Are natural perfume oils better than synthetic perfume oils?
No; synthetics are of equal or greater value to the perfumer. There are extremely expensive natural botanical compounds and reasonable synthetic aromatic oils, and vice versa. Synthetics can provide fragrances which are not found in nature, be more stable than natural ingredients, and offer a substitute when endangered plant and animal-friendly means are desired. “I want to give women an artificial perfume,” said Coco Chanel. “Yes, I really do mean artificial, like a dress, something that has been made. I don’t want any rose or lily of the valley. I want a perfume that is a composition.” Chanel No. 5 is famous for being the first perfume to heavily rely on synthetics.
