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The Hidden Side of Scent: The Negative Effects of Isolates in Perfume

by Ferlyn Genato
Jul 8
3 min read

Updated: Aug 21

In the pursuit of captivating fragrance, the perfume industry often turns to isolates—single aromatic molecules extracted or synthesized from natural sources. While isolates offer consistency and cost-effectiveness, they also come with a lesser-known downside. For consumers who value wellness, environmental sustainability, and the complexity of natural aroma, understanding the negative effects of isolates is essential.

What Are Isolates?

Isolates are individual aroma compounds derived either by extracting them from natural ingredients (like linalool from lavender) or creating them synthetically in a lab. They’re commonly used in both mainstream and niche perfumes to mimic or enhance certain scent notes.

1. Reduced Aromatherapeutic Benefits

Whole essential oils and natural extracts contain a rich spectrum of chemical compounds that work together synergistically. Isolates, on the other hand, offer only a single component. This “one-note” composition lacks the complexity needed to provide the full therapeutic benefits often associated with natural scents, such as calming the nervous system or uplifting the mood. Over time, consumers may notice that isolated compounds lack the emotional depth or grounding effect of true natural blends. This is the negative effects of natural and synthetic isolates in making your perfume.

2. Increased Risk of Sensitization and Allergies

Isolated fragrance molecules can be more potent and volatile than their natural counterparts, increasing the likelihood of skin irritation, respiratory sensitivity, or allergic reactions. The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified several common isolates—such as limonene, eugenol, and coumarin—as potential allergens. Repeated exposure to these compounds in high concentrations may lead to long-term sensitization.

Example: Isoeugenol

Source: Ylang-ylang, clove
Aroma: Spicy, sweet, warm
Toxicity: One of the most potent contact allergens in perfumery. Use levels are restricted to as low as 0.02% due to its strong sensitizing potential.

3. Environmental Concerns

While isolates can reduce the strain on natural resources by minimizing the need for large-scale harvesting, many are derived from petroleum-based chemicals. This can lead to increased carbon emissions and the production of environmentally harmful byproducts. In contrast, sustainably sourced whole botanicals (used mindfully) can often be more eco-friendly, biodegradable, and aligned with ethical production practices.

4. Fragrance Flatness and Lack of Evolution

Perfumes made with isolates may smell sharp, linear, or overly simplified. Unlike natural extracts, which evolve on the skin and reveal different notes over time, isolated compounds tend to stay static. This lack of evolution can lead to a “flat” or synthetic-smelling fragrance experience, which may be less satisfying for discerning perfume lovers.

5. Disconnection from Nature

One of the deeper, more subtle impacts of using isolates is the emotional disconnect from the natural world. Perfume has historically been a bridge between humans and nature, using raw botanicals to evoke memory, emotion, and spiritual connection. By replacing these with lab-created or stripped-down compounds, the soul of the scent is often lost.

Misuse of 100% Natural on Labels and Marketing

In Australia, AICIS regulations state that altered chemical composition is not naturally occurring. Perfumes with isolates cannot be labeled “100% natural,” because isolates are chemically altered, not wholly natural. A single molecule is separated from its naturally occurring compound/chemical composition. Misusing this term misleads consumers and can potentially violate Australian Consumer Law. Ethical perfumers like Amacyn who comply face unfair competition, as our honest labeling may seem less attractive. This harms industry integrity, misguides buyers, and highlights the need for consumer education and regulatory enforcement.

Learn how to spot the names of these isolates >

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The Takeaway

While isolates have a place in modern perfumery—especially for consistency and precision—they should be used with care and transparency. If you’re seeking perfume that nourishes both body and spirit, look for blends that prioritize whole botanicals (i.e. whole essential oils), natural synergy, naturally sourced, and ethical sourcing. In scent, as in life, the whole is often far greater than the sum of its parts.

plant molecules — The whole compound of a plant is better than isolates.

Try our set of 8 tester perfumes and experience the true difference of natural fragrance without isolates, crafted with whole essential oil scents.

Discover 8 Organic Perfume Tester

Buy Now

Our natural perfume:

+100% natural (no isolates & synthetic chemicals)

+ 91.75% to 95.5% certified organic ingredients

+ Certified Vegan and Cruelty Free by PETA and Vegan Australia Organisation

+ Certified Product of Australia, Certified Australian Made, and Certified Australian Owned, audited and licensed by Australian Made Campaign Limited (AMCL)

+ IFRA and Australian Industrial Chemical Scheme (AICS) compliant.

+ISO 9235 and COSMOS Standards "natural perfume" compliant, except that we do not accept isolates derived from plants as natural because it's chemical function and characteristics change when removed from it's natural environment.

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