by theglamscientist | | FDA, fragrance, fragrance free, unscented |
With so many allergies, sensitive skin problems and the growing desire to “go green”, consumers are opting for products that don’t contain any added fragrance– or so they think. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of ambiguity on the part of the FDA regarding appropriate wording for products that contain no added fragrance.
My twitter friend, Krissy90220, noticed that one of her personal care products was labeled “unscented” but had “fragrance” listed in the ingredients. Krissy, like most consumers felt that the label was misleading and illegal even… but, according to the FDA, this is quite alright.
There is no documented FDA definition for “unscented” or “fragrance free” which means the terms can be used freely on product labels. The FDA does, however, require that if fragrance is used in a product it be listed in the ingredients. Generally speaking, unscented is used when a product contains fragrance only to mask the chemical smell of other ingredients in the formula. Fragrance free is most often used when no fragrance exists in the formula at all. It’s not likely that leading brands will have truly fragrance free products due to the number of synthetic ingredients that are typically used. Small handmade product lines that are labeled unscented or fragrance free are more likely to be authentic. If you find a product that is labeled unscented or fragrance free, does not list fragrance in the list, but still smells scented, it is probably misbranded. Misbranding is subject to penalty by the FDA and should be reported due to the possible implications.
If you have sensitivities to fragrant chemicals and seek a product that undoubtedly contains no fragrance, the front label will not give you all the assurances you need. Always read the ingredients list on the back label of a product to be sure that what you perceive is what you will receive.
Until next time… Here’s to the glam life!
by theglamscientist | | camp, fragrance, frankincense, perfumery |
I went on a “sniff trip” Monday morning in search of some oils to complete a client’s project. While I was sniffing– trying to make a decision on what combination I thought would be best to suit her needs– I came across a bottle of frankincense oil. I must admit, I never smelled frankincense before that day. I was always turned off by its description, thinking that it would make my creations smell like incense. I can’t stand that spicy/earthy smell that I think all incense have! So just out of pure curiosity I took a whiff… and oh let me tell you I was soooooo pleasantly surprised! One sniff made me smell it again…. and again… and again. It didn’t smell like incense at all!!!
Its a known fact that smell is the sense most closely linked to memory. Frankincense brought back memories of my childhood summers spent at bible camp. How ironic! Frankincense was used to adorn baby Jesus at birth and it reminds me of the times in my childhood when I felt closest to Him. My fondest memories are from bible camp. I made friends there to last a lifetime… in fact that’s where I met my honey :-).
At camp there was no television, no radio, cell phones or pagers… just a bunch of kids running free on the grounds participating in fun activities and having bible study. It was a week of bliss where you forgot about sirens and smog and whatever problems you had at home. There was nothing for your little heart to worry about. Camp made such an impact on all of us that we would anticipate that one week in the summer all year long.
In honor of this priceless memory, I’m going to make myself a fragrance centered around the wonderful smell of frankincense. Maybe in my creative journey I’ll happen upon some other scents that remind me of that sacred place. [sigh]
by theglamscientist | | fashion trends, feather, fragrance, headbands, high fashion, perfumery |
From the runway to the streets, feathers are a hot item for fashionistas worldwide! Fashion forecasters predict this trend is going to carry on well into the spring/summer season. The look is neutral and romantic; more for the elegant and classy… not quite for the bold and the flashy. I would however love to see how someone more adventurous with their style would incorporate a smashing feather piece.
This trend caught my eye and got my wheels turning to create a fragrance from matched inspiration. I imagine a rich and smooth scent with a sweet vanilla and nutty vetiver base, blended with soft woody undertones and a touch of creamy coconut.
Its all just melting together wonderfully in my mind… now to make it work in The Glam Laboratory!
