When you hear the word synthetic, what comes to mind? For many, it’s “chemical-laden,” “toxic,” or “fake.” But here’s the truth: not all synthetics are bad—and in fact, some are safer, more sustainable, and more responsible than their “all-natural” counterparts.
In the world of fragrance and personal care, the conversation about synthetics is often clouded by marketing myths and half-truths. Today, we’re clearing the air so you can make informed choices about what you bring into your home and onto your skin.
The Problem with “Bad” Synthetics
Some synthetics deserve their bad reputation. These are typically low-cost, mass-produced ingredients that contain—or release—harmful compounds such as:
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Phthalates – Linked to hormone disruption and found in many cheap fragrance oils.
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Formaldehyde-releasing agents – Used as preservatives in some beauty and household products.
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Petroleum-derived fillers – Can contain impurities or heavy metals.
These “bad” synthetics are often included to cut costs rather than improve performance or safety. They may provide a strong scent or long shelf life, but at the expense of health and environmental well-being.
The Case for “Good” Synthetics
Here’s the surprise: many high-quality, lab-created ingredients are cleaner and safer than some natural alternatives.
Good synthetics are:
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Phthalate-Free – No hormone-disrupting chemicals.
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IFRA-Compliant – Meet strict safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association.
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Allergen-Reduced – Minimize or remove components that trigger skin or respiratory reactions.
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Sustainably Produced – Can protect endangered plants by replicating their scent without harvesting them.
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Stable + Consistent – Natural oils can vary by crop or season; good synthetics offer reliability without losing quality.
Example: The scent of lily-of-the-valley can’t be extracted naturally—it only exists thanks to safe, nature-identical synthetics. Similarly, creating sandalwood fragrance in the lab prevents overharvesting of endangered sandalwood trees.
Natural ≠ Always Safe
It’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean better. Poison ivy is natural—but you wouldn’t rub it on your skin! Some essential oils can be irritating, phototoxic, or unsafe in high concentrations.
By contrast, a carefully crafted synthetic can be designed to remove the harmful elements found in nature while keeping the scent we love.
Our Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
At Bode+Ev, we use only clean, high-quality ingredients and fragrance / essential blends—whether natural or synthetic—that meet our safety and sustainability standards:
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No phthalates
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No parabens
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No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents
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Always IFRA-compliant
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Sustainably sourced or lab-created when it protects the environment
- Cruelty free + vegan
The result? A luxurious fragrance experience you can feel good about—whether it’s in your home, on your skin, or in the air you breathe.
The Bottom Line
Synthetics aren’t the enemy—bad synthetics are. By choosing products made with clean, safe, and sustainable fragrance ingredients, you’re making a healthier choice for yourself, your family, and the planet.
Next time you shop for candles, room sprays, or personal care, look for brands (like us!) that value transparency, safety, responsibly sourced + that are high quality over shortcuts.