Fragrance is a mix of more than 3,500 chemicals that give personal care, cleaning and other products their distinctive smell. These chemicals can be toxic to humans and are linked to a range of health harms. Unlike other cosmetic ingredients, fragrance mixtures aren’t subject to FDA review or labeling. And a few of these chemicals have been shown to contribute to environmental pollution by contributing to the formation of fine particulates, which can aggravate asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
The perfume industry has been dominated by Grasse, France, since the 1700s. Its sultry climate makes it ideal for growing the flowers needed to make perfume essence—especially rose, lavender, jasmine and the hundred-petaled variety known as centifolia, for which the town is famous. Its expert flower farmers and skilled extraction techniques helped give the region a reputation as the center of perfume creation. Then, as synthetic chemists developed formulas to mimic the scent of natural ingredients, demand began to wane.
Today, the world’s most popular perfumes come in many forms and are found at every price point. Generally, the higher the price tag, the more rare or precious the ingredients and the more time and skill that goes into blending them together. It can also reflect the name recognition and deluxe packaging, as well as the talents of in-demand master perfumers like Francis Kurkdjian, who’s responsible for Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum.
Light and airy, this fresh-smelling perfume embodies the feeling of stepping out of the shower or letting sunshine bounce off your skin. It combines bright notes of citrus (lemon, orange) with watery florals and fresh green herbs. It’s light enough to be worn by men or women, and a little goes a long way.