The Science of Scent: Why “Natural” Isn’t Always Safe

The myth of “natural = safe”

In beauty and wellness, the word natural has become a synonym for good.
But in chemistry — and perfumery — natural doesn’t always mean harmless.

Essential oils are powerful, concentrated plant extracts. They can irritate skin, trigger allergies, and — when exposed to heat — release compounds that are not meant for inhalation.

Scientific facts you rarely hear

Let’s look at real examples:

• Bergamot oil (a natural citrus oil) contains bergapten — a compound that causes severe phototoxic burns when exposed to UV light. It’s restricted by the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) to less than 0.4% in skin-contact products.

• Cinnamon leaf oil and clove oil — both often labeled “natural” — contain high levels of eugenol, a strong skin sensitizer that can trigger irritation or dermatitis.

• Lemon, orange, and grapefruit oils oxidize quickly when exposed to air and heat, producing unstable compounds that irritate the respiratory system.

• Peppermint oil can cause mucous membrane irritation when diffused or burned at high concentration.

These are not myths — they’re documented in IFRA standards and European SCCS safety assessments used worldwide by professional perfumers and regulatory bodies.

Why Verba doesn’t use raw essential oils

When burned, essential oils don’t just “evaporate” — they break down chemically under high temperature.
The result:

• unpredictable scent performance

• potential release of reactive compounds

• and sometimes — toxic degradation products

That’s why fine perfumery and luxury candle houses (Diptyque, Byredo, etc.) use IFRA-safe fragrance compositions instead of pure essential oils.

These blends are created in laboratories that test every molecule for inhalation safety, stability, and olfactory quality.

Science meets art

At Verba, each fragrance is built with the same precision:

• IFRA-compliant, phthalate-free, cruelty-free

• balanced for clean burning and long diffusion

• designed to evoke emotion, not cause reaction

Because true luxury isn’t about shouting “natural” — it’s about creating beauty responsibly.

In short

“Natural” is not a guarantee of purity — it’s a description of origin.
Science ensures what’s safe, art makes it beautiful.
And when both work together — that’s where Verba begins.