What is the difference between natural vs synthetic fragrance ingredients? | LEUXSCENT Expert Guide

Natural vs Synthetic Fragrance Ingredients: A Guide for Fragrance Oil Buyers

In the fragrance oil industry, choosing between natural and synthetic fragrance ingredients is a pivotal decision for manufacturers, perfumers, and buyers. With growing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability, understanding these differences is essential for informed procurement. This blog answers the top five questions fragrance oil industry professionals often ask when navigating this choice, backed by the latest industry insights and data.

1. What Are Natural and Synthetic Fragrance Ingredients?

Natural fragrance ingredients are derived from plant, animal, or mineral sources through processes like distillation or extraction. Examples include essential oils from lavender or rose. Synthetic fragrance ingredients, on the other hand, are created in laboratories to mimic natural scents or invent entirely new ones, such as synthetic musks or aldehydes used in iconic perfumes like Chanel No. 5. According to industry reports, synthetic ingredients often make up to 70% of modern fragrance formulations due to their consistency and versatility (Ashleigh & Burwood, 2023).

2. How Do Costs Compare Between Natural and Synthetic Ingredients?

Cost is a significant factor in procurement. Natural ingredients are often more expensive due to the labor-intensive extraction process and dependency on crop yields, which can fluctuate with weather or geopolitical issues. For instance, the price of natural rose oil can be thousands of dollars per kilogram. Synthetics, however, are generally more affordable and stable in price since they are produced under controlled conditions. The global fragrance ingredients market, valued at US$11.9 billion in 2025, is projected to reach US$15.8 billion by 2032, with synthetics driving cost-effective growth at a CAGR of 4.1% (Persistence Market Research, 2025).

3. Which Is More Sustainable: Natural or Synthetic?

Sustainability is a hot topic as consumers push for eco-friendly products. Natural ingredients may seem inherently sustainable, but large-scale harvesting can lead to deforestation or overexploitation, as seen with sandalwood. Synthetics can reduce reliance on natural resources and often have a smaller environmental footprint if produced responsibly. Fragrance firms are increasingly focusing on sustainable synthetics to meet consumer demand, balancing both worlds (C&EN, 2019).

4. Are Natural Ingredients Safer Than Synthetics?

A common misconception is that natural equals safer. However, natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions—think of citrus oils with phototoxic properties. Synthetics are rigorously tested for safety and can be formulated to avoid allergens. Both types must comply with regulations like IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards. The choice depends on formulation needs rather than an inherent safety superiority (Carvansons, 2024).

5. How Do Natural and Synthetic Ingredients Impact Fragrance Performance?

Performance in terms of longevity, sillage, and consistency is crucial for fragrance oils. Synthetics often outperform naturals with uniform scent profiles and longer shelf life, ideal for mass production. Natural ingredients offer unique, complex notes but can vary batch-to-batch due to environmental factors. Many iconic fragrances blend both for balance—synthetics for structure and naturals for depth (Alpha Aromatics, 2017).

Why Choose LEUXSCENT?

At LEUXSCENT, we understand the nuanced needs of fragrance oil buyers. Our commitment to quality means offering a curated selection of both natural and synthetic ingredients, ensuring sustainability, safety, and performance. With innovative formulations and adherence to global standards, LEUXSCENT empowers brands to create memorable scents that resonate with today’s conscious consumers. Partner with us to elevate your fragrance offerings with expertise and reliability.