Scent samples are products that contain fragrance, which is defined by the FDA as a combination of chemicals that gives each perfume or cologne (including those used in other products) its distinct scent. Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials. Companies that manufacture perfume or cologne purchase fragrance mixtures from fragrance houses to develop their own proprietary blends. In addition to “scent” chemicals that create the fragrance, perfumes and colognes also contain solvents, stabilizers, UV-absorbers, preservatives, and dyes. These additives are frequently, but not always, listed on product labels. In contrast, the chemical components in fragrance itself are protected as trade secrets and described on the label only as “fragrance”.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the self-regulating global representative body of the fragrance industry, meaning they set their own safety standards and regulations. In a small effort toward transparency, their website has a comprehensive list of over 3000 ingredients used as fragrance compounds. However, many of these chemicals lack substantial research and safety data, and some have been associated with serious negative health effects. Positive results to the mixes and negative to their breakdown happen sometimes due to irritancy, sensitization to the emulsifier, compound.
Some fragrance chemicals are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that many popular perfumes, colognes, and body sprays contain trace amounts of natural essences, but they also typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. To protect trade secrets, makers are allowed to withhold fragrance ingredients, so consumers can’t rely on labels to know what hazards may lurk inside that new bottle of perfume. The average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label.
The Discovery Set by Good Chemistry is a curated collection of mini Eau de Parfums that contains 7 – 0.067 fl oz (2ml) vials, one of each of the fragrances. The skin-loving formula is packed with naturally derived ingredients, paired with a non-GMO certified, gluten-free grain-based alcohol to heighten the senses. These trial-size sprays are vegan and cruelty-free with essential oils, and they dont contain parabens or propylene glycol.
In summary, scent samples contain fragrance, which is a combination of chemicals that gives each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials, and companies that manufacture perfume or cologne purchase fragrance mixtures from fragrance hou...
