What exactly is a clean perfume? And how do you know if a scent is living up to its clean claims? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research and our findings will help you cut through the clutter, make informed decisions, and find perfumes free from harmful ingredients.
What is a clean perfume?
A clean perfume does not necessarily mean that a scent is natural or organic — it simply shows that safe ingredients were used in the formulation of the fragrance. This can include natural ingredients, but it can also refer to safe synthetics. Scientific progress has meant that labs can now manufacture synthetic ingredients that are 100% safe, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals.
Clean fragrances are the perfect option for anyone suffering from skin sensitivities and allergies — but they’re also a great alternative if you are looking for perfumes that are gentler on you and the environment.
What does clean mean at Scentbird?
Being clean matters to us, and we go out of our way to bring you the best products and the correct information to make empowered decisions. We’ve added the Scentbird Clean Seal to all the perfumes that meet our high standards — and to help you navigate your way on our site. To get the Scentbird Clean Seal of approval, a perfume needs to be free from more than 1 300 harmful and toxic ingredients that we have blacklisted.
Clean is really important to us since ingredients like hydroquinone, formaldehyde, and phthalates have been linked to allergic reactions, parabens can disrupt your hormones, and ethanolamines are associated with an increased risk of cancer. (See our full list of more than 1300 excluded ingredients here.)
Whenever you see our Scentbird Clean Seal, you can have peace of mind that a fragrance has met our rigorous standards and is *squeaky* clean!
Clean = complete transparency
Clean perfumery puts the focus back on what really matters and places the emphasis on clear, transparent ingredient labeling. By law, companies are not obliged to supply consumers with a detailed ingredient list. Unfortunately, this provides a loophole for companies to use cheap, toxic alternatives. Clean-thinking companies will list ALL their ingredients, empowering you to make informed decisions — since your peace of mind matters to them.
Being clean represents a mindset, meaning clean companies often do more than just formulate without harmful ingredients. Clean represents a way of thinking that goes hand in hand with taking a stand against animal testing and considering the environment in manufacturing processes.
Sanctuary perfumes: going beyond clean
In keeping with a clean mindset, Sanctuary perfumes are completely transparent, and each perfume ingredient is listed on their website. (You can explore their full ingredient list here.) Sanctuary takes clean and sustainable to a new level: not only do they consider the planet in every step of the manufacturing process, but they’re also focused on advocating for change.
Sanctuary’s mission is to create a world that serves as a sanctuary for every living being — where being good to the planet is the focus, not an afterthought. In honor of this purpose, the company gives back to the environment through various initiatives. They’ve created a perfume range inspired by endangered species, and each fragrance tells the story of an endangered animal and the habitat they live in — like the Laquita Dolphin, Red Panda, and Amur Leopard. In honor of each animal, Sanctuary donates 20% of all proceeds to organizations committed to saving and improving each animal’s life. Sanctuary is not only dedicated to bringing you clean fragrances but also a brighter and more hopeful future!
Discover three of Sanctuary’s bestselling fragrances inspired by endangered animals and see why they are different:
1. Sanctuary Vaquita Dolphin EDP
Sanctuary Vaquita Dolphin EDP is inspired by the warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico that the Vaquita Dolphin calls home. This feminine perfume opens with an invigorating sea salt accord before blending with fresh waterlily, tempting redcurrant berries, pear, and alluring cedarwood.
There are only about 10 Vaquita Dolphins left in the wild, making them the most endangered mammals on earth! Sanctuary donates $1 from every 8ml vial to Save the Whales, an organization that uses science marine programs to educate learners and protect the vaquita. * Get your 8ml vial of Sanctuary Vaquita Dolphin EDP and support them here.
2. Sanctuary Red Panda EDP
Sanctuary Red Panda EDP is a female fragrance with a vibrant opening of blackcurrant and bamboo. The Red Panda’s lovable personality is expressed with warm vanilla and sandalwood, while jasmine reflects its playful nature.
There are only about 2 500 red pandas left in the wild due to deforestation and climate change. Sanctuary donates $1 from every 8ml vial to the Red Panda Network — an organization that works tirelessly to restore the red panda’s habitat in Nepal. * Get your 8ml vial of Sanctuary Red Panda EDP to support them here.
3. Sanctuary Amur Leopard EDP
Sanctuary Amur Leopard EDP is a masculine fragrance inspired by the adaptable nature of the Amur Leopard. The Leopard is native to Russia and China and can exist in extremely hot and cold conditions. The fragrance depicts this juxtaposition with cool apple and warm amber that blend with invigorating rosemary. Notes of leather woods mirror the Leopard’s aloof personality, while tonka bean adds a touch of softness.
There are currently less than 100 Amur Leopards left in the wild, and Sanctuary makes a difference by donating $1 for every 8ml vial to the Amur Leopard’s Conservation Project of Phoenix Fund, which helps the leopards in the wild to thrive while conserving those in a protective environment. Get your 8ml vial of Sanctuary Amur Leopard EDP to support them here.
Sanctuary’s unique range consists of eight must-have clean perfumes. Explore their complete range of fragrances and see how they are advocating for change. Simply by purchasing a fragrance, you’re making a big difference.
Loving our clean initiative?
Search all our clean perfumes and colognes here, and find a clean fragrance that is perfect for you!
