Did you know that your fragrances’ and perfumes’ alcohol content is harming you? The gradual shift towards alcohol-free fragrances isn’t just something your hippy-leaning friend is into – it’s a health-conscious decision.     Alcohol in Perfumes and Fragrances  Traditionally, alcohol has been a staple in the formulation of perfumes and colognes throughout the history of perfumeries. It is used as a solvent to dissolve essential oils and as a carrier to disperse the scent onto your skin. Manufacturers used denatured alcohol (unfit for consumption) in fragrances and cosmetics.    In ingredients lists, look out for the following: Denatured alcohol  SD alcohol  Ethanol  Ethyl alcohol  Methanol  Isopropyl alcohol  Benzyl alcohol  Propyl alcohol    The Impact of Alcohol on Skin and Hair  Denatured alcohol is known to strip away natural oils, leading to dry and brittle skin and hair. This disrupts the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to sensitivity, irritation, and even exacerbating conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It also acts as a skin penetration enhancer, possibly helping the absorption of foreign nasties and even carcinogens into your skin (Pires et al., 2009).    A compromised skin barrier is less effective at keeping bacteria and germs, leaving your skin open to infections and environmental aggressors. If you have pre-existing sensitive skin, alcohol-based fragrances can further aggravate your condition, leading to discomfort and potential skin damage.     Dry January For Your Skin – Forever  Switching to alcohol-free fragrances comes with benefits, and who doesn’t love bettering their health?      Enhanced Skin HealthAlcohol-free fragrances respect the integrity of the skin’s natural barrier, maintaining its function, hydration and minimizing the risk of irritation.   Inclusivity and SensitivityFor those of us with sensitive skin, alcohol-free options are soothing alternative that won’t make skin conditions flare up.   Cultural and Religious BeliefsMany people abstain from using products containing alcohol due to their religious or cultural beliefs. Fragrances free from alcohol ensure their values are respected and they too can enjoy fine fragrances.    Safe for Family and PetsGiven the milder nature of alcohol-free fragrances, they are considered safer for use around children and pets.  Fragrantly ConsiderateNot everyone can tolerate intense, pungent aromas that are enhanced by the alcohol carrier. Alcohol-free fragrances and perfumes are lighter, more subtle, and don’t cling to your clothes and skin for hours on end.   What are you waiting for? All of our fragrances are alcohol-free. Make the switch to alcohol-free fragrances to be kinder to your skin, hair, health, and the people around you.    References:  Pires, D., Soule, H., Bellissimo-Rodrigues, F., Gayet-Ageron, A., & Pittet, D. (2009). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and adverse effects: A review of the literature. American Journal of Infection Control, 37(6), 470-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2008.10.012 

While on our own mission to find clean, effective, and functional products made with high-quality ingredients, we found that it was a difficult one. On the heels of this, we realized that we were onto something. Surely, we were not the only ones looking for clean and effective wellness products within the fragrance industry?   This was the lightbulb moment that spurred us to build a brand around meaningful wellness products that are dedicated to excellence.   Our Mission VESCENSE doesn’t simply manufacture clean fragrances and alcohol-free perfumes, but rather our mission is to create functional wellness alternatives that are ethical, natural, and clean while rewarding those who share our mission. Through our products, customers help support the VESCENSE Clean Oceans Initiative where the aim is to support the restoration of the world’s waterways.   The Process After two years of research and development, our new wellness brand, VESCENSE came alive. We strive to be a leader in clean and natural beauty, by fusing essential oils with lavish natural ingredients from the most respected ethical growers.   The result: functional water-based fragrances and the companion alcohol-free fragrance oils with enchanting natural aromas that help stimulate the senses. The signature product line is formulated around Earth’s natural elements; Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. In addition to the lavish scent, the main differentiator of each element is its functional properties. The functional properties include the awakening effects of Air, the vitalization of Water, transformation through Fire, and the balancing of Earth.   Earth and Wellness Conscious VESCENSE represents a global earth-conscious collective that enhances wellness through sustainable and functional products that contribute to the wellbeing of the planet. At its core is our use of the highest quality ingredients, sourced through partnerships with Swiss brands, Givaudan and Firmenich. Each functional fragrance is crafted with carefully selected ingredients of the highest purity that are painstakingly cultivated and ethically sourced in their respective regions.   Through collaborations with world-class partners, local growers, and best-in-class manufacturing, we have created something completely novel. A clean, yet effective, earth-conscious functional fragrance for the most discerning customer.   The VESCENSE team rigorously developed our product line to support an innovative referral channel for close to two years. We make products that we are proud of, that are differentiated from what is currently available in the market.   We made the decision not to launch until we were 100% comfortable with the overall product experience. Our products are innovative, and our design is stylish. We wanted to create products that we are proud of and a brand that our collective of wellness-minded consumers would be happy to share with their friends.   Looking to the Future After years of research, trial, experimentation, and development, we know this is only the beginning of our journey. The foundation of our ethos is clean wellness, and we strive to be experts in crafting excellent functional fragrances and wellness products that keep people healthy, happy, and give back to nature as much as it gives to us.