Basics of Perfumery

Clean fragrances, the new luxury of sustainable perfumery

Do you care about the planet? Do you recycle, reuse, read labels? Then you've probably already heard of clean fragrances – or maybe not?

The word clean is everywhere: in beauty campaigns, cosmetic packaging, TikTok content…. But what does it really mean for a fragrance to be "clean"? Is it just a trend, or a new way of creating and consuming perfume?

In this article, we explore what clean fragrances are, how they're made, and which brands are leading the way.

Clean Beauty, Clean Living, Clean Fragrances

Clean beauty is no longer just a trend: it's a lifestyle based on conscious consumption. Influenced by the clean beauty and clean living movements – which promote safe, non-toxic, and ethical products, the world of perfumery is also evolving.

Minimalist, sustainable, safe. Clean fragrances are captivating not only younger generations but also driving a more ethical industry. Today, creating a fragrance is no longer just about scent – it's about responsibility.

Beyond the label, clean fragrances address a shared global concern: protecting both our health and the planet.

New generations are leading the change, seeking lighter, more natural, and transparent scents. Fragrances that reflect authenticity and a conscious way of living.

Do you identify with this movement? You might share some of these values:

1.- Promoting a healthier lifestyle
2.- Reducing exposure to potentially harmful ingredients
3.- Minimizing environmental impact
4.- Demanding ingredient transparency and traceability
5.- Supporting ethical and sustainable practices

From label to formula: what does "clean" really mean?

Although widely used, the term "clean" remains ambiguous. Does it mean natural? Chemical-free? Allergen-free? Each brand defines it in its own way.

Gregory Black, CEO of Clean Beauty Collective – one of the pioneering brands in this space, champions three key principles: simple, reliable and conscious. Its Clean Classic line is inspired by the purity of soap, while Clean Reserve focuses on sustainable ingredients.

According to market research firm Mintel, 73% of UK consumers are trying to live in an environmentally responsible way, and 65% expect brands to lead that change. Transparency is no longer optional.

Creating a clean perfume: mission impossible?

Designing a clean fragrance is not as simple as it seems. Many natural ingredients are restricted due to their allergenic potential, proving that "natural" doesn't always mean "safe".

The industry is responding with innovation. New technologies like EcoBoost by CPL Aromas reduce raw material use and carbon emissions by up to 90%, enabling more efficient and environmentally friendly formulas. EcoBoost Plus goes even further: it's applied at doses 20 times lower doses than traditional fragrances.

"Clean fragrances should be built on three pillars: simple, reliable, and conscious," says Gregory Black, CEO of Clean Beauty Collective.

Brands leading the way

- Clean Beauty Collective: Olfactory minimalism that doesn't compromise creativity, with safe, essential formulas.

- The Nue Co: Over 50% of its ingredients are organic, with no preservatives, artificial fragrances, and additives.

- Henry Rose: Co-founded by Michelle Pfeiffer, this brand is known for its 100% ingredient transparency. "I gave up fragrances altogether… but over time, I missed them. If I wanted a safer, more beautiful, quality perfume, I would have to create it myself," explains the actress, who started checking labels when she became a mother.

- The 7 Virtues: Sustainable fragrances made with 22% essential oils and responsible processes.

Clean equals boring?

Can an ethical fragrance also be intense, sensual, and unforgettable? A new wave of brands believe it can – combining science, sustainability, and pleasure in a new vision of perfumery. And you, are you joining the clean movement?