- Ariana Grande Cloud
- Donna Karan Cashmere Mist
- Parfums De Marly Althair
Beautycounter Perfume: PACIFIC DREAMS
Embrace the freshest beach waves with this sparkling, sunlit waves in an invigorating, fresh aquatic scent!
Fragrance Family: Citrus Aquatic
Top notes: Sparkling Lemon, Bergamot, Lavender
Heart (middle notes): Orange Flower, Jasmine, Marine Accord
Base notes: Cedarwood, Vetiver, Crisp Musk
Ingredients here: NOTHING HIDDEN BEHIND “FRAGRANCE” LOOPHOOLE
Smells like… perfumes and colognes in a similar scent family (Ingredients in bold have an EWG.org safety warning of 4+):
- Prada Ocean Luna Rossa ($120) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Fragrance (Parfum), Water/Aqua/Eau, Tocopherol, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Citral, Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss) Extract, Farnesol, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Isoeugenol, Eugenol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, BHT, Benzoic Acid
- LV Pacific Chill ($320) Ingredients: alcohol, parfum (fragrance), limonene, aqua (water), linalool, citral, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, geraniol, citronellol, farnesol, ci 60730 (ext. Violet 2)
- Davidoff Cool Water ($107) Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Aqua/Water, Parfum/Fragrance, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool.
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue ($131) Ingredients: alcohol denat., parfum (fragrance), aqua (water), limonene, linalool, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, citral, geraniol, cinnamal, citronellol
- Acqua Di Gio ($125) Ingredients: Alcohol, Parfum / Fragrance, Aqua / Water, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronello, Lalpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Cinnamal, Methyl-2-Octynoate, Eugenol, Ci 61570 / Green 5, Ci 17200 / Red 33
A few others in the same scent family:
- CK One
- Tommy Bahama Maritime Journey
- Jimmy Choo Man Aqua
Want a sample?
Unsure? I’d love to help! Send me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to send samples your way: e-mail me at Stacy@RealEverything.com
Sources:
- Bestselling Most Popular Top 20 Perfumes
- Forbes Top 50 Perfumes from 2023
- What is Olfactive Pyramid
- All ingredients found at brand websites directly or Sephora.com
