Clean Perfumes: Scents Without Secrets Skip to content
 

Clean Perfumes: Scents Without Secrets

Clean Perfumes: Scents Without Secrets

Most perfumes on the shelves today come with a hidden ingredient list, one that’s legally protected under the word “fragrance”. This loophole allows brands to sneak in endocrine disruptors, phthalates, and other questionable chemicals without telling you.

Even though they say phthalate free, endocrine disruptor free, why not just share? The good news? You don’t have to trade smelling amazing for your health. These clean perfume brands are rewriting the rules by being transparent, sourcing safe ingredients, and proving that you can spritz without worry.

What Clean Brands Use Instead

Instead of mystery chemicals, clean perfume brands are turning to:

  • Essential oils & botanical extracts: Natural, plant-derived ingredients that bring authentic, complex notes. Brands that only use oils tend to not last very long on my skin so I do find I need to apply them more but they would be the cleanest options.

  • Isolates: Single aroma compounds (like citral from lemongrass or linalool from lavender) that are naturally occurring but can be used safely in a controlled way. These last longer than just essential oils and tend to have more complex scents than just the basics. 

  • Safe synthetics: Lab-created ingredients that are free from phthalates, parabens, and known toxins. These can mimic natural notes, improve longevity, and still meet strict safety standards. This is my sweet spot because they last the longest on me personally up to 4-5 hours before I have to reapply and they tend to have options that mimic more conventional scents I love, without the toxins. 

The wellness space is very split down the middle when it comes to what is considered clean for fragrances because there can be a lot of loopholes. For me, I don't wear perfume everyday so when I do I am thinking about how long I actually plan on wearing it or the occasion. I tend to wear my more expensive perfumes for super special events. Strictly essential oil based won't have a long wear time or a wide variety of complex scents, but these would be what I would wear daily. The brands with a combination are usually what I will wear our to dinner or my "go-to" scent if i go out because the wear is longer (4-5 hours) and the scents are more complex. 

I am someone who tends to still spray on my clothing and hair vs directly on my neck because for many even essential oils can be irritating to the skin so just go by what feels good to you! 

My favorites below are a combination of all of these so I'll clarify so you can decide the best for you! 

Kaylana Fragrance

I just discovered this brand, I ordered the discovery set and IMMEDIATELY ordered a full one of my favorite scent: Golden Nectar. They use Organic Alcohol (Sugarcane-derived) as their base, use a combination of isolates and safe synthetics and after testing it for 2 weeks, I've gotten so many compliments and lasts up to 5 hours on me. Highly recommend. 

Skylar

Skylar was one of the first brands to make “clean perfume” mainstream. Their fragrances are hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free and they’ve ditched over 1,300 harmful ingredients. They do sell a rollerball set! My personal favorite scents are Citrus Reverie (perfect fresh citrus scent), Sunkissed Dahlia (date night scent), Vanilla Sky (everyday sweet scent for my vanilla lovers). They use safe synthetics so this is one of the most long lasting brands I've found with the most complex scents that smell like "true" conventional perfumes. (can be found at Sephora if you want to smell them irl)

Vahy

An Australian-born brand that blends fine fragrance artistry with clean standards. I got the discovery set as a sample and loved the scents. My personal favorite ended up being Ember Haze that is like a musky amber + vanilla. It is the most expensive perfume I own and one of the cleanest because they use all oils so for me it was worth spending money on because of how clean it is. I save this one for VERY special occasions like anniversaries! This makes a perfect luxe gift for those wanting a higher end clean perfume.

DIME Beauty

Known for their viral skincare, DIME also does perfume really well. I have personally never tried them but I have heard so many great things. Their scents are clean, affordable, and designed for layering. They also have a best sellers discovery set which is a good place to start. They have an EWG score of 1 and they list out their ingredients. 

ESAS NYC

A fan favorite in the wellness space - ESAS calls themselves a “farm-to-beauty” brand, and for good reason. Their perfumes are made with upcycled botanicals, certified organic ingredients, and eco-friendly practices that go beyond just being “non-toxic.” Personally haven't gotten a chance to try them yet but I will be ordering their discovery set! I feel like if I had to blindly get one, I would probably do Naturelle since it has vanilla and musky notes which is what I typically like. 

Belnu

Belnu is a newer brand on the market - redefining modern perfumery with a focus on transparency, safety, and artistry. Their fragrances are crafted with clean ingredients- no phthalates, parabens, or mystery “fragrance” catch-alls, while still delivering the sophistication and longevity of traditional luxury perfumes. Have yet to try them but their bottles caught my eye, they do sell a sample collection - def a higher price point. 

Henry Rose

Created by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose set the bar for transparency in fragrance. Every scent is 100% ingredient-revealed (no hidden “fragrance” catch-all here) and EWG Verified. They do sell a discovery set and I ended up loving Windows Down which is not a normal scent I go for but I loved it. They use a mixture of safe synthetics and botanicals and wear time is on the longer side, def a brand you can layer scents. (can be found at Sephora)

Heretic Perfume

Heretic pushes the boundaries of natural perfumery. Using wildcrafted and non-synthetic botanicals, their fragrances feel raw, sensual, and a little rebellious. They call themselves “unconventional” for a reason expect earthy, unexpected blends that still feel luxurious and perfect for layering! I love that they have a discovery set but also a personalized one especially if you know you tend to gravitate towards certain scents you can just get those notes to try. My favorites have been Dirty Hinoki + Dirty Coconut together! 

Rahua

Best known for their haircare, Rahua also crafts a botanical-inspired perfume. They only make one scent but I'm sure they'll make more! It's made with only essential oils so this would be the lowest tox option! 

Ginger & June Candle Co

This small-batch brand is known for candles, but their perfumes are just as nice. Each of their perfume blends is made using organic grape alcohol and an accord of only wildcrafted, organic or sustainably harvested essential oils and absolutes. I haven't tried any of their scents but their bottles caught my eye! They do sell sample vials

Nusa Holistick

Inspired by Bali and rooted in traditional rituals, Nusa Holistick perfumes are plant-based and infused with intention. Their fragrances transport you with tropical botanicals and holistic blends, making “vacation in a bottle” feel real (without the plane ticket). They are essential oil based so need to be reapplied and would be our lowest tox option! 

Why Clean Perfume Matters

Traditional perfumes don’t just sit on your skin, they sink in. With endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to hormone imbalances, fertility issues, and allergies, swapping to clean fragrance is one of the easiest low-tox wins. And as you can see, clean doesn’t mean boring. These brands prove that safe scents can be luxurious, modern, and just as unforgettable. I personally don't use perfume everyday or at the gym but it is nice to have something for a date night, special occasion or picking your signature CLEAN wedding scent! 

by Iliriana Zeneli – October 01, 2025