The Natural Perfumers Guild

Love the Guild - membership event now through February 14th

2012-02-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

We'd like to invite you to join the Natural Perfumers Guild during one of our rare membership events. Now through February 14th, all new members will enjoy 12% off the membership fee, and will be eligible for the drawing of natural perfumery-related gifts. Please visit http://naturalperfumers.com and use the code 1B6DE36B0C for the discount.

The Natural Perfumers Guild is an international organization dedicated to all aspect of natural aromatics - history, growing, distillation and extraction, supply, regulations, perfumers, associates, suppliers and friends.

Now in our fifth year, the Guild boasts a dynamic community discussion forum, several committees that address issues and opportunities and high Internet visibility due to several successful and thought-provoking blogging events such as the Mystery of Musk, Outlaw Perfume, Brave New Scents, Joy in January and more.

Please visit our website and let me know if you have any further questions. We hope to see you in the Guild!

The Natural Perfumers Guild Welcomes French Natural Perfume House Honoré des Prés and Nose Olivia Giacobetti as Professional Perfumer

2012-01-05T11:23:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIAMI, Florida /January 5, 2012

Noted French Natural Perfume Company Honoré des Prés Joins the Natural Perfumers Guild

Honoré des Prés’s perfumer Olivia Giacobetti’s is recognized as attaining Professional Perfumer status in the Guild.

The Natural Perfumers Guild is an international Association dedicated to perfumes and fragrance products made only with natural aromatics. The Guild is pleased to announce that Honoré des Prés, a leading French fine fragrance company, has joined the Guild.

Honoré des Prés was established by Christian David in 2008 with a goal to create 100% natural and artistic perfumes with an urban flair. All Honore des Prés scents are eco-certified and don’t contain any synthetic aromachemicals, colorants or phthalates. The fragrances are composed by renowned perfumer Olivia Giacobetti. Honore des Prés has been widely lauded for its commitment to the global environment and is a favorite among celebrities such as Jessica Alba and Rachel Zoe.

Honoré des Pré has launched two lines since 2008:

- We Love New York collection: Vamp à NY, Love Coconut and Love Les Carottes.

- “Les Verrines d’Honoré”: Sexy Angelic, Honoré’s Trip, Nu Green and Chaman’s Party.

Since re-establishing the Guild in 2006, President Anya McCoy has seen the list of perfumers grow to an international group of highly-skilled and creative force. “With Honoré des Prés and Olivia Giacobetti now joining the Guild, our heightened presence in the international perfume community is obvious. We welcome them not just due to the obvious beauty of their perfumes, but also because of their commitment to using natural aromatics.”

http://naturalperfumers.com
htt p://www.honoredespres.com/

For more information, contact:

Name: Michelyn and Didier Cholay

Phone: 516 208 2411

Email:

Michelyn@sens-unik.com

Didier@sens-unik.com

Blog Updates for Anya's Garden Natural Perfumery Institute - now at Anya's Garden blog

2011-01-16T14:18:00.001-05:00

We're consolidating all of the blog announcements for Anya's Garden Natural Perfumery Institute at http://PerfumeClasses.com and the Natural Perfumers Guild http://naturalperfumers.com at Anya's Garden blog http://anyasgarden.blogspot.com

Please click on http://anyasgarden.blogspot.com Thank you

Innovative Perfumery Raw Materials Supplier Ecomaat of Bulgaria has joined the Natural Perfumers Guild

2010-12-16T19:15:00.002-05:00

Bulgarian Aromatics Supplier Ecomaat Joins the Natural Perfumers Guild

Certified Organic products that include those used in perfumery, aromatherapy, medicine, and the flavorings industries.

In early summer, 2009, I contacted a Bulgarian aromatics supplier, asking for samples of some of their very exotic raw materials. I was particularly interested in the lilac CO2, and some SCO2 extracts of rose alba, linden blossom and others. I blogged about the lilac here. I gave them feedback, and started a correspondence with them, as they were astounded they had gotten feedback - they say people either buy or they never hear from them again. I felt they were innovative and taking chances, and I support any supplier in the industry who does that. I do believe the lilac CO2 has a place in aromatherapy - the fleeting nature of the top note wouldn't matter too much if the psychological effect for a jolt of scent memory was all that was needed.

During the evaluation session noted in the lilac SCCO2 blog, the student and I also went through the other materials, and the linden blossom knocked us out. The honey note was incredible, and since neither of us is familiar with linden blossoms, we took it at face value as a terrifically beautiful material. So imagine my delight when I read, over the past few months, that Guild founder Mandy Aftel partnered with old Internet buddy perfumer Andy Tauer to create a perfume based on that linden blossom!

Imagine my greater surprise when, about a month ago, the folks at Ecomaat applied to join the Guild. It's official now, they're Guild-approved suppliers and we welcome them and their gorgeous materials. They don't just carry aromatics, they have a number of related products, including a UV-inhibitor I wish to check out. I'll probably host a Guild group buy so that our members can sample Ecomaat's aromatics, some of which are not listed on the website. I can easily see linden blossom and the rose alba on the buy.

They also produce a line of bio-cosmetics under the Spa Maat line, and I must try some of them soon, they look wonderful!

Ecomaat and companies like theirs are to be commended for their pioneering spirit in the aromatics industry. It's a positive sign that the natural perfumery industry will continue to be supported by this type of supplier who has a spirit to match ours - we will go forward in the 21st Century with even more raw materials than we could have dreamed of just a few short years ago. I like to dream, and I encourage the folks at Ecomaat to keep those dreams going, beautiful, scented dreams.

Natural Perfumers Guild deal: Liability Insurance for the Bath and Beauty Microbusiness Community

2010-12-14T20:31:00.002-05:00

I am posting this ad for Stratus Insurance. I was in negotiations with them for both the Natural Perfumers Guild and the Yahoo Natural Perfumery group and the natural perfumery community at large.

They're offering great rates to the Guild, and some folks might want to join to save over non-Guild rates.

Coverage:
For Guild members $1/M/$475
non-Guild: $1M/$525

BTW, if you have a business that is not 100% natural perfumery, you can still join in the Stratus deal. I did negotiate on behalf of the NP community, but I realize many here may use fragrance oils or aromachemicals. You can still get this insurance.

Just make sure you use this page to apply:
http://www.stratusins.info/perfumers_app.php

At the bottom of the page, if you're not a member of the Guild, check off if you are a member of the Yahoo NP group. I will work with Natasaha Gray to confirm Guild members at this time, since we've had about a dozen new members in the past week and they're not listed on the website yet. In the future, the Guild will have a separate application page. Also, for the non-Guild and non-NP group members, they're going to reword this to be more inclusive in the future, perhaps "Found via a link from Anya's Garden."

Coverage:
For Guild members $1/M/$475
non-Guild: $1M/$525

Limits are as follows:

$1,000,000 General Aggregate Limit
$1,000,000 Products-Completed Operations Aggregate Limit
$1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit
$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit
$100,000 Fire Damage Limit
$5,000 Medical Payments

For additional $55 they can increase Aggregate and Products to $2,000,000 at any time during the policy.

Giveaway drawing and 20% off Natural Perfumers Guild membership through February 14th, 2010

2010-11-15T16:55:00.002-05:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild is having a membership drive. There are vintage and contemporary perfumery books and article included in the membership, plus many prizes to be awarded in a random drawing of the names of the new members. Fees are marked 20% off the usual rate, and can be found at here. The dozens of books and articles that new members can download are listed here.

Deadline to join at the reduced membership rate and be in the drawing is Nov. 30th. Winners may state their choice of prize from the following list:

*Five one-year Basenotes Supporters memberships A $59 value*

Thinking of starting a perfume business? Take part in the chat on the most active perfume site on the Internet. The Basenotes Plus (née Basenotes Supporters) is a great way to connect to the community.

*One Basic Natural Perfumery textbook A $500 value*

This is the textbook for Guild President Anya McCoy's Basic Natural Perfumery course. 349 full-color pages. Winner will be emailed a .zip file of charts, forms, alcohol regs in several countries, MSDS and CoA forms and much more.

*Gift basket from Arly's Naturals A $95 value*

Pamper yourself with these all-natural aromatic goodies.

ARLYS Gold Oval Gift Basket containing:
1- 16 oz. Awakening Shower Gel
1- 4 oz. Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol
1- 10 ml. Serenity Synergy
1- Travel Pocket Diffuser
1- Nefertiti Mini Perfume Bottle
1- Sm. Lavender Sachet

*Catalogues from Mandy Aftel's exhibit at Bendel's NYC *

These illustrated catalogues are collector's items for the natural perfume lover.

*Eden Botanicals Aromatics Kit #2 A $190 value *

These kits are created for Anya McCoy's Basic Perfumery course and contain 59 essences. Winner will be emailed supporting aromatics monographs and information.

Note: this current offer is open to new members only, not renewals.

Sign up here.

Outlaw Perfume Project - A Natural Perfumers Guild Artistic Statement

2010-11-15T14:27:00.001-05:00

Anya McCoy here, president of the Natural Perfumers Guild, and I'd like to introduce you to our latest project, Outlaw Perfume.

Soon after I started blogging in 2006, I began to write of the incredibly restrictive and unreasonable "guidelines" of the International Fragrance Association, and the resultant laws from the European Union that effectively killed perfumery. True, they also ranked some synthetics as "dangerous" (brain disruptions), but the list of naturals, which had been used for centuries without major problems, was overwhelming. I rarely bother to blog about these issues anymore. I discovered I was the ONLY perfumer doing so at the time, and it cast a bit of a bitter pall over my blog. I'd rather be blogging about the beauty and luxury of naturals, so here I am.

I passed the ball on to other bloggers! Nine bloggers will be participating this week, and you can find their links at the end of this post.

They're all insightful, intelligent and passionate about perfumery. Their readership far outstrips mine, and the Outlaw Perfume project is a great way for them to spread the word about this abomination against natural aromatics. They also get to sample the gorgeous perfumes created by the Natural Perfumers Guild members (disclaimer: I'm the president of the Guild) and offer a giveaway of the Outlaw Perfume on their blogs.

I've always been someone who challenges authority. In the 60's, I marched for civil rights, against the Vietnam War, and for women's rights. This IFRA and EU-driven blacklisting agenda against naturals must stop. Readers, please remember that they're stomping on *your* rights to choose what you put on or in your body.

Anyone can use common sense and not put perfume on skin that is exposed to sunlight, so, there, the photo-sensitization problem of some of the citruses, angelica root, etc., solved ;-) Think you may be a bit sensitized to oakmoss? Wear the perfume in your hair, or on your clothing, or in a perfume jewelry piece.

I'm taking photos of vinaigrettes and perfume lockets that I'll share later this week. They're a beautiful addition to a jewelry wardrobe, and serve a double purpose of gently releasing your perfume. It's all about our choice, and not bowing down to nanny-state governments. How simple if a warning label, some perfume dabbed in your hair, or on your clothing, or in a piece of pretty jewelry solves this problem. Or, if you're a daring outlaw like me - wear it on your skin!

The bloggers will be posting their commentaries and reviews Nov. 15 - Nov. 21, 2010. I'm delighted by the prospect of lively and informed posts by readers.

Participating Perfumers:

http://lordsjester.com
www.bioscent.info
http://anyasgarden.com
www.providenceperfume.com
www.dshperfumes.com
http://tambela.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wingandprayerperfume
www.JoAnneBassett.com
http://artemisiaperfume.com

Participating Bloggers:

http://waftbycarol.blogspot.com/
http://www.examiner.com/x-4780-Portland-Fragrance-Examiner
http://fragrancebelleslettres.blogspot.com
http://thenonblonde.blogspot.com/
http://indieperfumes.blogspot.com/
http://cafleurebon.com
http://olfactarama.blogspot.com/
http://perfumeshrine.blogspot.com
http://perfumesmellingthings.blogspot.com

Guild Perfumer's Blogs:

http://providenceperfume.blogspot.com

http://dshnotebook.wordpress.com/

http://lordsjester.wordpress.com
http://aromaticjourneys.blogspot.com

A Perfumer's Dream: Arctander's Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin 35% off through Nov. 15

2010-10-12T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone:

I'm posting this ad for the Allured folks. The Guild members 
Allured Books are very generous with discounts, and they're 
overly-generous this month! Thanks much to the good folks there 
for offering the  Steffen Arctander book for $226 plus shipping.

This first link to the Arctander book, is time sensitive. The 
coupon for 35% off will expire November 15, 2010
http://www.alluredbooks.com/Flavor-Chemistry/Arctander-s-Perfume-and-Flavor-Materials-of-Natural-Origin-p31.html 
use the code anya35 at checkout.

There is a longstanding general coupon for 30% off that will last 
until December 31, 2010 on all Allured Books. Use the code anya30 
at checkout.

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumer AbdesSalaam Attar giving away three 50-ml bottles of Mecca Balsam

2010-10-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

As a follow up to the live chat hosted on the Waft by Carol blog, AbdesSalaam Attar is giving away three 50-ml bottles of his acclaimed Mecca Balsam perfume. Winners will be chosen from those who leave a comment on the blog.

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumer AbdesSalaam Attar to participate in "live democratic blog"

2010-09-27T10:14:00.000-04:00

Carol of WAFTbyCarol is hosting what is believed to be the first ever "live democratic blog", with guest AbdesSalaam Attar answering questions about natural perfumes and perfumery, olfactory psychology and communication and also about therapy with essences and perfumes. The event will begin at 6 a.m. EST, USA Tuesday September 28, 2010 and will continue for a day or so in real time until it is felt the process is finished.

Contribute to the Lobbying Effort to Defeat the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 - SCA2010

2010-08-18T11:42:00.002-04:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild is onboard to help fund the effort to defeat
the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. We've registered a recurring monthly donation to the lobbying fund, and I urge you all to do the same because the future of your business is in jeopardy due to the SCA2010.

The Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild has started an advocacy fund so that they may hire a lobbyist to go and fight this Act. See the page at the link below.At the bottom of that page there is a link that connects you to a place where one can make a donation, the smallest increment being $5.00. The donations can be one time, monthly, etc.

http://www.soapguild.org/industry/leg-advocacy.php

The Natural Perfumers Guild is Opposed to the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

2010-08-17T10:30:00.001-04:00

This bill, as written, will effectively destroy all small businesses that produce natural care products, such as natural perfumers, aromatherapists, soapers, etc. The Natural Perfumers Guild is opposed to the passage of this bill, and urges everyone to sign the petition against it at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/oppose-hr-5786-safe-cosmetics-act-of-2010/

Due to an ongoing family crisis, I have been unable to blog for some months now, since I have to focus my energies on the healing process for my mother. On July 27, 2010, I posted a link, via the private forum for the members of the Natural Perfumers Guild, to the petition against the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010. Shortly after that, I started a blog on the subject, wanting to state the Guild's position and to link with others opposed to this egregious Act that will put us out of business, but I was pulled off the post by my family obligations - I just didn't have the time, nor could I focus to write a good, informative blog.

Guild Associate Robert Tisserand has graciously allowed me to post his recent blog on the matter here, and on the Guild blog, and use it as the Guild's position on this matter. Thank you, Robert, for coming to my aid in this time of stress. Robert helped me co-author a position paper against the proposed 40th Amendment of IFRA in 2007, and I always appreciate his logical and precise way of getting to the heart of the matter and writing in a lucid manner about a subject.

Here is the link to Robert's blog: http://roberttisserand.com/2010/08/the-safe-cosmetics-act-2010/

Here is the text of his blog:

The Safe Cosmetics Act 2010

The Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 (SCA 2010), now before the House of Representatives, is an inappropriate and seriously flawed attempt to make cosmetics safer. You can read the full text here. The thinking behind it is identical to a bill that was proposed (and defeated on March 1st this year) in Colorado (see Tunnel vision). Both are the brainchild of a group including the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (SFSC) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) which are in turn linked to the Skin Deep database. SCA 2010 is being opposed by groups representing small businesses such as Opposesca.com, the Indie Beauty Network and Personal Care Truth which also reflects the views of many cosmetic chemists. A petition opposing SCA 2010 can be found here.

SCA 2010 is unscientific, unworkable, and if passed as is, would likely cause widespread job loss in the cosmetics industry. Far from being a step in the right direction, it would be a leap into regulatory chaos, as well as targeting small businesses and natural products.
Yes, cosmetics could and should be safer, and cosmetics labeling in the USA does need more transparency. Safety can always be improved in any field, especially in the light of new scientific data, but SCA 2010 over-reaches what is needed to such an extent that, with the possible exception of distilled water, I cannot think of any cosmetic ingredient that would be acceptable under its terms.

These require that there is “data demonstrating that exposure to all sources of the ingredient or cosmetic present not more than 1 in a million risk for any adverse effect in the population of concern”. Unfortunately, “population of concern” is not defined, but SCA 2010 further states that, in establishing a safety standard, “no harm will be caused by aggregate exposure for a member of a vulnerable population to that ingredient or cosmetic.” “Vulnerable populations” are defined, and include “pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.” Would “infants” include pre-term babies? Would “people with compromised immune systems” include those who do not get sufficient sleep, or who suffer from frequent colds? Much of the wording of the bill is vague and open to many possible interpretations.

“Ingredient” includes every substance present in an ingredient “at levels above technically feasible detection limits.” This last phrase is not defined, but it could be as low as one part per billion (ppb, 0.0000001%) or one part per trillion (ppt, 0.0000000001%). SCA 2010 specifically mentions contaminants, and in foods and beverages they are commonly measured at these levels.

Most essential oils contain about 100 constituents. The above data – for example no more than 1 in a million risk – must be demonstrable for each one of these constituents. Otherwise, the essential oil may not be acceptable in cosmetics, according to the terms of the bill. I can think of of no substance, natural or synthetic, that is known to cause no adverse reaction of any kind in less than 1 in a million people. In human tests for skin reactions, there are sometimes data covering tens of thousands of patch tests. But, that’s still a long way from a million, and there is no cosmetic ingredient that, if patch tested on one million people, would cause no more than one reaction. Except for distilled water perhaps.

“Any adverse effect” is not defined, but is not as simple as it might seem. Linalool, for example, has caused CNS depression when inhaled by animals. (Alcohol is the classic CNS depressant – in large enough amounts, it causes loss of muscular control, slurred speech, stupor and other effects.) Linalool is one of the most common constituents of fragrant herbs and flowers, inhalation of which could therefore be regarded as hazardous under the vague terms of SCA 2010. In reality, linalool has no more than a mild calming, anti-anxiety effect when inhaled by humans. It’s one of the main constituents of lavender oil.

The issue of dose and concentration is not given much consideration. “The Secretary shall presume that any ingredient or cosmetic that induces cancer or birth defects or has reproductive or developmental toxicity when ingested by, inhaled by, or dermally applied to a human or an animal has failed to meet the safety standard.” This is a complete reinvention of the science of toxicology, which up until now has been based on the principle of dose and of threshold levels. Above certain amounts toxicity may occur, below them it will not. This is why there are permissible levels for substances such as hydrocyanic acid (”cyanide”, restricted to 1 ppm) which naturally occurs in some foods.

There’s also the question of the interaction between the constituents of a natural substance. Basil herb, for example, contains two known carcinogens – estragole and methyleugenol. Pesto is a particularly concentrated form of basil, yet the WHO has determined that the amounts in basil/pesto are so small that they present no risk to humans. Since that ruling, research has been published demonstrating that basil herb contains anticarcinogenic substances that counter any potential toxicity of the two carcinogens, and is itself anticarcinogenic (Alhusainy et al 2010, Dasgupta et al 2004, Jeurissen et al 2008). Some basil essential oils have been shown to have anticarcinogenic effects (Aruna & Sivaramakrishnan 1996, Manosroi et al 2005).

Probable or known human carcinogens, such as acetaldehyde and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are ubiquitous in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and fish at low ppb. I’m not saying this is a good thing, I’m just saying it’s a fact, and these foods are not regarded as dangerous, because the toxins are present in such minuscule amounts. BaP is one of the many carcinogens found in cigarette smoke, but it is also found in American drinking water at 0.2-2.0 ppb, and in olive oil at about 3 ppb. Olive oil is actually anticarcinogenic, because of its content of antioxidant polyphenols, squalene, β-sitosterol and linoleic acid (Sotiroudis & Kyrtopoulos 2008). It’s the same story with fruits and vegetables – they are generally anticarcinogenic due to a very much higher content of antitoxic substances.

Many essential oils, herb extracts and foods contain tiny amounts of single constituents that alone, and in substantial amounts, are known to be toxic, but the parent natural substance is not toxic. However, this scenario is not taken into consideration by the CFSC or EWG. These organizations are, wittingly or unwittingly, campaigning to have natural substances banned from use in cosmetics because of their “tunnel vision” and “parts per billion” approach to safety.
The thinking behind the wording of SCA 2010 is naive because there is an assumption that substances are either “safe” or “toxic”, and that if we simply eliminate the toxic ones from personal care products, the world will be a better place. It may seem like an excellent idea, but once you start talking about parts per million or lower, it is unnecessary and unrealistic. Not even foods are regulated to that degree, and our exposure to foods is far greater than our exposure to cosmetics.

SCA 2010 requires that every constituent or trace contaminant of every ingredient be listed onthe product label. This arguably discriminates against natural products, since their ingredient lists would have to include hundreds of substances, if they could be proved to be safe under the terms of the bill, and if there was some way of actually listing that many ingredients on a label. A product containing what would normally would be regarded as five ingredients – olive oil, blue chamomile extract, and essential oils of orange, rose and vetiver – would require an ingredient list looking something like this:

oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, squalene, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, ligstroside, elenolic acid, acetoxy-pinoresenol, oleocanthal, α-tocopherol, herniarin, hyperoside, umbelliferone, methylumbelliferone, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin, flavanone, isorhamnetin, quercimeritin, anthemic acid, choline, triacontane, patuletin, patulitrin, apigetrin, apigenin-7-glucoside, apigenin-7-apiosylglucoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, apigetrin-7-acetylglucoside, luteolin-4-glucoside, luteolin, patuletin, matricin, matricarin, galacturonic acid, d-limonene, citronellol, geraniol, myrcene, linalool, α-pinene, sabinene, β-phellandrene, geranial, neral, decanal, citronellal, (Z)-β-ocimene, β-pinene, valencene, β-elemene, terpinolene, dodecanal, γ-terpinene, β-sinensal, α-sinensal, δ-cadinene, α-copaene, γ-muurolene, nerol, δ-3-carene, (Z)-3-hexenol, perillaldehyde, octanol, cis-sabinene hydrate, undecanal, nonadecane, heneicosane, 1-nonadecene, 2-phenylethanol, (E)-β-ocimene, methyleugenol, eugenol, 1-heptadecene, eicosane, trans-linalool oxide, β-caryophyllene, 1-tricosene, α-terpineol, α-farnesene, farnesyl acetate, citronellyl formate, pentadecane, α-guiaiene, benzaldehyde, (Z)-β-farnesene, terpinen-4-ol, geranyl acetate, isogeranyl acetate, farnesyl propionate, methyl salicylate, citronellyl acetate, hexanol, α-humulene, methyl geranate, α-terpinene, cis-rose oxide, isogeraniol, β-bergamotene, δ-2-carene, cis-linalool oxide, octadecane, heptadecane, α-phellandrene, cis-rose oxide, β-maaliene, ethyl benzoate, geranyl acetone, 3-methylbutanol, docosane, 1-heneicosene, p-cymene, 1-eicosene, bourbonene, γ-cadinene, hexadecane, 1-tricosene, octanal, nerolidol, 2-undecanone, benzyl benzoate, α-muurolene, 2-phenylethyl phenylacetate, farnesol, geranyl formate, guaiol, heptanal, allo-ocimene, 1-octadecene, 2-phenylethyl-3-methyl valerate, hexadecanol, hexanal, 3-hexenyl formate, 2-phenylethyl benzoate, khusimol, vetiselinenol, cyclocopacamphan-12-ol (epimer A), α-cadinol, α-vetivone, β-vetivenene, β-eudesmol, β-vetivone, khusenic acid, β-vetispirene, γ-vetivenene, α-amorphene, (E)-eudesm-4(15),7-dien-12-ol, β-calacorene, (Z)-eudesm-6-en-11-ol, γ-amorphene ziza-5-en-12-ol, β-selinene, (Z)-eudesma-6,11-diene, salvial-4(14)-en-1-one, khusinol, cyclocopacamphan-12-ol (epimer B), selina-6-en-4-ol, khusian-ol, δ-amorphene, 1-epicubenol, khusimene, ziza-6(13)-en-3β-ol, ziza-6(13)-en-3-one, 2-epi-ziza-6(13)-en-3α-ol, 12-nor-ziza-6(13)-en-2β-ol, α-vetispirene, eremophila-1(10),7(11)-diene, dimethyl-6,7-bicyclo-[4.4.0]-deca-10-en-one, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, α-calacorene, (E)-opposita-4(15),7(11)-dien12-ol, prekhusenic acid, 13-nor-eudesma-4,6-dien-11-one, isovalencenol, spirovetiva-1(10),7(11)-diene, 2-epi-ziza-6(13)-en-12-al, (E)-isovalencenal, preziza-7(15)-ene, (Z)-eudesma-6,11-dien-3β-ol, intermedeol, isoeugenol, isokhusenic acid, elemol, eremophila-1(10),6-dien-12-al, juniper camphor, khusimone, eremophila-1(10),4(15)-dien-2α-ol, eremophila-1(10),7(11)-dien-2β-ol, (Z)-isovalencenal, allo-khusiol, methyl-(E)-eremophila-1(10),7(11)-dien-12-ether, (E)-2-nor-zizaene, (Z)-eudesm-6-en-12-al, funebran-15-al

No contaminants have been shown here, only natural constituents of the five ingredients. Whether this list of 200 chemicals would be useful for consumers is debatable, and it would be one of the shorter lists, since most natural products contain much more than five ingredients. Even single synthetic chemicals are not really single chemicals at all – they also contain some minor and trace constituents. Most fragrance chemicals for example are about 95% pure, the other 5% consisting of “impurities” which of course would have to be listed. So synthetic chemicals are not exempt from this challenge.

This is one of the reasons that a naturally-occurring chemical is not the same as a synthetic one – the impurities present in the synthetic version. Synthetic coumarin, for example, causes skin allergies because of the impurities it contains (Vocanson 2006, 2007). But, SCA 2010 treats all chemicals of the same name as equal, which may be expedient if you are trying to pass legislation, but it’s not really scientific.

SCA 2010 proposes that hundreds of ingredients should be assessed for safety in unrealistically short amounts of time, with no proposal as to what form this assessment process will take, who will undertake the work, and exactly what criteria will be used. The wording of the bill shows very little understanding of either toxicology or cosmetics science. It also assumes that any existing legislation in other countries must be good legislation, when in fact nothing could be further from the truth.

I happen to believe that incremental legislation is generally a good thing. It at least allows for the possibility of public debate, and for finer points to be properly considered. Legislation as sweeping as SCA 2010 will cause chaos in the cosmetics industry, especially since States will be given the option to add further safety standards as they see fit. So, each State could have different standards – a manufacturer’s nightmare, and a pointless provision. Even without it, how any agency could enforce legislation involving hundreds of thousands of existing products, with hundreds of ingredients to consider for each one is mind-boggling.

SCA 2010 will cost unknown millions or billions of dollars which the consumer will ultimately pay for. It will probably have no more than a negligible effect on cosmetics safety, but it poses a serious threat to many businesses especially those making natural products, those supplying natural ingredients, and the farmers that grow the plants they come from.

SCA 2010 is especially onerous to small businesses (any corporation with a turnover of $7 million or less.) It requires each manufacturer to not only declare every constituent chemical of every ingredient on the label, but to also test each finished cosmetic to ensure that there is not even a trace amount of some toxic chemical that might have been formed during the making of the product. Most small personal care product businesses will not survive if SCA 2010 passes, a fact that may possibly be attractive to larger corporations.

However, the bill has been criticised by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO of the Personal Care Products Council, which represents the larger cosmetics companies. Her statement includes the following: “We are concerned that the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 as written is not based on credible and established scientific principles, would put an enormous if not impossible burden on FDA, and would create a mammoth new regulatory structure for cosmetics, parts of which would far exceed that of any other FDA-regulated product category including food or drugs. The measures the bill would mandate are likely unachievable even with the addition of hundreds of additional FDA scientists and millions more in funding and would not make a meaningful contribution to product safety.”

The Skin Deep database, mentioned in the first paragraph, gives an insight into the thinking of the CFSC and EWG. Skin Deep exaggerates toxicity by being selective in its reporting. For example, limonene, the major constituent of citrus essential oils, is flagged as being developmentally toxic in large doses. This is true, since when pregnant mice were fed 2,363 mg/kg limonene by stomach tube on days 7-12 of gestation, there was an increase in the number of fetuses with skeletal anomalies and delayed ossification (Kodama et al 1977).
However, what is not stated by Skin Deep is that in the same report, when pregnant mice were given a lower dose, 591 mg/kg/day, there was no developmental toxicity. The higher dose is equivalent to daily human ingestion of 5.7 oz of limonene, and the lower dose is equivalent to 1.4 oz. If ingestion of 1.4 oz per day for 6 days is known to be non-fetotoxic, then there is no reason to believe that the use of limonene in cosmetics is likely to be in any way hazardous during pregnancy; in fact, quite the opposite (especially since stomach tube feeding generally increases toxicity).

The Skin Deep page on limonene also mentions, under “cancer” that“one or more tests on mammalian cells show positive mutation results.” One reference is given. However, this ignores the fact that eleven other studies found no evidence of mutagenicity or genotoxicity for limonene (Anderson et al 1990, Connor et al 1985, Florin et al 1980, Haworth et al 1983, Myhr et al 1990, Pienta 1980, Sasaki et al 1989, Sekihashi et al 2002, Turner et al 2001, Watabe et al 1980, 1981), and two further studies reported antimutagenic effects (De Oliveira et al 1997, Kim et al 2001). This 13:1 “score” is part of the weight of evidence used to assess risk in toxicology.

Mutagenicity testing is used to identify substances that may be carcinogenic. However, 85% of substances that are not in fact carcinogenic test positive in a least one mutagenicity test (Kirkland et al 2005). These are “false positives”, and present no risk. The one study cited by Skin Deep for limonene is a false positive.

If you want to imply risk, it’s possible to do so simply by being selective about which facts you choose to report. Many small cosmetics manufacturers have become disenchanted with the manipulative ways of the CFSC and EWG. If they were sincere in caring about cosmetics safety they would welcome any pertinent opinions and facts, but they don’t. They either ignore or stridently oppose anything that does not accord with their fear-driven political agenda. It’s a shame, because a few of their concerns are genuine and well-founded, but their focus has become highly distorted.

I urge you to oppose the Safe Cosmetics Act 2010. Here are some steps you can take.

References

Alhusainy W, Paini A, Punt A et al 2010 Identification of nevadensin as an important herb-based constituent inhibiting estragole bioactivation and physiology-based biokinetic modeling of its possible in vivo effect. Toxicology & Applied Pharmacology 245:179-190

Anderson BE, Zeiger E, Shelby MD et al 1990 Chromosome aberration and sister chromatid exchange test results with 42 chemicals. Environmental & Molecular Mutagenesis 16(Suppl. 18):55-137

Aruna K, Sivaramakrishnan VM 1996 Anticarcinogenic effects of the essential oils from cumin, poppy and basil. Phytotherapy Research 10:577-580

Connor TH, Theiss JC, Hanna HA et al 1985 Genotoxicity of organic chemicals frequently found in the air of mobile homes. Toxicology Letters 25:33-40

Dasgupta T, Rao AR, Yadava PK 2004 Chemomodulatory efficacy of basil leaf (Ocimum basilicum) on drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes, and on carcinogen-induced skin and forestomach papillomagenesis. Phytomedicine 11:139-151

De Oliveira AC, Ribeiro-Pinto LF, Paumgartten FJ 1997 In vitro inhibition of CYP2B1 monooxygenase by b-myrcene and other monoterpenoid compounds. Toxicology Letters 92:39-46

Florin I, Rutberg L, Curvall M et al 1980 Screening of tobacco smoke constituents for mutagenicity using the Ames test. Toxicology 15:219-232

Haworth S, Lawlor T, Mortelmans K et al 1983 Salmonella mutagenicity test results for 250 chemicals. Environmental Mutagenesis 5:3-38

Jeurissen SM, Punt A, Delatour T et al 2008 Basil extract inhibits the sulfotransferase mediated formation of DNA adducts of the procarcinogen 1′-hydroxyestragole by rat and human liver S9 homogenates and in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Food & Chemical Toxicology 46:2296-2302

Kim MH, Chung WT, Kim YK et al 2001 The effect of the oil of Agastache rugosa O. Kuntze and three of its components on human cancer cell lines. Journal of Essential Oil Research 13:214-218

Kirkland D, Aardema M, Henderson L et al 2005 Evaluation of the ability of a battery of three in vitro genotoxicity tests to discriminate rodent carcinogens and non-carcinogens I. Sensitivity, specificity and relative predictivity. Mutation Research 584:1-256

Kodama, R, Okubo A, Araki E et al 1977 Studies on d-limonene as a gallstone solubilizer (VII). Effects on development of mouse fetuses and offspring. Oyo Yakuri 13:863-873

Manosroi J, Dhumtanom P, Manosroi A 2005 Anti-proliferative activity of essential oil extracted from Thai medicinal plants on KB and P388 cell lines. Cancer Letters 235:114-120

Myhr B, McGregor D, Bowers L et al 1990 L5178Y Mouse lymphoma cell mutation assay results with 41 compounds. Environmental & Molecular Mutagenesis 16(Suppl 18):138-167

Pienta R J 1980 Evaluation and relevance of the Syrian hamster embryo cell system. Applied Methods in Oncology 3:149-169

Sasaki YF, Imanishi H, Ohta T et al 1989 Modifying effects of components of plant essence on the induction of sister-chromatid exchanges in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells. Mutation Research 226:103-110

Sekihashi A, Yamamoto A, Matsumura Y et al 2002 Comparative investigation of multiple organs of mice and rats in the comet assay. Mutation Research 517:53-74

Sotiroudis TG, Kyrtopoulos SA 2008 Anticarcinogenic compounds of olive oil and related biomarkers. European Journal of Nutrition 47:69-72

Turner SD, Tinwell H, Piegorsch W et al 2001 The male rat carcinogens limonene and sodium saccharin are not mutagenic to male Big Blue rats. Mutagenesis 16:329-332

Vocanson M, Goujon C, Chabeau G et al 2006 The skin allergenic properties of chemicals may depend on contaminants – evidence from studies on coumarin. International Archives of Allergy & Immunology 140:231-238

Vocanson M, Valeyrie M, Rozières A et al 2007 Lack of evidence for allergenic properties of coumarin in a fragrance allergy mouse model. Contact Dermatitis 57:361-364

Watabe T, Hiratsuka A, Isobe M et al 1980 Metabolism of d-limonene by hepatic microsomes to non-mutagenic epoxides toward Salmonella typhimurium. Biochemical Pharmacology 29:1068-1071

Watabe T, Hiratsuka A, Ozawa N et al 1981 A comparative study on the metabolism of d-limonene and 4-vinylcyclohex-1-ene by hepatic microsomes. Xenobiotica 11(5):333-344

Cropwatch: The Role of Risk Aversion in the Decline of the Perfumery Art - presented at the World Perfumery Congress, 2010

2010-06-06T20:55:00.000-04:00

The Role of Risk Aversion in

the Decline of the Perfumery Art

Tony Burfield, Cropwatch www.cropwatch.org

Click here to download the pdf of this post

World Perfumery Congress, Cannes

2nd June 2010.

(Anya's note: I've muddled thru the pdf and powerpoint of this speech Tony gave at the WPC and have to the best of my abilities, made a decent facsimile of the original so that the content may be archived on the internet. To read the original, please download the pdf, linked. PS We're very proud to have Tony as a member of the Natural Perfumers Guild, and I have collaborated with him previously in attempts to expose the bad science and bad politics of the EU, IFRA, et al.)

Cropwatch’s actions.

Cropwatch is a 6-7 year old non-financed independent watchdog for the aroma & natural products trades. It has waged campaigns against (amongst others):

• Over-exploitation of rare & threatened aromatic species (see Cropwatch website for A-Z data-base).
• Impending citrus oil FuroCoumarin (FC) legislation.
• The 26 allergens legislation (EU Dir 2003/15/EC). Has criticised:

• IFRA’s overly-bureaucratic QRA system (also much faulted by the SCCP in Opinion 1153/08).
Has dismissed as scientifically unsound:
• A number of SCCP Opinions & IFRA Standards (e.g. on Pinaceae, tagete oil, opoponax, melissa oil, coumarin, vanillin, oakmoss etc.).
Has forced improvements & corrections:
• To EU Cosmetics ingredients lists, policies etc.

Hand-cutting lavender in the UK, before anybody had heard of the term: ‘acute contact dermatitis’!

QC lab. in the days before the concept of
‘Health & Safety at Work’ – note lighted cigarettes dangling from lips of staff!

A bit of history…
• The failure to create a European Fragrance Commission with a brief to protect & maintain the cultural inheritance and art of European perfumery, has meant DG-Enterprise & Industry has been relatively free to create a framework of regulatory toxicology for the safety assessment & regulation of fragrances within the Cosmetics industry umbrella. The sale of cosmetics is primarily regulated under the Cosmetics Directive 76/788/EC, compiled between 1973-5 & adopted in 1976, & successively amended (to become supplanted by the new Cosmetics Regulation, to be in force by mid 2013). The approach taken mimicked that for the regulation of food
and pharmaceuticals i.e. is partly based on safety of ingredients and the adoption of lists (Lanuza undated). The outfall from this regulatory approach has been in the form of ingredient restrictions which have had a negative effect on “the art of the possible” in perfumery in recent years, thus damaging fragrance creativity & attainments.
• Toxicological testing requirements for cosmetics are not specified, although the SCC(NF)P / SCCS ‘expert’ committee offers opinions (usually with the help of carefully selected evidence, spoon-fed by trade-funded professional organisations like EFFA, before its demise) to DG-Ent’s
posed questions on the safety & allergenicity of individual cosmetic ingredients. The end result has been a continuing series of amendments to the EU Cosmetic Directive limiting the use of aroma ingredients on (often) scientifically contentious, disproportionate & over-precautionary grounds (see Cropwatch Files).
• Industry has been openly criticised for its timidity (Durodie 2004) in failing to oppose these regulatory impositions and the attendant bad science,
and the underlying culture of toxicological imperialism which drives it.
SME’s locked out of safety policy considerations.

• Although a few larger aroma concerns refuse to belong to the privately-funded IFRA organisation & its affiliates on principle, many SME’s who feel differently often cannot afford the membership fees to professional organisations such as RIFM, IFRA, Perfume Manufacturing Organisations etc. which are more suited to the
budgets of the aroma corporates & mega-corporates. These SME’s are effectively locked out of the ‘health & safety culture’.
• Yet substantial consumers of natural aromatic materials include the (virtually unregulated) aromatherapy profession, as well as candle- makers / soap-makers/ incense traders / pot pourri makers / hand- made cosmetics makers / general cleaning product makers / natural perfumers / organic perfume makers – all SME's.
• In the US, the Colorado State Safe Personal Products Act HB10-48, which included a proposed zero tolerance policy for CMR’s in cosmetics (with large fines for non-compliance), was defeated in Feb
2010 by a small number of SME’s and their advocates, who wrote to the Colorado Legislature complaining that the act would put them out of business (it is however being re-written for proposed re- introduction, and up to eleven other US States currently have similar bills in the offing). They complained that constantly scrutinising changing lists of ingredients put out by authoritative bodies, hiring legal advisors, and reformulating their products to keep up with these changes would force their products costs up, and they would become uncompetitive and collapse. The situation described above is, of course, similar to that for European SME’s.

EU Cosmetics Commission Policy.

• So far, the EU Cosmetics Commission has stuck to a code of practice where it refuses to measure or quantify individual ingredient risks, assess ingredient risk-benefit balance considerations (apart from for preservatives), assess cost-benefits of risk assessment (if any), clearly relate technical / biological end- point criteria to protection objectives, or consider adverse user effects data. Over-deployment of the Precautionary Principle can be counted amongst other short-comings.

• Whether this situation may change as a result of the ICCG now helping the EU Commission to explore a 2009 initiative by SCHER to promote harmonisation across the SCCS, SCHER and SCENIHR wrt reassessing risk assessment procedures, and the more effective communication of risk-related issues, remains to be
seen.

[Acronyms: ICCG Inter Committees Coordinating Group
SCHER Scientific Committee on Health & Environmental Risks
SCENIHR Scientific Committee on Emerging &
Newly Identified Health Risks].
So, its all going according to plan then…

• Ian White (1998): “A think tank has been set up consisting of a balanced representation of dermatologists, fragrance compound manufacturers and users (?) to address aspects of the problems and needs.” [Note the absence of independent scientists with the appropriate cross-disciplinary skills].
• According to documents dated 1998 seen by Cropwatch referring to the ‘think tank’ meetings, DG-Ent’s requirements were reported to include (amongst others) a total list of ingredients used in fragrances banded by volume, and a simplification of fragrance ingredient (chemical & botanical) descriptions.
• IFRA made their 2009 Fragrance Industry Ingredients List (3163 substances) public in Jan 2010, compiled as it is from the 2008 returns of (an unknown proportion of an unknown number of-) affiliated IFRA members. The list incidentally includes ingredients now classified as originating from threatened species, & ingredients that are “banned IFRA”. Ingredient volume information is now available from various sources. In Cropwatch’s opinion, the separate COSING/INCI list of cosmetic ingredients demonstrates the EU Commission’s approach to the simplification issue mentioned above, via a policy of botanical reductionism (see later slides) reflecting their lack of expertise in botany & botanical nomenclature (the latter fact actually admitted to Cropwatch by the EU Commissioner, Brussels, 2007), and additionally in economic botany.
SME’s in other areas.

• In other regulatory areas, economic discrimination against SME’s remains effectively unaddressed. The EU Commission (“The Rich Mans Club”) has long funded its H&S policies by using industry as a cash-cow, in order to pay for them. For example the high costs
of registering & supporting essential oils or natural aromatic extracts as biocides under the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD)
98/8/EC, drove the majority of natural biocide companies out of the business. As a result essential oils commonly used as insect repellents (=biocides) such as citronella, neem & tea tree oils, can no longer be used for this purpose under the BPD – exactly the outcome the synthetic biocides industry wanted.
• The Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (THMPD) EC Directive 2004/24/EC seeks to regulate traditional herbal products used in Ayurveda, Unani & Traditional Chinese Medicines, as well as in Western traditions. But from 2011, under the likely terms of full implementation of the Directive, products which were previously regulated as botanical food supplements will be regulated as if pharmaceuticals, involving high costs for registration and compliance (and thereby eliminating a large number of SME’s involved in the traditional herbal drugs trade). A legal challenge to the Directive from the Alliance for Natural Health International is underway (now with the support of Chinese & Indian medical group interests see ANH Press Release (2010)); UK Member State ratification at herbal practitioner level is thought unlikely as the result of a forthcoming human rights challenge.

Neem tree Zanzibar (extracts not supported as permitted EU biocide).

Traditional herb seller in Sikkim,
smiling (as not affected by THMPD!).

The FDA & the EWG.

• In the US, the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was the first Federal initiative to regulate cosmetics; since then the FDA and industry have cooperated to build a regulatory regime which has a lack of pre-market supervision and relies heavily on the self-regulation of industry (slightly paraphrased from Daum 2006).
• But the US cosmetics industry's self-regulatory approach and lack of ingredient safety substantiation has not been without its critics, such as the increasingly influential environmental organisational groups of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Skin Deep & The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC). According to the EWG website the aim is "to use the power of public information to protect public health and the environment”. The EWG offer a detailed cosmetic ingredient database on their website which displays comprehensive references to information about research on specific cosmetic ingredients, but this information lacks objective
interpretation, overview or risk analysis of the data contained within any of the publications that they cite. This information source, combined with
aroma ingredient information from sites such as The Good Scents
Company, has spawned a new breed of speculative internet health
commentators, many of whom (it is pretty obvious) have no background in science or medicine.
• The CSC’s commissioned report “Not So Sexy - The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance” (CSC 2010) produced by Commonweal, Environmental Working Group, Breast Cancer Fund, Women’s Voices for the Earth & Anne Steinemann (University of Washington), attempts to link fragrance chemicals with adverse health effects, and has been rebuffed by the Fragrance Manufacturing Association (FMA 2010) amongst others. Although full of scientific inaccuracy and unsubstantiated innuendo, the report will add pressure to an already over-regulated industry.

The Declining Perfumer’s Palette.

• As time progresses, the most commonly used fragrance ingredients in company formulations are increasingly associated with hazard & risk coding (as illustrated by Osbiston 2010) and therefore progressive limitations in their potential range of use.

• Vey (2009) maintained that if IFRA didn’t introduce their “voluntary” Standards for the fragrance trade, the EU Commission would introduce more draconian regulation.

[Cropwatch considers this proposition is pretty doubtful - as illustrated by the initial objection made by EU officials to putting Rosewood (Aniba rosaedora Ducke) into CITES Appendix II (CITES CoP 15 Qatar, March 2010) on the basis that such a policy ‘couldn’t be policed’. This
reveals an underlying situation where the Customs & Excise / H & S / Trading Standards staff of most European member states are untrained in taxonomic techniques
and forensic analysis. If this dearth of technical ability amongst enforcement officials is correct, it will be increasingly unable enforce complex EU cosmetic & general product regulations].

The ‘Zero-Risk Mindset.’

“(EU) Regulators apply - (or appear to have been pressurised into, by ‘invisible’ lobbyists) a disproportionate & excessive degree of regulation wrt aromatic ingredients, which appears to be an attempt to construct a clean, risk-free and largely synthetic-based safer-than-nature world of their own. That is not the world that most of us wish to inhabit, and Cropwatch believes that many will ignore any restrictions which deny us the use of those familiar natural materials which we associate with our lives, our heritage & our traditions.” – Tony Burfield (2010).

“Absolute reassurance and ‘no-risk’ policy is however contributing to the risk aversity of our society and triggers biased regulation, which will not deliver substantial environmental or health benefit.”
- Jostman (2007).

Withdrawal of Fragrance
Ingredients.

Causes:
• High toxicological testing costs (REACh etc.) means that many ingredients, are or will be, unable to be supported by producers.

• Rising raw material costs are reducing demand for the more costly aromatic ingredients.

• Ingredient hazard & risk coding is making many materials increasingly unattractive to employ in fragrance formulations.
• The situation of progressive ingredient unavailability
/ withdrawal (especially for naturals) is neither a
challenge nor an opportunity to the perfumer - it is
an unmitigated disaster - which should be
vehemently opposed by anyone who cares about the
art of perfumery.

Derelict vanilla plantation, Seychelles.
EU/IFRA policy will repeat similar scenes.

--------------------------------------------------------

Old clove distillation works, Zanzibar before eugenol was classified as R36-43.
Subsequently became twice as derelict!

Who cares about the restriction of fragrance ingredients, & anyway, how would we ever find out?

• - Well probably not from the trade press! Cropwatch’s view is that because of existing commercial publishing arrangements (e.g. between Allured Publishing Corp. & RIFM) many of the industry’s leading journals & magazines have failed to address burning issues affecting the fragrance industry because of commercial ties. Rather, the impetus has been left to bloggers & fragrance interest groups on the Internet. Anger & frustration amongst
brand-loyal customer to the reformulation of classic perfumes (e.g. Guerlain’s Mitsouko – see Turin 2007), about which the brand owners themselves are often in-denial, and the constraining
effects of the IFRA Standards on fragrance creativity felt by French perfumers, have been recently discussed by informed commentators.
• IFRA, and until recently, EFFA (whose fragrance brief has now been transferred to IFRA-Europe), are/were unlikely to petition the EU Commission about the removal of fragrance ingredient restrictions. This is because the raison d’être of the Commission is, after all, to continually pass legislation (or they become purposeless), and IFRA is engaged on its continual exercise in authoritative toxicological imperialism (which Cropwatch is confident will see practically all fragrance ingredients classified
as hazardous, restricted or banned within a short period).

The Declining Perfumer’s Status.

• Perfumers used to be highly motivated & outspoken artists, with senior company positions, including board membership.

• Many of today’s perfumers are of declining importance, being merely the obedient manipulators of fragrance legislation-software, tinkering with formulae to reduce labelling risks, substituting for expensive, withdrawn or
‘hazardous’ ingredients, and often with a brief to
minimise the use of natural materials. After some
possibly unguarded remarks made by aroma company
employees in the late nineties concerning musks and
their environmental fate, they are now unable to comment
to the media on any current H&S issue (a task taken over
by their trade organisation’s nominated ‘experts’), or to
publish any material without their employer’s express
permission.
• In short perfumers have become emasculated and their professional organisations undemocratic - in that they are not brave enough to openly sympathise or express the private views of their members, for fear of upsetting their masters.
Creative Limitations due to Hazard
Classifications of Ingredients.

• ‘The Overdose’ technique (excessive utilisation of a single synthetic ingredient) is under threat.

• The citrus FuroCoumarins (FC’s) situation - potentially a severe limitation in use of expressed citrus oils (bergamot, lemon etc).

• Limitation of allowable concentrations of weak rodent carcinogens (methyl eugenol, safrole, methyl chavicol) in natural aromatic ingredients.
• The labelling of sensitisers, alleged & otherwise.

• R50/53 substances allegedly ‘dangerous to the environment’.

• The fragrant mosses situation, the vanillin situation, the coumarin situation, the tea tree situation …

The Overdose.

• Martin Gras as Senior Perfumer at Dragoco, wrote two important articles (Gras 1990; Gras 1991) on “The Overdose” – ingredients used in alcoholic perfumery in overdose proportions naming 16 ingredients in the first article & 16 in the second (with some repeats in the second).

• Gras (1990) commented: “Luckily in perfumery, there are no limits. Few substances are prohibited or restricted by RIFM or IFRA recommendations.” In
2010, the above comments made some 20 years
previously are no longer valid – IFRA standards or hazard / risk labelling codes limit the allowable
concentrations of many of the cited ingredients.
The Overdose II.

Here are a few examples from Martin Gras’s articles (1990 & 1991):

• Tonalid to 11% in Fahrenheit Dior 1968 & 30%) in Tide
Bleach (P&G 1989). Now Xn, N, R22-50/53.
• Galaxolide 29% Lux Beauty Shower Soap Now N, R50/53.
• Lyral (HMPCC) 10% in Red Door (Arden 1989) & 15% in Joop (1987). Now Xi, R43, 52/53. Restricted under 44th IFRA Amendment to 0.02% in QRA Category 1. The restrictions on this ingredient are having a huge effect on fragrance composition in the fine fragrance area.
• Lilial (BMHCA) 16% in Eternity for Women (Calvin Klein),
20% in Calyx (Prescriptive 1986). Now Repr. Carc. Cat. 3, Xn,
N, R22,38-43-51/53,62. Restricted under 43rd IFRA Amendment to 0.1% in QRA Category 1. Similarly the restrictions on this ingredient are having a huge effect on
fragrance composition for all types of applications from
household, to detergents to fine fragrance.
• Iso E Super 20% in Tresor (Lancôme 1990). Now N, R51/53.
Restricted under 43rd IFRA Amendment to 1.34% in QRA Category 1.

Citrus Oils: a Double Whammy

1.. The EC Cosmetics Commissioner wrote to Cropwatch (25.05.2009) stating that FC’s were to be banned in cosmetics except for their presence in natural essences. Limits would be fixed via the monitoring of seven marker FC’s: bergapten, bergamottin, byakangelicol, epoxybergamottin, isopimpinellin,
oxypeucedanin & xanthotoxin. These FC’s would be limited to
5ppm in leave-on products and 50ppm in rinse-off products. The
anomalous final line “Each of the seven FC’s should be present
at a level no more than 1ppm” invalidates the whole proposal,
but has never been withdrawn or corrected.

Drastically limiting FC's in fragranced products would result in the effective removal of indispensable natural (citrus) ingredients which Cropwatch has described as cultural vandalism against the perfumery art. Fragrance types such as Eau de Colognes, Eau Fraiche and citrus-based compositions would disappear, and chypre & fougère fragrance types which employ citrus ingredients (especially bergamot oil) in their characterising accords would be severely affected.

2. Under DPD/DSD (soon to be under CLP 1272/2008/EC), R50/53 environmental labelling (dead fish & tree symbols) has had a serious impact on usage of citrus oils & their terpenes, which have been traditionally employed in many types of perfumes for household & air care products for their diffusion, lift & fresh character.

Citrus Oils II.

• SCCP Opinion 0942/05 on FC’s in cosmetics was, in Cropwatch’s view, a rag-bag of unsubstantiated assumptions & prejudices, which failed to provide any direct evidence whatsoever of in vivo human photo-carcinogenicity from citrus FC's.

• The SCCP’s stated conclusions on photo- carcinogenicity in 0942/05 are at variance with the findings of other researchers such as Chouroulinkov et al. (1989), Dubertret et al. (1990) & the EMEA (1990).

• It remains the case that no single in vitro test currently exists which can predict the photo- carcinogenicity of FC’s. Conversely, photoclastigenocity has been associated with other very commonly used cosmetic materials such as zinc oxide (Dufour et al. 2006) and titanium dioxide (Theogaraj et al. 2007).

Citrus oils III.

• Most perfumers are unaware of the FC content of the citrus oil qualities that they use, and their employers do not have, and cannot afford, access to sophisticated analytical equipment to determine them; likewise for many small citrus oil producers. In 2007 the Cosmetics Commissioner, Sabine Lecrenier, stated in a mail to Cropwatch “Furthermore, if a restrictive measure would be envisaged, a public consultation, via our website, on economic impact would need to be carried out. that because of this threat of financial discrimination, the measure to limit FC’s would not go through.” We have seen no further mention of any public consultation.

• Cropwatch has suggested a labelling solution for the FC problem by advising users of FC-containing fragrances to cover up affected skin areas from actinic light for 12-
24 hrs. This is already standard practice in the aromatherapy profession, where 0.5 to 2.5% of (citrus) essential oils may be applied to the skin in a body massage, and seems to work satisfactorily.

Restrictions are severely limiting the deployment of natural aromatic ingredients containing alleged carcinogens, within fragrance formulations (information below abstracted from IFRA- IOFI Labelling Manual 2009). This policy is having a negative impact on the ability to create spice notes in fragrance formulae.

• Safrole T, R45-22-68. Arguably the weakest rodent carcinogen cited (see 'Safrole: Human Carcinogenicity Overstated?' in Cropwatch Files). IFRA limit for safrole + isosafrole + dihydrosafrole in consumer products is 0.01% (based on conclusions of Scientific Committee of Cosmetology of the EEC Sept. 1980; Communication to the EEC Commission ENV/521/79).

Duke (2002): The human carcinogenic potential of safrole, if not quite negligible at low doses, is considerably less than that of ethanol (Duke 2002).

Cropwatch (2009): The classification of safrole as a Category 2 human carcinogen and its association with risk phrases R22-45-68 seems disproportionate to the risks involved to humans, considering the history of human exposure via its occurrence in spices, foodstuffs, beverages, flavourings and fragrances.
Safrole - occurrence.
Safrole is present in: (N.B. this list is not exhaustive)

• Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis L.)
• Betel oil (Piper betle L.) to 6.45%
• Brown & yellow camphor oil (fractions of Cinnamomum camphora L.) Yellow oil to 20%; brown oil to 80%
• Cangerana oil (Cabralea cangerana Saldanha)
• Cinnamon leaf oil & bark oils (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) both to 2%
• Ho leaf oil (Cinnamomum camphora L. var. linaloolifera Fujita) to 0.88%
• Kuromoji oil (Lindera spp.) to 12%
• Mace oil (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) to 2%
• Mango ginger oil (Curcuma amada Roxb.) to 9.5%
• Nutmeg oils [E.I. & W.I.], butter & oleoresins (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) E.I, oil to 2%; W.I. oil to 0.3%
• Pepper oil, black (Piper nigrum L.) tr.
• Phoebe oil to 0.7%
• Piper auritum HBK oil to 90%
• Sassafras oils (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees to 95%.
• Sassafras oil Brazilian: Ocotea pretosia (Nees) Mez, to 92%.
• Star Anise oil (Illicium verum Hook f.) to 0.15%
• Ylang-ylang oils, absolutes (Cananga odorata (DC) Hook. f et Thoms - ssp. genuina) tr.

Safrole - dissenting opinion

• In the Eastern USA, many sassafras tea drinkers and traditional root beer makers regard the use
of natural safrole-containing sassafras flavouring
ingredients as their inherited cultural right, regarding the 1976 FDA ban as a purely political device (i.e. to control the movement of safrole which is a recreational drug precursor). There is no evidence of an increase in cancers from sassafras tea-drinking in this part of the US (see Cropwatch’s Safrole Bibliography in Cropwatch Files).
Allergens - alleged and otherwise.

• The SCCNFP (Opinions SCCNFP/0017/98 & 0329/00) identified
26 fragrance chemicals (16 of which occur in natural products)
associated with a mandatory labelling obligation for allergens
where the concentration in the final product (where added as
such, or present as part of a natural complex ingredient) is
<0.01% in products rinsed off the skin, or <0.001% in leave-on
products. These limitations were incorporated into Council
Directive 2003/15/EC, but the basis for the inclusion of these
chemicals as allergens has never been explained by the SCCP
(Storrs 2007).
• About 220 essential oils, absolutes & resinoid ingredients in the IFRA-IOFI Labelling Manual 2009, carry an R43 (sensitiser) classification. The desire of cosmetic manufacturers/fragrance customers to avoid excessive (hazard) product labelling has led to some decline in the overall usage of essential oils, absolutes & resinoids in cosmetics.
• But independent papers / peer-reviews (those by Schnuch, Floc’h, Vocanson, several by Hostynek & Maibach) have indicated that there is no robust clinical or experimental evidence to support many of these 26 ingredients as frequent allergens. Schnuch (2008) asked the EU to rethink their policy.
Allergens Revisited?
• The SCCS has recently been asked for an updated scientific opinion on the
mandatory labelling of 26 fragrance substances passed into Annex III of the
Cosmetics Directive by the 7th Amendment 2003/15/EC. This was described as a spin-off from the public consultation resulting from the draft form of SCCNFP Opinion SCCNFP/0017/98 and its 1999 conclusion, which divided allergens into two groups, 13 frequently reported (List A) well recognised and of most
concern, & 11 less frequently reported (List B). Two other raw material fragrance ingredients (oakmoss & treemoss) were also added, making the 26. Demyttenaere (2009) summarised the differences in classification according to SCCNFP Opinion (by reported frequency) against the findings of a study by Schnuch et al (2007), part of a multi-centre project by the IVDK, indicating five major classification contrasts for farnesol, citronellol, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl alcohol and benzyl salicylate.
• However the tenfold reduction of the concentration of the strong sensitiser isoeugenol in fragrances from 0.2% to 0.02% (1998) by the adherents of IFRA Standards had not reduced the incidence of patch test positivity after 2-3 years (Dillarstone effect); it actually increased in a 5 year study of 3636 subjects in
2001-2005 (White et al. 2007), which the authors blamed (but no actual evidence was cited) on isoeugenol substitution in fragrances, which hydrolyse to isoeugenol. The rise in patch test positivity is true also for other ingredients
including Peru balsam (but production volume halved at source since 1982 when IFRA introduced Standards for Peru balsam).

• The SCCS were asked:
Does the SCCS consider the list of allergens in Annex III are the ingredients that they should be aware of? Is there a threshold for safe use? Are there substances where processes (arising from metabolism, oxidation and hydrolysis) may lead to cross-reactivity and new allergens that the public should be aware of?
Allergens – what now?

Cropwatch’s view: No sign then, of an apology for one of sloppiest episodes in EU regulatory history, where the regulators appear to have been coerced by easily identifiable lobbyists into passing unnecessary and scientifically unsubstantiated legislation on allergens. It also appears (not for the first time) that individual members of the SCC(NF)P have acted as witness, judge & jury in this matter (see 5th European Framework Programme Fragrance Allergy Contract QLK4-CT-1999-01558). The whole fiasco has cost the trade millions of Euros in relabelling & reformulation costs & depressed essential oil sales for years. No sign either of any acknowledgement of the body of work by Schnuch, Hostynek & Maibach & others on this topic, who have cast doubt on the true allergenic status of many of the original 26 listed allergens. The
3rd question (previous slide) to the SCCS would presumably provide an entrée for the work of Hagwall et al. (2008), Hagwall
(2009) & others, on the possible metabolism of linalol in-product / in the dermis (critiqued in ‘The trouble with theories about the oxidation of essential oils’ in the Cropwatch Files). The Hagwall work is put forward in spite of contrary evidence of the justification of linalol as an allergen (Hostynek & Maibach 2008).

Conclusions: 1. An independent examination is required for the clinical relevance of fragrance patch testing.
2. As things stand, the SCCS would seem to be in acute danger of making the same mistakes on this subject all over again.
Other natural product allergens.

Whilst toxicologists & legislators argue over the regulation of weak allergens, and many of us privately consider whether they are really weak allergens at all, or just moderate irritants, the problem allergens in natural products remain largely unrecognised & unconsidered (certainly by RIFM). These include:
• Coniferyl benzoate (benzoin Siam; Peru balsam qualities)
• T-cadinol (Schinus molle; ylang-ylang oils)
• Sesquiterpene lactones (costus qualities; extracts from plants of the Compositae).
• Coniferyl alcohol etc.

Cropwatch has been working with some aroma product manufacturers to attempt to reduce levels of these powerful allergens in natural commodities to produce safer products. And whilst there are seemingly unlimited funds to help impose regulation because of existing hazardous substances contained within natural aromatics, there seems to be no available public money to look at processing methods which could help reduce these levels.

Substances allegedly ‘Dangerous for the Environment’.

• Pine, fir & spruce needles & other green leaves of plants & trees; roses, stocks, carnations and other flowers; the aerial parts of herbs, brassica farm crops like rapeseed etc., put millions of tons of volatiles into the atmosphere & soil per annum (but are not regulated). In spite of the shown biotoxicity of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as limonene, concentrations of limonene in biota are generally 250 to 20,000 times lower than the lowest EC50 value (Potter et al. 2005); the authors of the latter Swedish study concluding at the accumulation of limonene in the environment is of minor importance. The R50/53 ingredient labelling status for limonene is therefore unjustified. Looking at aquatic risk, Herman (2008) concluded “fragrance material & its use does not add up to an environmental issue”.
• By comparison to the volume tree & plant volatile emissions, relatively smaller amounts of chemicals from aroma industry discharges, ‘grey’ water from personal care & laundry products, household chemicals & aerosols etc. enter the environment from regulated commodities. Whilst microbiological transformation & degradation, photochemical reactions etc. will eventually metabolise the majority of these aromatics harmlessly away to carbon dioxide & water, a small number of problem substances (e.g. polycyclic musks like HHCB & AHTN found in human adipose tissue & breast milk) have caused, and continue to cause, concern (Ueno et al 2009). It is likely that these substances accumulate in adults from application of personal care products.
N.B. α-Pinene and limonene have both been found in human breast milk.
Spicy Issues.

• A large number of essential oils & complex natural products are classified as R43 sensitising and/or R38 irritant, and
their use in fragrances has to be restricted to avoid
compulsory labelling. For example ingredients such as
cinnamon leaf & clove oils were used to impart spice notes
in pot pourris & candles, but R43 issues with cinnamic
aldehyde & eugenol contents etc. mean that their use is
restricted.
• The classification of methyl eugenol as a rodent carcinogen has also affected the use of methyl eugenol-containing spice oils in fragrances, such as clove bud, pimento leaf & pimento berry. The relevance of rodent data in predicting human carcinogenicity from methyl eugenol has been questioned (Robison & Barr 2006).

• The classification of safrole as a rodent carcinogen has curtailed the use of cinnamon leaf & nutmeg oils.
• The net effect of these classifications has had a severe impact on the construction of natural spicy notes in traditional masculine perfumes, particularly for spicy accords where nutmeg/mace and clove qualities has played a key role (e.g. mace in Cacharel Pour Homme (Cacharel
1981).

Naturals: Are Supplies Running Out?

• Another factor limiting the perfumers palette is the increasing demand for natural aromatic ingredients, against a background of limited production capacity, increased internal market usage by producing countries with large populations, such as China & India, rising ingredient costs (including increased fuel and packaging costs), extremes of climate variability, catastrophic geophysical events and the general over-exploitation of natural resources.

• So, in spite of rosewood & guaiacwood being passed into CITES Appendix II (CITES CoP 15, March 2010), many other natural ingredients face serious over-exploitation. By the time threatened species are Red Listed by the IUCN or listed in a CITES Appendix, it is often too late to preserve their full genetic diversity. Current examples: Asian styrax, agarwood oil
(various spp.), sandalwood oil East Indian, sandalwood oil East
African (Osyris spp.), Cedrela odorata oil, copaiba balsam,
gurjun balsam, candeia plant spp. (used by the German
pharmaceutical industry as a source of α-bisabolol), costus
qualities, Parmelia (fragrant lichen) qualities, some
frankincense yielding spp. (e.g. Boswellia papyrifera),
chaulmoogra oil and many others (see Cropwatch A-Z data-
base on Threatened Aromatic Species).

Toxicity studies on individual natural ingredients
– welcome to the world of make-believe!

• Few toxicological studies on natural aromatic ingredients are available where the source botanical has been expertly identified, batch-
tracked, & has been sufficiently evaluated as 100% derived from the named botanical. This is true of many of RIFM’s toxicological
assessments of natural ingredients which utilised non-batch tracked industry-donated commercial materials of unknown purity & origin, & many do not have an associated and sufficiently detailed chemical
analysis profile to be useful. The majority of these studies can be
dismissed as non-scientifically robust.
• 40-60% of natural aromatic ingredients are adulterated (Cropwatch
2009), yet RIFM has yet to carry out a single study on how this
widespread practice might affect the toxicity of fragrance ingredients.
• A number of aromatic ingredients derive from-, or are co-gathered with-, more than one botanical species; virtually no formal studies exist which distinguish how toxicity is affected e.g. co-gathered Juniperus sabina berries with J. communis berries to make alcoholic extracts / distilled liquor for gin-making in Central Spain (Casares
1964); opoponax from “Commiphora Erythrea var. glabrascens Engler” (according to IFRA IL 815); in practice opoponax is sourced in markets and consists of a number of mixed Commiphora, and other species.
Reductionism in Botanical Classification.

IFRA name /
species cited (if any).

Armoise: Artemisia alba; A. vulgaris - according to IFRA-IOFI labelling manual 2009 CAS No
68991-20-8 (both species). [A. herba alba extract also listed separately].

INCI name / COSING “perfuming name”: species cited.

COSING: Armoise not listed as such, but lists Artemisia herba- alba herb oil CAS No: 84775-75-7; Artemisia herba-alba oil
INCI: Artemisia herba-alba herb oil leaf oil CAS No: 84775-75-7.

Actual species used.

Mainly Artemisia herba-alba Asso
Also:
A. mesatlantica Maire; A. atlantica Cross. Dur.; A. vulgaris L.

Cedarwood oil Chinese. No botanical origin cited in IFRA-IOFI labelling manual CAS No: 8000-27-
9; EINECS-CAS No: 85085-29-6.

Ho oil (shui). No botanical origin cited in IFRA-IOFI labelling manual
2009. CAS 8022-27-9; EINECS-CAS No: 91745-89-0.

Litsea cubeba oil

Opoponax qualities from Commiphora erythraea Engl. var. glabrescens Engl. – according to IFRA Standards Oct 14th 2009
COSING: Cupressus funebris wood oil from twigs of Cupressus funebris. CAS No: 85085-29-6.

COSING: Cinnamomum camphora linalooiferum wood, leaf and root oils all listed.

Litsea cubeba fruit oil from berries of Litsea cubeba. CAS No: 68855-
99-2; EINECS-CAS No: 90063-59-6

COSING: Commiphora erythrea Engler var. glabrescens Engler gum extract and oil CAS No 93686-
00-1
INCI: Opoponax oil is the volatile oil obtained from Commiphora erythrea or related species. CAS
8021-36-1; EINECS-CAS: 100084-
96-6
Mainly Cupressus funebris Endl. Also Juniperus chinesis,
J. formosana,
J. vulgaris.

Cinnamomum camphora L. var.
linaloolifera Fujita;
C. camphora Sieb var. glavescens
Hayata.

From several Litsea spp. Including Litsea cubeba (Lour) Pers., L. enosma & L. mollifolia Chun.

Commiphora erythrea Engl. var.
glabrescens. Also:
C, kataf (Forssk) Engl.
C. guidotti Chiov.
C. holtiziana Engl. holtiziana
C. pseudopali JB Gillet
Reductionism in Botanical Classification II.

IFRA name /
species cited (if any).
INCI name / COSING “perfuming name”: species cited.
Actual species used.

Santolina oil – botanical sp. not specified in IFRA Standard

Savin oil Juniperus phoenicea L. according to IFRA-IOFI Labelling Manual 2009. CAS No: 68916-94-9.

IFRA Standards: Savin oil should not be used as a fragrance ingredient if prepared from Junperus sabina L. Only oils prepared from Juniperus phoenicea L. should be used,

Linaloe wood oil
CAS 8006-86-8. Botanical sp. not specified in IFRA-IOFI Labelling Manual 2009.
INCI: Santolina Chamaecyparissus Extract is an extract of the Garden Cypress Santolina chamaecyparissus L. Asteraceae CAS No: 84861-580-

Savin oil not listed [Juniperus phoenicea L. wood oil rectified is listed].

Bursera Fagaroides wood oil is an essential oil obtained from wood
of the Linaloe, Bursera Fagaroides
syn. (?) B. glabrifilia, B. delpechiana Burseraceae CAS No:
92874-96-9
Santolina chamaecyparissus L. S. chamaecyparissus ssp.incana S. chamaecyparissus ssp.
squarosa
S. chamaecyparissus
ssp.tormentosa
- All produce eo’s with different compositions

Savin oil comes from Juniperus sabina L.
Cropwatch maintains that Savin oil has never been associated with J. phoenicea, which is commonly known as Phoenician Juniper.

Bursera aeoxylon (Schneide) Engl. wood and/or berry oil; also from other Bursera spp. including:
B. delphechiana Poisson
B. glabrifolia HBK
B. simaruba L.
Tarred with the same brush.

Although no credit was given, the author has been
instrumental in providing evidence to convince the UK & EU
authorities that citronella oil should be placed in Annex I of the Directive 91/414/EEC (Plant Protection Products) arguing
that, in contrast to Citronella oil Sri Lanka (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle), Citronella oil Java-type (Cymbopogon
winterianus Jowitt) has a zero to 0.05% methyl eugenol
content, and is therefore suitable for use as a crop protection substance for placing on the market.

Similarly revised safety assessment outcomes potentially exist for β-asarone-free calamus oils (EU regulations for
karotypes of Acorus calamus L. & A. europaeum for food &
beverage use under review), santolina oils from various
Santolina chamaecyparissus L. subspecies, tagete qualities

from various Tagetes species, and many others.
IFRA’s 44th Amendment

IFRA appeared to have had trouble convincing some of its members about either the need, or the validity of, a number of the contained Standards in the 44th Amendment to its CoP.
• Vey (2010) publicly apologised for the mistaken banning of melissa oil.
Its is now unnecessarily restricted instead (see Robertet’s test data in
Cropwatch Files),
• Similar concerns about the restriction of estragole have led to some policy revisions. The restriction leaves a hole (requirement for ingredients with an anisic odour profile) not easily filled by other ingredients (e.g. canthoxal) which may have their own restrictions.
• An outcry against the severe restriction of the extremely weak allergen vanillin (an ingredient which could perhaps be added to any update of Martin Gras’s Overdose concept), led to the temporary suspension of the measure with a pledge of allotting more time in future for industry consultation to IFRA Standard revisions.
• The restriction of benzaldehyde was predictable from a survey of previous patch testing publications, but again, leaves a gap in the odour spectrum for (bitter cherry etc) which is difficult to fill.
• This comes on top of previous contentious restrictions for atranol & chloroatranol in oakmoss & treemoss qualities, and in other regulatory areas for coumarin, tea tree oil, peroxides in oils from the Pinaceae
etc. - and many we are still waiting for (especially in regard to FC’s in citrus oils).

Acronyms

•   BPD Biocidal Products Directive (as amended) Directive 98/8/EC
•   CLP Classification, Labelling & Packaging Regulation EC No. CLP 1272/2008
•   CMR: substance which is Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic
•   COSING is the European Commission database with information on cosmetic ingredients
•   DG-Ent: Directorate General (Branch of European Commission responsible for Industry)
•   DPD Dangerous Preparation Directive 1999/ 45/EC
•   DSD Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EC
•   EMEA European Medicines Evaluation Agency
•   EWG Environmental Working Group
•   FC: FuroCoumarin (syn. FuranoCoumarin)
•   FDA Food & Drugs Authority (US)
•   ICCG Inter Committees Coordinating Group
•   IFRA International Fragrance Association
•   INCI International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients
•   QRA Quantitative Risk Assessment
•   RIFM Research Institute for Fragrance Materials
•   SCCNFP Scientific Committee on consumer Products and Non-Food Products
•   SCCP Scientific Committee on consumer Products
•   SCCS Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
•   SCHER Scientific Committee on Health & Environmental Risks
•   SCENIHR Scientific Committee on Emerging & Newly Identified Health Risks
•   SME Small to Medium-sized Enterprise
•   THMPD Traditional Herbal Medicines Product Directive

References.

•      ANH Press Release (19th May 2010): ANH gains positive response following visit to China - see http://www.anh- europe.org/node/3019?utm_source=The+Alliance+for+Natural+Health&utm_campaign=ab9f7f4046-
100519_ANH_eBlast_No_405_19_2010&utm_medium=email
•      Casares R. (1964) “Juniperus sabina” Food Cosmet Toxicology 2, 680-681.
•      CSC (2010) – see http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=644
•      Chouroulinkov I., Lasne C. & Nguyen-Ba (1989) “Study with 5-MOP, bergamot & Bergasol in mouse skin carcinogenicity tests. In Psoralens: Past, Present & Future of Photochemoprotection & other biological activities. eds: T.B. Fitzpatrick, F. Forlot, M.A. Pathak & F. Urbach pp345-355. John Libby Eurotext. Paris.
•      Daum C.M.L. (2006) “Self Regulation in the Cosmetics industry. A necessary reality or a cosmetic illusion?” Submitted paper for Havard Law Degree School 3rd year course work.
•      Demyttenaere C.R. "Recent EU legislation on flavours & fragrances and its impact on essential oils" in: Baser
K.H.C. & Buchbauer G. eds Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications p 923.
•      Dubertret L., Serraf-Tircazes D., Jeanmougin M., Morliere P., Averbeck D. & Young A.R. (1990)
•      “Phototoxic properties of perfumes containing bergamot oil on human skin. Photoprotective effect of UVA and UVA
substances.” J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biology. 7, 251-259.
•      Dufour E.K., Kumaravel T., Nohynek G.J., Kirkland D. & Toutain H. (2006) "Clastogenicity, photoclastogenicity or pseudo-photo-clastogenicity: Genotoxic effects of zinc oxide in the dark, in preirradiated or simultaneously irradiated Chinese hamster ovary cells." Mutat. Res. 607(2), 215-24.
•      Durodie B. (2004) “The timid corporation – why business is terrified of taking risk.” Risk Analysis 24(1), 2004
•      Floc’h F. (2002) “Coumarin in plants and fruits: implications in perfumery.” Perf. & Flav. 27 (Mar/Apr 2002), 32-36.
FMA (2010) “U.S. Fragrance Association Finds New Cosmetics Report Misleading –
Fragrance Safety Is No Secret” May 13th 2010 http://fmafragrance.org/sub_pages/CSC_release2.pdf
•      Gras M. (1990) “The Overdose” Dragoco Report Nov/Dec 1990.
•      Gras M. (1991) “The Overdose II” talk presented at WPC, May 14-17, Palma de Mallorrca.
•      Hagvall L., Sköld M., Bråred-Christensson J., Börje A. & Karlberg A.T. (2008) "Lavender oil lacks natural protection against autoxidation, forming strong contact allergens on air exposure." Contact Dermatitis. 59(3), 143-50.
•      Hagvall L. (2009) Formation of skin sensitizers from fragrance terpenes via oxidative activation routes: Chemical analysis, structure elucidation PhD Thesis University of Gothenberg.
•      Herman S. (2008) “A deep breath.” – see www.stephen-herman.com/085.pdf
•      Hostynek J. & Maibach H. (2008) “Allergic contact dermatitis to linalool” Perfumer & Flavourist 33, 52-56.
•      Hostynek J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2003) "Is there evidence that anisyl alcohol causes allergic dermatitis?" Exog.
Dermatol. 2, 230-33.
•      Hostynek J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2003) "Is there evidence that amylcinnamic aldehyde causes allergic dermatitis?"
Exog. Dermatol. 3, 35-46.
•      Hostynek J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2003) "Is there evidence that linalool causes allergic dermatitis?" Exog. Dermatol. 2,
223-229.
•      Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2004) “Is there evidence that geraniol causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Exog.
Dermatol. 3(6), 318-331.

References cont’d.

•     Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2004) “Sensitisation potential of citronellol” Exog Dermatol 3(6), 307-312.
•     Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2004) “Is there evidence that alpha-methyl-ionone causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Exog. Dermatol. 3(3), 121-143.
•     Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2006) “Is there evidence that alpha-methyl-ionone causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Cutaneous & Ocular Toxicol. 25(4), 259-271
•     Hostynek JJ., Maibach H.J. (2008) “Allergic contact dermatitis to linalool.” Perf & Flav 33, 52-56.
•     Jostman T. (2007) “Precautionary principle for toxic chemicals – no alternative to safeguard social benefits.” Human & Experimental Toxicology 26, 847-849.
•     Lanuza N.T. (undated) “Banned Substances in Cosmetic Regulation. The EU example.” see
filing.fda.moph.go.th/library/e-learning/.../Banned%20Ingredients.ppt
•     Osbiston A. (2010) address to the Safety Symposium, March 2010, British Perfumery Society, Cambridge
Belfrey Hotel, Cambridge (unpublished).
•     Potter A., Andersson J., Sjöblom A., Junedahl E., Palm Cousins A., Brorström-Lunden (2005) “Results from the Swedish Screening Programme 2004. Part 3 Limonene.” IVL (Swedish Environmental Research Institute) Sept 2005.
•     Robison S.H. & Barr D.B. (2006) “The use of biomonitoring data to evaluate methyl eugenol exposure.”
Envir Health Perspect 114(11), 1797-1801.
•     Schnuch A., Uter W., Geier J., Lessmann H., Frosch P.J. (2007) “Sensitization to 26 fragrances to be labelled according to current European regulation. Results of the IVDK and review of the literature.” Contact Dermatitis 57(1),1-10.
•     Storrs F.J. (2007) “Allergen of the year: fragrance.” Dermatitis 18(1),3-7
•     Turin L. (2007) “Due Credit” NZZ Folio 04/07.
•     Theogaraj E., Riley S., Hughes L., Maier M., Kirkland D. (2007) "An investigation of the photoclastogenic potential of ultrafine titanium dioxide particles." Mutat Res. 634(1-2), 205-19.
•     Ueno D. et al. (2009) “Synthetic Musk Fragrances in Human Breast Milk and Adipose Tissue from Japan.” Interdisciplinary Studies on Environmental Chemistry - Environmental Research in Asia, Eds., Y. Obayashi, T. Isobe, A. Subramanian, S. Suzuki & S. Tanabe pp. 247–252.
•     Vey M. (2009) address to the Society of Cosmetic Scientists, Grantham, UK, May 17-19 2009.
•     Vey M. (2010) address to Safety Symposium, British Society of Perfumers, Cambridge Belfrey Hotel, Mar
2010
•     White I. (1988) “Fragrances – Future Aspects” in Fragrances, Beneficial and Adverse of Effects” ed. P.J.
Frosch, J.D. Johansen & I.R. White, publ. Springer 1998.

The Mystery of Musk - A Natural Perfumers Guild Project

2010-06-01T08:41:00.006-04:00

A Natural Perfumers Guild Internet Project

June – July 2010

Who: The Perfumers of the Natural Perfumers Guild and Internet Bloggers and Forum members. Only 10 perfumers will be selected in a random draw, conducted by a third party. This is to avoid an excessive number of participants, which can overwhelm the evaluators. This is a cooperative blogging event, and the bloggers should link to the other blogger’s websites. You will be provided with an image to post on your blog that will be the unifying visual for the co-op.

Why: To celebrate the Fourth Anniversary of the Guild. We think it would be a great idea to get out there on the Internet blogs and forums with a creative, artistic expression of our beloved perfume base note, the musk.

Where: Internet blogs, Basenotes and the Yahoo Natural Perfumery group.

What: Musk, musk and more musk. Perfumistas are fascinated with musk, there is no doubt about that, so The Mystery of Musk is the theme. Perfume can be in an alcohol or oil base.

When: Announcement on the Internet forums and blogs Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Perfume to be completed and mailed and in the hands of the recipients by Wednesday, June 30, 2010. The bloggers and evaluators reviews of the perfumes will be posted between July 1 through the 7th, 2010.

The Vision of this Project: It's as if 12 artists are invited to exhibit their paintings on a theme. They work alone. On a given day, they are all to bring their paintings to an exhibit gallery for all to see.The viewers are shown the beauty and diversity of the different interpretations on a theme. It is a great experience for the artists and the viewers.

Our Art and Musk: If there is one thing I’ve observed during my long tenure on the Internet, musk is the Number One subject of interest among those who love all kinds of perfume, both natural and synthetic. Musk fascinates! Many perfumistas realize that natural perfumers don’t use synthetic musks and civets and such, but that we search for alternatives that give the same effect.

Some of the natural perfumers use cruelty-free animal musk products. Some only use botanical musk products.

First, let’s define musk: it isn’t limited to the musk deer, of course.Neither is the legend and myth behind musk scents. Musk can mean base note, fixative, sexy, sensual, pheromone-inciting scent. Natural perfumers can take that and define it according to our aesthetic, and build our musk perfume with it.

Here’s what the structure of the project is:

1. Each of the bloggers and evaluators will receive one sample of each musk perfume.

2. The owner of Basenotes will select 5 members of the forums on his site to participate. Each of the members will receive 1 sample of the musk perfume from each of the 12 perfumers.

3. There will be 5 members of the Yahoo Natural Perfumery site chosen to be evaluators. If they do not blog, they will be expected to write about the perfumes on the NP site. Each of the members will receive 1 sample of the musk perfume from each of the 12 perfumers.

4. There will be one full bottle sent to the bloggers from one of the perfumers for a giveaway. Each blogger will receive only one bottle. Basenotes will receive one bottle for a giveaway, chosen randomly from the perfumer’s selections. The Natural Perfumery Yahoo Group will also have one bottle given away, bottle size at the discretion of the perfumer, and may vary from 4mls upwards.

What are musky natural aromatics?

Animal Sources: Ambergris, Beeswax, Hyrax, Goat Musk

Botanical Sources:

Ambrette seed
Angelica Root
(Ambrette seed and angelica root are the only botanicals that contain macrocyclic musk, like the musk deer.)
Sandalwood
Labdanum
Vetiver
Spikenard
Oud
Vanilla
Musk Rose
Black Currant
Jasmine sambac
Patchouli
Cumin
Black pepper
Costus
Seaweed
Carrot Seed

Perfumers:

Adam Gottschalk – Lord’s Jester
Alexandra Balahoutis – Strange Invisible Perfumes
Alfredo Dupetit – BioScent by dupetit
Ambrosia Jones – Perfume by Nature
Anya McCoy – Anya’s Garden Perfumes
Charna Ethier – Providence Perfumes
Dawn Spencer Hurwitz – DSH Perfumes
Elise Pearlstine – Belly Flower Perfumes
Jane Cate - A Wing and a Prayer Perfumes
JoAnne Bassett – JoAnne Bassett Perfumes
Lisa Fong – Artemisia Perfume
Nicholas Jennings – Sharini Parfums Naturels

Bloggers:

I Smell Therefore I Am Abigail Levin
Perfume Shrine Elena Vosnaki
The Non Blonde Gaia Fishler
Indie Perfumes Lucy Raubertas
Bitter Grace Notes Maria Browning
CaFleureBon Michelyn Camen
Olfactarama Pat Borow
First Nerve Avery Gilbert
Olfactory Rescue Service Ross Urrere
Grain de Musc Denyse Beaulieu

All of the samples should reach the bloggers and evaluators by June 30th. During the week of July 1 - 7, 2010, reviews will be posted on the blogs and forums. This is very exciting and I can't wait to read everyone's take on the cooperative perfuming project!

Sincerely,

Anya McCoy
President, Natural Perfumers Guild

Liability Insurance for the Bath and Beauty Microbusiness Community

2010-03-23T16:22:00.002-04:00

I am posting this ad for Stratus Insurance. I was in negotiations with them for both the Guild and the this group and the natural perfumery community at large.

They're offering great rates to the Guild, and some folks might want to join to save over non-Guild rates  ;-) 

BTW, if you have a business that is not 100% natural perfumery, you can still join in the Stratus deal. I did negotiate on behalf of the NP community, but I realize many here may use fragrance oils or aromachemicals. You can still get this insurance.

Just make sure you use this page to apply:http://www.stratusins.info/perfumers_app.php

At the bottom of the page, if you're not a member of the Guild, check off if you are a member of the Yahoo NP group. I will work with Natasaha Gray to confirm Guild members at this time, since we've had about a dozen new members in the past week and they're not listed on the website yet. In the future, the Guild will have a separate application page.

Also, for the non-Guild and non-NP group members, they're going to reword this to be more inclusive in the future, perhaps "Found via a link from Anya's Garden."

Coverage:
For Guild members $1/M/$475
non-Guild: $1M/$525

Limits are as follows:

$1,000,000 General Aggregate Limit
$1,000,000 Products-Completed Operations Aggregate Limit
$1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit
$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit
$100,000 Fire Damage Limit
$5,000 Medical Payments

For additional $55 they can increase Aggregate and Products to $2,000,000 at any time during the policy.

All my best,
Anya
http://AnyasGarden.com
http://NaturalPerfumers.com
Anya's Garden on FB http://bit.ly/iamja
Guild on FB http://bit.ly/1jP5lB

Transcript of Tony Burfield's Presentation on "Is Excessive Regulation Destroying the Perfumery Art?"

2010-03-19T12:16:00.004-04:00

Below please find the transcript of the Powerpoint presentation Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield of Cropwatch gave to the British Society of Perfumers March, 2010.

Tony Burfield was the only presenter at the Safety and Regulatory symposium who did not offer ways for the perfumers to comply EFFA, SCCNFP, REACH et al. Instead, he presented fact after scientific fact as to why much of the compliance requirements are based on bad science and political maneuverings, coupled with a dose of market manipulation.

The Natural Perfumers Guild is proud to have Tony as a member and we hope that those reading this will help spread the information presented here. So goes REACH, so go your beloved perfumes.

Tony Burfield's Cropwatch is:

A loosely based, non-financed, independent watch-dog to the aroma & natural products trade. In existence approx 6-7 years.
Best known for its pro-active campaigning activities on natural aromatics, data-bases on threatened aromatic species & bio-piracy, long-term opposition to the 26 allergens legislation, & to the QRA (which the SCCP has also criticised in SCCP/1153/08).
No formal membership; produces an occasional Cropwatch Newsletter which reaches some 40,000 people.
Provides free information on natural aromatics on its website www.cropwatch.org and free advice to enquirers.

Part I – Perceived Problems with Fragrance Safety Legislation & Safety ‘Experts’.

Safety Issues in the Aroma Business.

Fragrance customers usually insist on adherence to all existing H&S guidelines (both official & voluntary) because of the prevailing fear-culture, and possible media exposure regarding potential adverse effects to end-users from single ‘hazardous’ fragrance ingredients.
EU Regulators have no capability of gauging the socio-economic effects of their policies. Banning or restricting natural aromatic materials often has severe economic consequences for natural aromatic producers and dependent communities in developing countries. Disastrous EU legislation is (sometimes) followed by an impact assessment and (then possibly) corrective action – but by then its often too late to save any affected SME’s (e.g. the effect of the BPD on Europe’s natural biocidal product manufacturers).
Knowledgeable whistle-blowers revealing questionable trade practices are shunned by the trade (for example, as detailed in the letters of the late Stephan Arctander).
So many SME’s (candle-makers / soap-makers/ incense traders / pot pourri makers / hand-made cosmetics makers / general cleaning product makers / natural perfumers / aromatherapists etc.) cannot afford IFRA / RIFM’s annual fees, & so are locked out of access to a lot of detailed safety data.
Perfume manufacturing orgs. require the implicit adherence of their members to IFRA Standards & CoP [note: these are not legal requirements, with the exception of Eco-label fragrances]. However many traditional perfumes types, as well as natural, organic & functional perfumes are almost impossible to construct under existing IFRA regulations.
Safety data is often generated by the major aroma corporates in an atmosphere of secrecy & may have private ownership issues attached; data can be difficult to locate, & expensive or virtually impossible for the general public to obtain. There is also a lack of transparency by regulatory professionals.

Healthy factory environments: at least, nobody ever caught a cold!

The ‘Zero Risk Mindset’.

EU Regulators apply - (or appear to have been pressurised into, by ‘invisible’ lobbyists) a disproportionate & excessive degree of regulation wrt aromatic ingredients, which appears to be an attempt to construct a clean, risk-free and largely synthetic-based world of their own. That is not the world that most of us wish to inhabit, and Cropwatch believes that many will ignore any restrictions which deny us the use of those familiar natural materials which we associate with our lives, our heritage & our traditions.

“..a society that does not try to shape its future ends up being dictated to by its own anxieties.” - Hunt (2004)

So How Dangerous is it to go Outside…?

The green leaves of trees & plants continuously emit a- & b-pinenes, limonene etc. Shenck (1979) estimated that 438 million tons of monoterpenes* evaporate into the air continually from biological materials [*natural monoterpenes that are designated ‘dangerous for the environment’]. It has been calculated that one European forest puts more chemicals into the environment that the whole EU chemical industry.
Emitted leaf volatiles also react with ozone to form irritating / sensitising terpene epoxides. Some US fragranced home-care products containing limonene are labelled (paraphrasing): do not use if smog outside !
Tree leaf volatiles also react with nitrogen oxides from combustion engine emissions causing chemical smogs. Academics at Lancaster University (2002) recommended that UK councils modify the planting of certain VOC emitting trees (maple trees: good; oaks & poplars: bad!) (not, you will notice, take any steps to stop cars emitting nitrogen oxides).

Nature: Presents More Hazards than Using Fragranced Products?

Inhalation of fern spores poses a cancer risk to countryside visitors / dwellers, & the spores are also a risk to the safety of potable water supplies (Calif. Prop 65).
Unregulated nuisance farm crops such as mustard seed-rape (flowers & roots) emit allyl isocyanate, benzyl cyanide etc. into the air & soil. Aerial dispersion causes respiratory distress / allergy to many in vicinity (see Rapeseed report: Cropwatch Files).
This is not to mention the unregulated intake of natural carcinogens, mutagens, toxins etc. consumed in food & spices, & beverages (e.g. methyl eugenol from pesto, safrole from nutmeg, and the CMR1 substance ethanol).

Crop of Unregulated Allyl Isocyanate & Benzyl Cyanide Emitters (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera) [i.e. Rapeseed or Canola].

Forest of Unregulated a- & b-Pinene Emitters (Pinus sp.), Finland, near Local Aquifer! (can you spot the Daphnia?)

Unregulated Phenylacetaldehyde Emitters Lotus corniculatus L. [Birdsfoot Trefoil] growing in the Shetlands! Photo credit: T. Burfield.

Unregulated Wild-Flower Coumarin Source (Melilotus officinalis L.) [i.e. Yellow Meliliot from which a perfumery absolute is made].

Unregulated Plateful of Suspected Rodent Carcinogen posing as Foodstuff [A plateful of methyl eugenol containing Pesto!].

REACH.

Industry is seen as a cash-cow by the EU H&S Commission. REACH registration costs will potentially ruin all but the largest aroma concerns, in spite of concessions for SME’s. The aroma industry magnates therefore divisively support the REACH regulations as a means of eliminating competition.
The ECHA has created an unmonitored situation under REACH (e.g. for lead registrants & for SIEFS etc.) where bullying and mafia-like activity by large aroma industry corporates has gone unrestricted.
REACH will severely reduce the available portfolio of fragrance ingredients – Western companies will only be able to make ‘Mickey Mouse’ perfumes.
REACH has already driven the focus of activity of leading trans-international aroma companies out of Europe.
Leading toxicologists are opposed to REACH (see next slide)

The Basis of REACH challenged

The idea that the toxic effects of a chemical show a dose-dependent linear relationship ending at a threshold level is now challenged: at low levels adaptive, non-adverse or even beneficial effects occur (hormesis), and have been shown for >6,000 chemicals (Calabrese 2004).
This raises a ‘serious misreading of the term toxic’ charge for the EPA, and for the ECHA over the REACH legislation, and suggests that the 50-100 million Euros spent on the exercise is wasted, and will not save a single life.
The above reference to the EPA needs to be seen as what appears to be a gagging order, mentioned a document prepared by the EPA in 2004, which states that the purpose of a risk assessment is to identify risk (harm, adverse effect etc.), effects that appear to be adaptive, non-adverse or beneficial may not be mentioned. - through Calabrese (2007) ”Belle Newsletter: Introduction. “ Human & Experimental Toxicology 26, 845.

The importance of natural aromatic ingredients.

Naturals breathe life into an otherwise simple blend of chemicals, adding depth and sophistication - whether floral absolutes, woody materials or citrus oils are employed (many of these ingredients will disappear under REACH).
Whole fragrance styles / families would not exist without naturals – for example, Eau de Colognes, Eau Fraiches.
Many landmark fragrances & fragrance styles owe their conception to key natural materials e.g. the chypre style of Mitsouko & Miss Dior, which were based on accords of oakmoss, patchouli oil and labdanum together with bergamot oil.
Many essential oils lend an incomparable radiant freshness to fragrances e.g. lime, lavender & petitgrain. It is hard to imagine an impressive masculine fine fragrance which merely relies on synthetic materials for its freshness.

A Timid Industry.

Cosmetic / biocidal / detergent & cleaning ingredient restrictions & regulation proceed with little effective trade questioning or objection in the EU, leading to questions about why industry is so timid (see Durodie 2004).
But ‘the worm is turning’. In the US, cosmetics-based SME’s are grouping together to prevent financially discriminating legislation acting against them – for example over the crippling fees & costs involved with compliance to the FDA Globalisation Act HR-759, 2009). The Colorado Safe Personal Products Act HB-1248 which proposed zero tolerance for many ‘hazardous’ single cosmetic ingredients (& so was potentially even more extreme than existing European legislation) failed in committee (01.03.2010) due to pressure from SME’s. In S.E. Asia, producers of natural aromatic materials & cosmetics are just starting (Feb 2010) to form anti-regulation groups to protect their livelihoods.

Shortcomings of the EU Cosmetic Commission’s H&S Policies.

The EU Cosmetics Commissions’ CoP refuses to define ‘safety’, there is no individual ingredient risk quantification, it does not consider ingredient risk / benefit considerations (except for preservatives), it does not allow in-use considerations, & it does not allow for end-consumer adverse reaction statistics to affect safety policy - as apparently this is not ‘bona fide’ evidence (Daskaleros 2007).
This ‘risk-only’ chemophobic scenario leads to a state of toxicological imperialism, where over-precaution & scare-mongering are de rigueur, and where pharmaceutical & chemical company lobbying disadvantages competitive natural products. Worrying situations of vested interest (e.g. in the SCC(S)(P)) remain unaddressed. Europe has become a hostile environment for perfumery; many concerns have relocated outside the EU.

A Lack of Cross-Disciplinary Expertise..

EU Cosmetic Comm. staff admitted to Cropwatch (Brussels 2007) they were unable to find the services of a botanical expert, and the SCCP had no literature search ability until 2007 (& so previously could not properly independently review the evidence presented to them). Now a pool of 160 ’experts’ is supposedly to be made available to Brussels staff (but no word on any botanists!).
The previous safety assessments of many / most natural fragrance ingredients by RIFM have proceeded via industrially donated materials which have not been botanically identified at source by an expert, were not batch-tracked and not proven as 100% derived from the named botanical. The lack of forensic and taxonomic application has led Cropwatch to describe a number of IFRA Standards as non-robust, where botanical identifications (as published) are either incorrect, incomplete or based on false assumptions of ingredient purity e.g. for opoponax (see Cropwatch Files - Opoponax).

..and a Lack of Ecological Awareness..

The industrial over-exploitation of many natural aromatic species by the Cosmetics & Pharmaceutical industries remains virtually unchecked – by the time a CITES listing or an IUCN Red Listing is in place, it is often too late to save the species under threat, or the full compliment of its’ genetic diversity.
For example while IFRA pondered a new Standard for styrax qualities, less than 15 hectares of Asian styrax trees remained unlogged in Turkey.
Commodities from rare or threatened species include: agarwood oil, sandalwood oil East Indian, sandalwood oil East African, rosewood oil, Cedrela odorata oil, guaiacwood oil, copaiba balsam, gurjun balsam, candeia plant spp., costus qualities, Parmelia (fragrant lichen) qualities, some frankincense yielding spp. e.g. Boswellia papyrifera, chaulmoogra oil and many others (see Cropwatch data-base on Threatened Aromatic Species).

Media Bad Science on Naturals – an Example.

Gynecomastia in 3 pre-pubertal boys, allegedly caused by using lavender/TTO-containing cosmetics / personal care products (Henley et al. 2007), received much newspaper coverage in 2007-8. The New England Journal of Medicine which ran the article, had previously announced a policy change, as it could not find independent experts for peer reviewing, who had not been paid off in some way by industry (Newman 2002). A pity, since refutation of the robustness of science behind the alleged gynecomastia-lavender/TTO link followed [e.g. by Nielson (2008) & Lawrence (2007) amongst others], but of course, received no attention from the popular media.

Bad Science on Naturals in Peer-Reviewed Journals – An Example.

According to Frosch, White et al. (2002):

patchouli oil contains cinnamic aldehyde, benzaldehyde & eugenol!
Atlas cedarwood oil contains alpha-ionone!
sandalwood oil contains geraniol & citronellol!
the main components of spearmint oil are limonene, 3-octanol, menthone and dihydrocarvone (but no mention of the major constituent: carvone!)

Ref: Frosch P.J., Johansen J.D., Menné T., Pirker C., Rastogi S.C., Andersen K.E., Bruze M., Goosens A., Lepitoittevin J.P. & White I.R. (2002) “Further important sensitisers in patients sensitive to fragrances II - Reactivity to essential oils.” Contact Dermatitis 47, 279-287.

Part 2. The Mis-regulation of Natural Ingredients – some Examples

Destroying the very foundations of perfumery.

The restriction/banning of key fragrance ingredients on dubious / over-precautionary safety grounds, can easily compromise the founding elements of the traditional perfumery art. For instance, the crucially important fougère perfumery accord consists of a combination of bergamot, coumarin & oakmoss.
Bergamot oil usage is under threat from potential EU legislation because of its allegedly photo-toxic furocoumarin (FC) content (see flawed SCCP Opinion 0942/05, then compare with the Cropwatch FC data-base).
Oakmoss was originally proposed to be restricted as a sensitiser under SCCP/1131/07, limiting the potent sensitisers atranol & chloroatranol to 2ppm in product. Cropwatch (2009) described this Opinion as unsafe from a failure to consider all the published evidence (which it has subsequently made publicly available). EU policy on oakmoss / treemoss has since been modified.

Public Objections to ‘Safe’ Reformulations of Classic Perfumes.

Reformulations of classic perfumes, carried out in order to conform to modern regulatory requirements, have led to disappointment and bitterness amongst their long-term devotees, whose historical memories and emotional attachments are evoked by the odour profiles of particular fragrances, as part of their rightful cultural inheritance. Many fragrance houses seem in-denial about the whole subject, but Turin (2007) has remarked on customer anger generated during the Guerlain Mitsouko reformulation debacle. Internet discussions on a wider range of classic perfumes whose character has been allegedly mutilated by reformulation are available (for example see Perfume of Life Forum Jan 2007)…

Natural Ingredient Usage Declines.

The usage of naturals has declined in perfumery from downward pressure on ingredient costs (synthetics are comparatively cheaper), erratic supply (climatic & geophysical events; political events; demand pressures) & from stability & compositional issues.
Under existing EU H&S policy, natural complex substances are treated as a collection of individual composite chemicals. The vast majority of essential oils, absolutes & resinoids contain several of the 26 named allergens, which have to be labelled under EU Directive 2003/15/EC (now under review). The desire by cosmetic manufacturers to avoid excessive product labelling has previously lead to some decline in the overall usage of essential oils.
Under CHIP / EU DPD & DSD (now under the CLP 1272/2008/EC), R50/53 environmental labelling (dead fish / dead tree symbols) and R65 labelling have had a serious impact on usage of citrus oils & their terpenes. Citrus oils have been traditionally employed in many types of perfumes for household & air care products due to their diffusion, lift & fresh character, but perfumers now find it difficult to use them for the reasons above. Ditto for pine needle oils.
Cinnamon leaf & clove oils were used in pot pourris & candles, but R43 issues with cinnamic aldehyde & eugenol contents etc. mean that their use is restricted.
Minor oils that IFRA has banned / restricted on predictive toxicological grounds, but has no funds to practically investigate – melissa, santolina, boldo etc. NB Cropwatch recently published the Robertet toxicological evidence on melissa oil showing the original IFRA ban was unjustified
Natural products needing expert botanical identification & chemical analysis for QRA studies, are/were not supported (read: can’t afford to support) by IFRA– opoponax, styrax..

The ‘Weak Animal Carcinogens’ Issue.

The EU classification of methyl eugenol as a suspected rodent carcinogen & mutagen, and safrole as a hepatocarcinogen, together with corresponding IFRA restrictions, has led to a great reduction in the use of those natural materials which contain them, such as the methyl eugenol-containing spice oils: clove bud, pimento leaf & pimento berry. The use of rose oil has been similarly affected - it is now virtually impossible to create a 100% natural rose fragrance which complies to IFRA guidelines, formulated with >1% rose oil. Use of cinnamon leaf & nutmeg oils too, has also been curtailed by the safrole classification, as has the use of basil & tarragon oils containing estragole (weak carcinogen, weak mutagen).
Such limitations have had significant effects on fragrance styles entering the market place: traditional aromatic masculine fougères and rich spicy notes are very difficult to achieve at so-called ‘safe’ levels.

Some Inconvenient Classifications.

Safrole: carcinogen cat. 3 mutagen cat. 2 (EFFA CoP 2009). Occurs in sassafras, nutmeg, mace, star anise & cinnamon leaf oils.
Methyl chavicol: Possible weak genotoxic hepatocarcinogen (SCF 2001). Occurs in star anise, exotic basil, fennel, tarragon oils.
Methyl eugenol: Possible carcinogen (US). Calif. Prop. 65 carcinogen. Occurs in rose, basil, bay WI, cananga, citronella Sri Lanka, pimento, lovage & betel oils etc. Human exposure levels normally several magnitudes below bioassay levels for rats, mice; relevance of rodent data questioned (Robison & Barr 2006).
Ethanol: CMR cat 1. Cosmetic manufacturers are currently withdrawing ethanol from mouthwash formulations. Indispensable ingredient to cosmetics trade.

Legislation-Compliant Ingredients?

Cropwatch has a large A-Z data-base of articles on the various furocoumarin (FC) contents of natural products following FC phototoxicity issues (under SCCP/0942/05 etc.). Companies like Treatt, Capua etc. now market a range of FC-free citrus oils, but small traditional producers of citrus oils are potentially disadvantaged without huge technology investments. And for what reason? The safety case for reducing FC’ s to the minute levels the EU proposed in cosmetic products is not robust, and other commonly used cosmetic ingredients also show photo-toxic effects.
To date, safrole-free nutmeg qualities, methyl eugenol-free rose oil, IFRA compliant oakmoss qualities, furanocoumarin-free bergamot oil etc. etc. have all proven to be more-easy-to-adulterate, pale olfactory shadows of traditionally produced natural products. This reduction in ingredient quality compromises the art of the possible in perfumery practice.

‘Allergic’ Fragrance Ingredients.

SCCNFP in Opinion SCCNFP/0017/98 & 0329/00 identified a number of fragrance chemicals (16 of which occur in natural products) associated with a labelling obligation for allergens where conc. in the final product is <0.01%>
Independent papers / peer-reviews (e.g. those by Schnuch, Floc�fh, Vocanson, several by Hostynek & Maibach) have indicated that there is no robust clinical or experimental evidence to support many of these 26 ingredients as allergens. Schnuch (2008) asked the EU to rethink their policy.
Hostynek & Maibach�fs (2008) detailed article on �gAllergic Contact Dermatitis to Linalool: Allergen Status Disqualified�h has appeared in a third consecutive journal/trade magazine.
A request for an updated scientific opinion on the labelling of 26 fragrance substances which were introduced into Annex III of the Cosmetics Directive by 2003/15/EC was made by the EU Commission of the SCCP, politically passed off as ‘a spin-off from the public consultation (Nov 2006) on the Commission proposal of regulation of some fragrance substances’.
"Scientific information of general and specific nature has been submitted to DG-ENTR. in order to ask the SCCP for a revision of the 26 fragrances with respect to further restrictions and possible even delisting.”
“At that time there were not sufficient scientific data to allow for determination of dose response relationships and/or thresholds for these allergens”.

- Cropwatch comments: if this is manifestly correct, why did they go ahead with the legislation?

The older Opinion SCCNFP/0017/98, divided allergens as most frequently listed (list A) and infrequently listed (list B), but the recent Brussels request to the SCCP (see previous slide) makes no reference to the work of Schnuch et al. (2007), who called for a slightly different list of substances to be reviewed as allergens, on the basis of his published work indicating there were no safety concerns to consumers for a number of these SCCP allergens.

The Tea Tree Oil (TTO) Debacle

TTO is in a Catch-22 situation. It is universally acknowledged by microbiologists as a useful biocide except by the EU Biocides Commission. Therefore, apparently, TTO in EU cosmetic products ‘does not have a cosmetic purpose’ (SCCP/1155/08).
Also according to SCCP/1155/08, diluted TTO might be unstable in cosmetic formulations, skin & eye irritation not assessed by adequate methods. The SCCP identified data-gaps relating to subchronic toxicity, percutaneous absorption, genotoxicity / carcinogenicity & reproductive toxicity.
The ATTIA (& RIRDC) made the big mistake of submitting a safety dossier to the SCCP on these shortcomings, at a cost of £200,000 Australian, thus creating a precedent for the whole essential oils industry. The SCCP took nearly 2 years to evaluate their data, and still were not satisfied.
Adverse end-user reactions from sales of tens of millions of small bottles of TTO by major distributors runs at <>

Vanillin

Under IFRA’s 44th Amendment, vanillin was at first restricted on alleged QRA sensitisation grounds, but this restriction is currently suspended (this dithering costing industry hundreds of thousands of Euros in reformulation, ingredient stock adjustment, costs of buying in substitution stock and re-labelling). Current vanillin consumption is about 6,000t/y.
Vanillin has been the foundation of the oriental fragrance family formed from accords of vanillin, balsams, spices, patchouli, woods, salicylates and citrus oils. Jicky, created in 1889 by Guerlain was the first major oriental fragrance founded on this accord.
In the early to mid 1990s a major vanillic trend was founded on an overdose of vanillin and vanilla. Beginning with Vanilla Fields (Coty 1993), a host of sweet vanillic floral and vanillic floriental fragrances were launched e.g. Tocade (Rochas 1994), Loulou Blue (Cacherel 1995), Le Male (J. P. Gautier 1995), Allure (Chanel 1996), Ghost (2000). This trend of the 1990s has lead to a general sweetening of fragrance styles, (and consequently a generally higher use of vanillin), which is apparent today in the myriad of oriental masculine styles (e.g. 212 Sexy for Men 2006) and fruity floral feminine types and fruity florientals (e.g. Delicious Night DKNY 2007).
Evidence for the alleged very weak sensitising activity of vanillin (according to IFRA) rests on 3 pieces of evidence, 2 of which are hardly new but are unavailable to the general public:

Basketter D.A., Wright Z.M., Warbrick E.V., Dearman R.J., Kimber I., Ryan C.A., Gerberick, G.F., White I.R. (2001). “Human potency predictions for aldehydes using the local lymph node assay.” Contact Dermatitis, 45, 89-94.

RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc.), 1970. Maximization study with vanillin. RIFM report number 1760, October 7. (RIFM, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA).

RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc.), 2009. Human repeated insult patch test. DRAFT REPORT. (RIFM, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA).

Opposing evidence to the sensitising potential of vanillin was listed in Cropwatch Newsletter 15 – for example >99% vanillin ex lignin has been found non-sensitising. But it is likely that this major fragrance ingredient will yet suffer severe usage restrictions on dubious QRA testing grounds.

Coumarin

Coumarin is regulated by EU Directive 2003/15/EC such that coumarin requires labelling as a sensitiser if present at concentrations of >10ppm in fragranced leave- on products, or >100 ppm in fragranced products washed off the skin.
SCCP Opinion /0935/05 on 99.9% pure coumarin, shows the expert committee had misunderstood the data, incorrectly concluding that pure coumarin is a sensitiser - Schnuch (2004), Floc’h et al (2002), Vocanson et al (2006 & 2007) and many others have opposing views. Cropwatch’s submission to DG-Ent. on coumarin was never acknowledged.
Minor impurities in some commercial grades of synthetic coumarin used for allergy testing (dihydrocoumarin; 6-chlorocoumarin etc.) may however be sensitising.

Only 1 well-documented clinically relevant case of allergy to coumarin has ever been reported (Mutterer et al. 1999). Low numbers of clinically relevant cases exist for many other alleged allergens listed under EU Directive 2003/15/EC. The legislation clearly lacks proportionality.

EFSA (2004) concluded that coumarin is non-genotoxic. Any human carcinogenicity issues may only be relevant to very small sub-section of human population (Lake 1999).
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) had to be publicly corrected in 2007 on alleged risks with coumarin toxicity from cosmetics. The BfR had wrongly maintained that the TDI (0.1mg/d) for coumarin could be exceeded by the normal application of cosmetics. Commentators are on record as saying that Prof. Hensel has, additionally, not understood species differences relevant to coumarin metabolism.

References.

Calabrese E.J. (2004) “Hormesis – basic, generalisable, central to toxicology and a method to improve the risk assessment process” J Occup Enviro Health 10(4), 466-7.
Calabrese E.J. (2007) ”Belle Newsletter: Introduction. “ Human & Experimental Toxicology 26, 845.
Daskaleros T. (2007) remarks made during Cropwatch meeting with EU Cosmetics Commissioners & DG-Ent staff 2007 Brussels, July 2007.
Durodie B. (2004) “The timid corporation – why business is terrified of taking risk.” Risk Analysis 24(1), 2004.
EFSA (2004)
Floc’h F. (2002) “Coumarin in plants and fruits: implications in perfumery.” Perf. & Flav. 27 (Mar/Apr 2002), 32-36.
Frosch P.J., Johansen J.D., Menné T., Pirker C., Rastogi S.C., Andersen K.E., Bruze M., Goosens A., Lepitoittevin J.P. & White I.R. (2002) “Further important sensitisers in patients sensitive to fragrances II - Reactivity to essential oils.” Contact Dermatitis 47, 279-287.
Henley D.V., Lipson N., Korach K.S., Bloch C.A. (2007) “Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils.” New England Journal of Medicine 356 (5), 479–485.
Hostynek J. & Maibach H. (2008) “Allergic contact dermatitis to linalool” Perfumer & Flavourist 33, 52-56.
Hostynek J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2003) "Is there evidence that anisyl alcohol causes allergic dermatitis?" Exog. Dermatol. 2, 230-33.
Hostynek J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2003) "Is there evidence that amylcinnamic aldehyde causes allergic dermatitis?" Exog. Dermatol. 3, 35-46.
Hostynek J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2003) "Is there evidence that linalool causes allergic dermatitis?" Exog. Dermatol. 2, 223-229.
Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2004) “Is there evidence that geraniol causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Exog. Dermatol. 3(6), 318-331.
Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2004) “Sensitisaton potential of citronellol” Exog Dermatol 3(6), 307-312.
Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2004) “Is there evidence that alpha-methyl-ionone causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Exog. Dermatol. 3(3), 121-143.
Hostynek J.J., Maibach H.I. (2006) “Is there evidence that alpha-methyl-ionone causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Cutaneous & Ocular Toxicol. 25(4), 259-271
Hunt B. (2004) The Timid Corporation – Why Business is Terrified of Taking Risk
Lake B.G. (1999) “"Coumarin metabolism, toxicity & carcinogenicity: relevance for human risk assessment" Food and Chemical Toxicology 37, 423-453
Lawrence B.M. (2007) “Estrogenic activity of lavender & tea tree oils Part II.” Perf. & Flav June 2007.
Mutterer V., Giménez Arnau E., Lepoittevin J.P., Johansen J.D., Frosch P.J., Menné T., Andersen K.E., Bruze M., Rastogi S.C., White I.R. (1999) "Identification of coumarin as the sensitizer in a patient sensitive to her own perfume but negative to the fragrance mix." Contact Dermatitis. 40(4):196-9.
Nielsen J.B. (2008) “What you see may not always be what you get – Bioavailability and extrapolation from in vitro tests.” Toxicology in Vitro
Newman N. (2002) "Big Pharma, bad science." The Nation 25 July 2002.
Robison S.H. & Barr D.B. “Use of biomonitoring data to evaluate methyl eugenol exposure.” Environ Health Perspect. 114(11), 1797-18001.
Schnuch A. (2004) Öko-Test, No. 7 (July) 2004, 55
Schnuch A., Uter W., Geier J., Lessmann H., Frosch P.J. (2007) “Sensitization to 26 fragrances to be labelled according to current European regulation. Results of the IVDK and review of the literature.” Contact Dermatitis. 57(1),1-10.
Shenck G.O. (1979) Perf Kosm 60, 397.
Storrs F.J. (2007) “Allergen of the year: fragrance.” Dermatitis 18(1),3-7
Turin L. (2007) “Due Credit” NZZ Folio 04/07.
Vocanson M. (2006). "The skin allergenic properties of chemicals may depend on contaminants – Evidence from studies on coumarin." Int Arch Allergy Immunol 140, 231–238
Vocanson M. et al. (2007) “Lack of evidence for allergenic properties of coumarin in a fragrance allergy mouse model.” Contact Dermatitis 57(6), 361-364.

Acronyms.

ATTIA – Australian Tea Tree Industries Association
BfR - Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
BPD – Biocidal Products Directive
DG-ENT - Directorate General (Branch of European Commission responsible for Industry)
CoP – Code of Practice
E.O. – Essential Oil
ECHA - European Flavour & Fragrance Association
EFSA - European Flavour & Fragrance Association
FC – FuroCoumarin
H&S – Health & Safety
IFRA - International Fragrance Association
QRA - Quantitative Risk Assessment
REACH - Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
RIFM - Research Institute for Fragrance Materials
RIRDC – Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (Australian Govt).
SCCNFP - Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products
SCCP - Scientific Committee on Consumer Products
SCF – Scientific Committee on Food
SME – Small to Medium sized Enterprise
TDI - Tolerable Daily Intake
TTO – Tea Tree Oil
VOC – volatile organic carbons

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Avery Gilbert to Speak at Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance

2010-03-17T17:30:00.000-04:00

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is hosting its first-ever exhibition Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance from April 10 to November 21, 2010. Guild Associate, sensory psychologist and author of What the Nose Knows, Avery Gilbert, will be speaking at the exhibit prior to its opening on March 21, 2010.He will speak about What the Nose Knows: The Science of Scent in Everyday Life

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield - Powerpoint of talk to British Society of Perfumers; Predicts move of perfumery out of the West due to Excessive Regulations

2010-03-17T09:42:00.003-04:00

Tony Burfield gave a talk entitled “Is excessive regulation destroying the perfumery art?” at the British Society of Perfumers Safety Symposium, 11th March 2010, held at the Belfry Hotel near Cambridge, UK. Click the link http://www.cropwatch.org/Tony%20Burfield%27s%20talk%20to%20BPS%20final.ppt to download a Power Point presentation of the talk. In contrast to the other speakers, who mainly advised on how to conform to the minutiae of existing REACH requirements, the new Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures regulations, and other EU measures (as well as adherence to the IFRA CoP), Tony attempted to outline the disproportionate nature of EU Cosmetics legislation, and its attempts to create an artificial world of synthetic based products which would be "safer" than nature itself.

Tony asked why the aroma industry had been so timid in the face of the burgeoning legislation which would all but destroy it, and why it couldn't find the time to challenge much of the bad science behind some of the more over-precautionary measures.

In a previous feature "Perfumers and the 40th IFRA Amendment" (Burfield 2007) first put out on Basenotes in Feb 2007, Tony had noted the declining importance & influence of the Professional Perfumer, no longer the courageous and opinionated artists, and rarely seen any more as company board members. Their decline in industrial status, often to a level slightly under that of the Regulatory Affairs Assistant, is even more evident now that previously. Yet he was informed one by a well-known perfumer working for one of the major fragrance corporates, that the new generation of software-using perfumers have no problem in conforming to the avalanche of new regulations.

He interpreted this as referring to a younger generation who have probably never smelled a genuine yllang-ylang oil, or an unadulterated sandalwood oil East Indian (as they are invariably ‘extended’ at source), and have a sparse knowledge or experience of the massive range of exotic natural aromatic materials. He further contends that they may well spend most of their working time tinkering with formulae, working on substitutions for contra-indicated ingredients such as cyclamen aldehyde, lyral, lilial or polycyclic musks, or lately even key materials like linalol (current shortage of this important ingredient apparently due to fire in a major producing facility in China).

Where do we go from here? With the impact of REACH set to remove a huge number of ingredients (both synthetic and natural) from the perfumers palette, and with over-exploitation continuing to endanger the future availability many natural aromatic materials, it is hard to see much future for the perfumery art in Europe, unless marketeering hype can induce consumers to buy products only suitable for consumers with unsophisticated tastes & perceptions.

As previously mentioned, many consumers are noticing the increasing evidence of 'chemical' notes creeping into fragrances, and some have used fairly negative odour descriptors to Cropwatch about individual perfumes (out of the multitude of today's short-lived fragrance launches) which they perceive as smelling like 'cough candy', 'fly spray' or 'drain-cleaner'. Tony contends that the time is right for the centre of creativity, and progress in the art-of-the possible in fragrance design to move away from the West with its over-cautious ingredient restrictions.

The toxicologists, who now seem to call the shots in this profession, have helped ruin the aroma industry, yet can only point to a vanishingly small number of instances where any alleged adverse consumer effects from fragrances have manifested as clear cut clinical cases. The future of perfumery surely lies outside the West, in countries which have more proportionate and should we say, a less hysterical approach to cosmetics health & safety regulation.

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield of Cropwatch to Speak at the British Society of Perfumers Symposium Oxford, UK, March 11, 2010

2010-03-02T09:22:00.003-05:00

Tony Burfield of Cropwatch will be presenting a talk at the British Society of Perfumers Safety & Regulatory Issues Symposium at Cambridge on 11th March 2010.

The talk is entitled "Is excessive regulation destroying the perfumery art?"

The following is a synopsis of his talk:

'The disproportionate & excessive degree of regulation of fragrance ingredients appears as part of an attempt by EU regulators and their professional toxicologist advisers to construct a clean, risk-free and largely synthetic-based world of their own own. The timidity of industry in the face of this situation of toxicological imperialism is hard to understand, given the customer backlash against the reformulation of perfume classics, & the non-robust science behind many perfume ingredient restrictions. With visible anti-regulation based anger now bubbling over from both the end-user and the ingredient producers, many are asking who is to blame for this dire situation, and does the future of perfumery now lie outside Europe and the USA?'

New Natural Perfumers Guild member Judi Leake is the Winner of the Steffen Arctander CD!

2010-02-15T11:57:00.002-05:00

The winner of the Steffen Arctander CD worth $900 is new Guild member
Judi Leake of Colorado.

Congratulations, Judi! I hope the great information in this CD will be a wonderful addition to your study materials on the natural perfumery path.

Liability Insurance for the Bath and Beauty Microbusiness Community

2010-02-12T14:25:00.000-05:00

I am posting this ad for Stratus Insurance, letting everyone know about the great deal they offer to the bath and beauty microbusinesses. I was in negotiations with them for both the Guild and the 1800+ member Yahoo! natural perfumery group and the natural perfumery community at large.

They're offering great rates to the Natural Perfumers Guild, and some folks might want to join to save over non-Guild rates ;-) Don't forget we have a 20% off rate for Guild memberships until 11:59 PM February 14th. http://naturalperfumers.com/payment20.htm

BTW, if you have a business that is not 100% natural perfumery, you can still join in the Stratus deal. I did negotiate on behalf of the NP community, but I realize many here may use fragrance oils or aromachemicals. You can still get this insurance.

Just make sure you use this page to apply:
http://www.stratusins.info/perfumers_app.php

At the bottom of the page, if you're not a member of the Guild, check off if you are a member of the Yahoo NP group - this will work for everyone at this time. I will work with Natasaha Gray of Stratus to confirm Guild members, since we've had about a dozen new members in the past week and they're not listed on the website yet. In the future, the Guild will have a separate application page. Also, for the non-Guild and non-NP group members, they're going to reword this to be more inclusive in the future, perhaps "Found via a link from Anya's Garden."

Coverage:
For Guild members $1/M/$475yr.
non-Guild: $1M/$525yr.

Limits are as follows:

For additional $55 you can increase Aggregate and Products to $2,000,000 at any time during the policy.

Giveaway drawing and 20% off Natural Perfumers Guild membership through February 14th, 2010

2010-02-03T19:27:00.005-05:00

It's the "Feel the Love" time of year for the Natural Perfumers Guild

20% off all new memberships between now and February 14th - see below for details

Plus

You'll be entered for a chance to win the Steffen Arctander CD !

This valuable CD retails for $900, and it might be yours if you join the NPG between February 1 and February 14, 2010. If your completed application and membership fee are received between those dates, your name will be entered into the giveaway for the CD.

This is a great opportunity to be in the running to obtain one of the most coveted research tools in perfumery. The legacy of Steffan Arctander is that he produced one of the best reference books (or, in this case, CDs) in the history of perfumery. Read more about it by clicking here.

Plus --- Guild members also receive 30% off all Allured publications, a great deal 365 days of the year!

If you wish to join the Guild in this two-week window of opportunity to be in the drawing for the Arctander CD, please go to this page to fill in the application form, and to this page to submit your payment. Please note you must use the payment page listed above to receive your membership fee discount.

Here are the membership fees showing the 20% off rate:

Professional Perfumer: Two categories depending upon number of employees $102 or $180/yr.

Associate: creates body, home or environmental products. Two categories depending upon number of employees - $102 or $180/yr.

Supplier: Vendor of equipment and materials $180/yr

Friend: Anyone interested in natural perfume $60/yr

The winner will be announced on February 14, 2009, and we wish everyone who joins good luck in the drawing!

Membership Benefits:

Some of the benefits include:

*Listing in the Guild directory and the companion blog. This provides two websites for visitors to click through to your URL *Media and event publicity - we are dedicated to raising public awareness of, and demand for, natural perfumery products.

*Use of the Guild logo on your website and on printed materials. The Guild logo is a well-recognized symbol of artisan perfumers.

*Discounts from Guild Members - Some members will offer standard discounts, others may negotiate on a case-by-case basis.

*Early notification of natural perfumery events and classes - stay informed on what is offered in the natural perfumery world.

*Access to the private Guild Forum - available to all members who wish to communicate with each other.

*Ability to participate in Guild events at a discount and also receive discounted fees for events from affiliated organizations, including professional conferences and schools.

Membership Goals and Objectives Professionalism:

The Guild works to raise the professional standards of artisan natural perfumers, and to help them receive the recognition for their dedication to the artistry of working with natural aromatics.

Communication: Promote interaction and the exchange of information between artisan perfumers amd associates with suppliers to further develop the perfumer's palette and materials.

Promotion: To bring together individuals involved in the production of natural perfumes, and to represent and promote their interests to the public and media.

Education: To encourage the education and training of people interested in careers as artisan natural perfumers, and to develop a mentor program.

Sustainability: Reaching out to growers and distillers around the world to encourage the production and sourcing of boutique natural aromatics.

Legislative: The Guild monitors and actively participates in the shaping of regulations that affect the perfumery industry.

The winner will be announced on February 14, 2009, and we wish everyone who joins good luck in the drawing!

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield of Cropwatch to Speak at World Perfumery Congress, Grasse, France

2010-01-21T16:39:00.004-05:00

Cosmetics and Perfume Industry Watchdog Tony Burfield of Cropwatch to Speak at World Perfumery Congress

The World Perfumery Congress meets every three years, and the 2010 meeting will be June 1 - 4, 2010 in Grasse France. Tony Burfield of Cropwatch, a champion of natural aromatics, and a scientist who challenges of guidelines of The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) will be a featured speaker. Tony is a Charter member of the Natural Perfumers Guild and has collaborated in the past with Guild President Anya McCoy and Associate Robert Tisserand on IFRA-related white papers.

The Congress will commence with an exhibition (new raw materials, molecules, software, and books pertaining to the perfume industry) at La Rotonde Riviera; this expo will be held on all four days of the Congress. General sessions will be held June 2 and 3 at the Grand Auditorium and will include presentations by industry speakers.

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumer Lisa Fong Announces Redesigned website, 20% off sale

2010-01-06T11:01:00.003-05:00

Artemisia Natural Perfume has a beautiful new website to celebrate the new year,
and a sale to celebrate love.

Start the new year with a new, beautiful scent. Artemisia Natural Perfume is now on sale until 2/14/2010 with 20% off everything, including samples. We are now offering solid perfumes on sale for only $20. Visit our new website at www.artemisiaperfume.com

Natural Perfumers Guild Supplier Aromawear hosting fragrance party in New York City

2009-12-01T16:24:00.003-05:00

You are invited to a unique holiday experience and private AROMAWEAR sale.

UPDATE: extended to December 9th - see details below

While you shop for your award-winning AROMAWEAR scent diffusing gifts (including free samples of natural perfumes by members of the Natural Perfumers Guild), entertain your palette with sweet and savory tastings and a bit of bubbly and delight your senses at the AROMAWEAR SCENT BAR with the essential oils that will help you

Cheer up, tune in, love more, stay well, calm down, bliss out, eat less, kick butt and of course smell good....

WHEN: TUESDAY DECEMBER 8TH and 9TH 5:00-9:00pm
Can't make it? Shop at www.aromawear.com
WHERE: AROMAWEAR STUDIO
69 Perry Street, #2, New York, NY 10014
(between Bleecker and West 4th Street)
RSVP SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE ADVISE
cathy@aromawear.com 212 243 3223

I will also be introducing my latest essential oil discovery called PASSION by Stacey Sanchez: a joyful, uplifting aroma that brings a smile to your face and fullness to your heart.

Bring your friends and forward this email to anyone you would like to delight!

Looking forward to seeing you.

Cathy

Natural Perfumers Guild Suppliers Aromahead Institute Offering Component Blending Class in Aromatherapy

2009-11-24T19:52:00.003-05:00

The Component Blending class at Aromahead Institute takes place over a 3-day weekend and includes an in-depth study of the chemistry, therapeutic uses, and blending techniques for a wide selection of conifer and helichrysum essential oil species. Blending is approached from a medicinal, component perspective, looking at which components are most powerful within the oil, and choosing oils based on this approach. Students receive a custom manual written by Andrea Butje.

This is a great class for people with some solid background in essential oils who want to learn more about the chemistry and medicinal uses of the oils.

Sarasota, Florida
Jan 8-10, 2010
Cost: $450

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel: Events in NYC in January

2009-11-24T17:38:00.006-05:00

Please click on the images below for details. Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes will be in New York City in January for two events: The Silk Road Global Kitchen and the Perfumed Dinner. Both events are part of the American Museum of Natural History's Silk Road Exhibit.

Click on images to enlarge to read the details of the event.

Natural Perfumers Guild members featured in series on Niche Perfumers Fall/Winter scents

2009-11-12T09:48:00.006-05:00

Natural Perfumers Guild members Mandy Aftel and Anya McCoy featured on The Scented Salamander website series: North American Originals:Perfumers on Fall & Winter.

Mandy's take on what Aftelier perfumes are best suited for the colder seasons is in Part One andnd Anya's Garden Perfume's two new colder season scents, MoonDance and StarFlower are explained in Part Two

From the Scented Salamander:
American perfumery is as varied as its landscape. One of its most notable traits is the fact that in spite of the presence of giant corporations like Coty or Estée Lauder, there exists a strong breed, I am tempted to say, of independent perfumers who appear by contrast even more like the necessary missing pieces of a vast puzzle. And without them, one could argue, American perfumery would be forgetting the flip side of anonymous efficiency, large-scale organization and big business, that is, originality, primitivism, naïveté, a sense of community, intimacy, individualism and let us not forget, the can-do attitude. If we only had the big labels, we would still have rivers of perfume, but we would have less of a certain moral spirit, the individualist one. And I don't know really what is America without the individual.

She or he is like the flavor of home-grown local herbs added to a standard national recipe.

Nonetheless, we still need the giants because without the Leviathans, perfumery would not be as democratic an art, a pleasure and a way of life. Mass-marketed perfume may be a French invention borne out of the intuitions of François Coty, he who knew perfume could both be a sign of luxury and a household name, but mass-market perfumery particularly thrives in the United-States thanks to sheer size and a deep culture of consumerism.

Ultimately, the ideals of democracy and pluralism that are the bread and butter of the American psyche open up enough room for independent perfumers to be not isolated and too rugged but an expression of a particular sensitivity.

In this series we meet with a number of North-American indie perfumers who reveal a naturalistic approach. They can be distinguished from so-called "niche perfumers" easily by realizing that their reference point is their own personal experiences. Indie perfumers are more hands-on and are usually less inspired by a tradition, genres, a cannon or the market. And as far as independent perfumery goes, this means to me also that independent perfumers make their perfumes themselves almost from scratch, even sometimes devising their own ingredients or searching for new sources of natural inspirations in their self-cultivated gardens. Due to this sensitivity to the naturalist context, their catalogs tend to be colored, more or less explicitly, by real-world references like the seasons in an impressionistic sense, or the fruits of the seasons. Some of these perfumers have extensive libraries of scents, others concentrate on a more compact collection.

To develop one step further the food metaphor, American Originals are more like non-processed food. Even though indie perfumers do not necessarily use only natural ingredients, the creative process itself seems more natural and unmediated. An art of the vignette is born where nature is approached in an interpersonal manner, where scents refer to a precise point in time, evoke warm, nostalgic memories.

After asking a group of independent perfumers for their thoughts on Fall & Winter fragrances, I have weaved their voices and their beautiful words into a virtual conversational exchange. Some perfumers who have contributed longer answers, I have taken the liberty to interrupt for a day to let them pursue their thoughts on the next not because what they said was too long but because it creates a balance and a rhythm, a journal-like quality that echoes for me, the charm of truly seasonal fragrances as natural clocks of time, images of the ebb and flow of the days.

I will add short bios on the last day of the series.

The Evil Stepmother and the Father Who Will Not See - the FDA/GMP is out to perpetuate the eternal scenario

2009-11-11T09:35:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, I have fought for years against the creeping corporate takeover of indie and microbusinesses. Just search on this (my Anya's Garden blog) for IFRA, EU, FDA Globalization Act and government. But first, please read the link below, at the end of this blog. The future of our businesses is in immediate danger. I am horrified that several organizations that represent indie and microbusinesses are in lockstep with the FDA and tweeting and blogging about their 'victories" with legislators, either blinded or too blind to see the horrible demise in store for our businesses - they should be fighting the FDA, not kowtowing to it, giddy with "making progress". They're not, they're being fooled.

Please everyone - don't be the frog in the pot of cool water who never feels the heat being turned up until it is too late and he's cooked.

Read this following speech, given at the International Herb Symposium by Stephen Buhner and pass it around, and more importantly, ask those who are all puffed up and happy that the FDA and legislative lackeys of the corporate world that seeks to destroy our businesses why they don't see this coming:

http://www.gaianstudies.org/documents/IHSOPEN.pdf

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel featured in "Where Women Create"

2009-11-10T22:20:00.003-05:00

For a rare glimpse inside the beautiful studio where Mandy Aftel creates her perfumes and scented products, please click on this link. It is inspiring to see the organization, aesthetics and read about the process that are a part of Mandy's everyday life as a perfumer. Mandy talks about how she discovered the world of natural aromatics, how perfume affects the soul and allows a step into a world of beauty, where we can escape everyday life.

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Avery Gilbert Interviewed by Katie Puckrik on youtube

2009-11-10T13:10:00.004-05:00

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Avery Gilbert is interviewed by Katie Puckrik on YouTube.

Avery Gilbert, author of

What the Nose Knows: The Science of Scent in Everyday Life (Crown Publishers)

2008 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist

2009 Royal Society Science Book Prize Finalist

Order here from Amazon.com

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Celia Lyttelton Interviewed on Rick Steves Radio Show on her book "The Scent Trail"

2009-10-06T13:12:00.004-04:00

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Member Celia Lyttelton, Author of The Scent Trail is interviewed by Rick Steves for his radio show. Scroll down the page to click on the Windows Media file.

From the website, describing the Sept. 26, 2009 broadcast:

Celia Lyttelton shares her story of how she traveled the world to collect the ingredients for her own perfect personal perfume — the perfect souvenir for the person who already has everything — and explains the powerful connection fragrances hold between places, memories, and our emotions. Also, travel writer Don George and callers discuss how the Kindness of Strangers saved the day on more than one overseas occasion and a new set of listener travel haiku takes us sailing in the Caribbean.

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel Marries her longtime beau Foster

2009-10-03T14:07:00.004-04:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild blog is usually reserved for business announcements related to the Guild, but today I wanted to personally share with everyone my happiness at the news that Guild Founder Mandy Aftel has eloped with her longtime sweetheart, Foster.

Mandy and Foster have been partners in every sense of the word from what I have gathered from conversations with them. I remember the first time Mandy told me about him, and how serious it was getting, and telling me bits about how he was day-to-day. I said "Mandy, you have a mensch", and she agreed. Every time I have spoken with Foster I have enjoyed the conversation because of his calm, easy-going nature, and I have appreciated the ways in which he compliments and assists Mandy's perfumed art.

Mandy did have enough time to blend a special perfume for the wedding ;-) and I'm sure it's a dazzling example of a natural perfumery love potion!

So those two impetuous and wildly-in-love kids eloped, and Mandy told me of her wish to share the news with the perfume community and family that has grown around them over the years. The wedding was tiny, the couple was very, very happy, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

With all best wishes,
Anya

Natural Perfumers Guild Member Jeanne Rose - Blending and Perfumery Classes

2009-09-23T13:59:00.003-04:00

We can confirm that the next "Natural Botanical Perfumery" course and series with Jeanne Rose will be held in a series of 4-weekend classes commencing in Feb. 2010.

These 3-day courses provide comprehensive instruction to botanical and quality artisanal perfumery. We use only natural ingredients and we show the differences between what is available now as natural and what was available for comparison purpose. We have over 175 items to use in your work and hundreds more library and ancient odors to look at. The course covers everything from perfect Blending for therapy or perfume, to perfect Perfumery - building a unique and perfect scent combining your favorite and soon to become favorites odors. The Vocabulary of Odor© as developed by Jeanne Rose is used. Constructing a unique odor is fun and much will be learned. Each of the 4 weekends includes a new and practical
workbook as developed by Jeanne Rose from her 45 years of experience. We incorporate working as a group, in pairs, singly, and teach uses of laboratory equipment. Every class is different and unique; every class builds on what has been learned before.

It costs $450-$475 per person per class. Discounts are available if PIF (Paid In Full) before 12/31/09 or if more than one class is taken. We take all credit cards.

Please contact us on info@jeannerose.net for application and details. Please also see our website: http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html Please note: JeanneRose Natural Perfumery Classes neither contain nor use any synthetic fragrance compounds.

http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html
FEBRUARY 19-21, 2010. SAN FRANCISCO, CA.
PROFESSIONAL BLENDING OF ESSENTIAL OILS.
[Specifically for Natural Perfumery, Massage Therapists and SPA Technicians] This workshop is to be a Seminar for Blending Essential Oils (EOs) for therapeutic purposes and the Foundation Course for Natural Perfumery. The workshop is an important step to any one interested in blending essential oils
for therapeutic healing either emotional or physical; for perfumery or for making your own products. It will help give inspiration and give direction for those deciding where to go with their aromatherapy studies. The workshop is designed to combine the academic and scientific with the magically subjective aspects of aromatherapy. Overall, it will show that there is art, craft and science to blending Essential oils. Class starts at 6:30 pm on Friday and ends 4 p.m. on Sunday. In San Francisco at the House of Aromatic Wonders. San
Francisco, CA 94117. $450. [Enrollment limited to 10]
******
http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html
MARCH 12-14, 2010. SAN FRANCISCO, CA.
NATURAL PERFUMERY & EXOTICS. PART I
Make perfumery skills with a systematic and logical progression from the basics of measurement to the sophistication of complex perfumery. Learn myriad techniques, skills and uses of equipment for making solid and liquid perfumes. Learn the three ways of verbalizing a blend or single scent. Learn the nuances
and olfactory texture of 150 exotic essential oils, absolutes, waxes, concretes, alcohols and carrier oils. Work hands-on to go beyond formulas in books and expand personal expertise and repertoire.
Class starts at 6:30 pm on Friday and ends 4 p.m. on Sunday. You should have taken the Blending class. In San Francisco at the House of Aromatic Wonders. 219 Carl St, San Francisco, CA 94117. PIF - $475 [Enrollment limited to 8-10]
********
http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html

MARCH 27-28, 2010,
NATURAL BOTANICAL PERFUMERY, PART II –
BASES AND ACCORDS. San Francisco, CA Continue your Perfumery class with part II. We will make bases and accords, and talk more about tinctures, absolutes, concretes and other perfume ingredients. This is a continuation class and is devoted individually to persons truly interested in the complexity of natural perfumery and ingredients. Includes your supplies; [Enrollment limited to 8 – and you must have taken the Part I Natural Perfumery course within the last 3 years. $475 PIF
************
April 4, 2010 – Easter Sunday
***********
http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html
APRIL 10-11, 2010 NATURAL BOTANICAL PERFUMERY, PART III ADVANCED.
TINCTURES, ALCOHOLS, BASES, CARRIERS, FINING. San Francisco, CA
Fixing your scent and more bases and accords. Expand your perfume repertoire and make perfect perfume. Jeanne Rose is a distiller of many years experience and can teach you the whys of alcohol, what they are and how to use carriers. You must have taken the Part I & Part II Natural Perfumery course within the last 3
years. $475 PIF
http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html
********

Another Great Giveaway - Join the Natural Perfumers Guild for a chance to win the $900 Arctander CD, the Main Reference for Perfume and Fragrance

2009-09-15T13:18:00.006-04:00

Allured Business Media, a Charter Supplier member of the Natural Perfumers Guild, has generously supplied a CD of the three-volume book set that includes Aroma Chemicals Vol. 1, Aroma Chemicals Vol. 2 and Natural Origins Vol. 3, for a new-member giveaway. This valuable CD retails for $900, and it might be yours if you join the NPG between September 15 and October 5, 2009.

If your completed application and fee for the one-year membership is received between those dates, your name will be entered into the giveaway for the CD and other prizes. Go here to apply and here to pay the membership fee.

There will be lots of other prizes offered, too: Keepsake copies of the catalogue from Mandy Aftel's groundbreaking exhibit on natural perfumery, both mini and full-size bottles of perfumes, body care products, books, and more, all from current Guild members. All new members will be entered into a random drawing on October 5th to determine their prize - good luck!

The biggest prize, the Arctander CD, is one of the most coveted research tools in perfumery. From the Allured site:

This set includes at least 90% of all chemicals presently used in flavors and fragrances, monographs, all known natural essential oils, extracts, oleoresins along with chemical structure, practical physical data, appearance, odor and flavor type. Also available in this comprehensive set are botanical information, detailed odor and flavor descriptions, suggested uses, literature references and some safety and regulatory information.
Arctander's books are also available on one CD-ROM. Everything you could find in Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin and Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals) is now even easier to locate on this useful CD-ROM. No time to flip page after page looking for information? A simple click of the mouse will find everything you need in this highly navigable format.

The Natural Perfumers Guild is dedicated to perfumes and all fragrance products that use botanical extracts solely as their scent source. No synthetic aromatics are used in creating the perfumes, and no diethyl phtlate or other synthetic extenders are in any of our perfumes. We create and celebrate all fragrance products that use botanically-based aromatics, as we are artisans dedicated to the alchemy and hands-on methods of time-honored traditions or natural perfumery.

Built upon the goal of fostering the art of natural perfumery through education, legislative efforts and networking among members, the Guild is an organization that welcomes all who love fragrant botanicals.

Membership

Categories, Goals and Benefits

Professional Perfumer: Two categories depending upon number of employees $125 or $200/yr.

Associate: creates body, home or environmental products scented with natural aromatics. Two categories depending upon number of employees - $125 or $200/yr.

Supplier: Vendor of equipment and materials $200/yr

Friend: Anyone interested in natural perfume $75/yr

Membership Goals and Objectives

Professionalism: Raise the professional standards of artisan natural perfumers, and to help them receive the recognition for their dedication to the artistry of working with natural aromatics.

Communication: Promote interaction and the exchange of information between artisan perfumers amd associates with suppliers to further develop the perfumer's palette and materials.

Promotion: To bring together individuals involved in the production of natural perfumes, and to represent and promote their interests to the public and media.

Education: To encourage the education and training of people interested in careers as artisan natural perfumers, and to develop a mentor program.

Sustainability: Reaching out to growers and distillers around the world to encourage the production and sourcing of boutique natural aromatics.

Legislative: The Guild monitors and actively participates in the shaping of regulations that affect the perfumery industry.

Benefits

*Listing in the Guild directory and the companion blog. This provides two websites for visitors to click through to your URL

*Media and event publicity - we are dedicated to raising public awareness of, and demand for, natural perfumery products. Additionally, the Guild will publish your press release for your business

*Use of the Guild logo on your website and on printed materials. The Guild logo is a well-recognized symbol of artisan perfumers and natural aromatics worldwide

*Discounts from Guild Members - Some members will offer standard discounts, others may negotiate on a case-by-case basis

*Early notification of natural perfumery events and classes - stay informed on what is offered in the natural perfumery world

*Access to the private Guild Forum - available to all members who wish to communicate with each other.

*Ability to participate in Guild events at a discount and also receive discounted fees for events from affiliated organizations, including professional conferences and schools

The Guild welcomes all who love natural aromatics. Our only restriction in membership is in the Professional Perfumer category. If you create both natural and semi-synthetic perfumes you will be placed in the Associate category, not the Professional Perfumer category, as that is reserved for those who use only natural aromatics.

After joining the Guild, you will enjoy a private conversation group on Yahoo where you can interact on a daily basis with other Guild members, if you wish. Guild President Anya McCoy is a frequent participant there, as are many of the members.

If you wish to join the Guild in this one-month window of opportunity to be in the drawing for the Arctander CD, please go to this page to fill in the application form, and to this page to submit your payment.

The winner will be announced on October 5, 2009, and we wish everyone who joins good luck in the drawing!

Natural Perfumers Guild Member Saponifier - September/October Issue

2009-09-01T18:00:00.004-04:00

Natural Perfumers Guild member Saponifier Magazine's September Issue is Packed with Great Business and How-to Articlesclick the above image to view full size

Here's a peek at the Table of Contents page of the Sept/Oct issue of Saponifier magazine. Everything from boot camp basics for soapmaking to business guidelines and how to take great photos of your products are covered. Subscriptions are only $24.95 for six issues (one year). The beautiful graphics and informative articles are a pleasure to read and enjoy each issue and the bottom line is that Saponifier aims to make your business successful.

Natural Perfumers Guild member's book reviewed on Perfume Shrine

2009-09-01T09:09:00.005-04:00

Helg of the Perfume Shrine blog has reviewed Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Alec Lawless' book "Artisan Perfumery - Or Being Led by the Nose". She provides a glimpse into each chapter and comments on the finer points raised and the unique views of Lawless offers about this niche art. Readers will have a chance to obtain the book and perfume samples from Lawless at a discount offered to readers of Perfume Shrine.

Natural Perfumers Guild member Allured Business Media offering 20% off books

2009-08-25T18:17:00.003-04:00

Allured Business Media offering 20% discount until Dec. 31, 2009

If you are a perfumer, flavorist, perfumista, spa owner, formulator of body care products, in the fragrance field or any related industry, you'll be happy to know that Natural Perfumers Guild member Allured Business Media, a leading source of publications, monographs, CDs and other educational and industrial materials for the industry is once again offering a great discount to readers of this blog. However, please feel free to spread the word about the discounts to other websites, as this great deal is also meant to reach the bigger internet audience.

Now through December 31, 2009, you can get 20% off any book by using the code Anya20 at checkout. Your discount won't show up until you click through the checkout process. Just click here to see the wealth of reading materials offered in this special deal. Hope you have some great publications in your hands soon, thanks to them!

The Natural Perfumers Guild Welcomes New Supplier Member Essentially Me of the UK

2009-08-05T12:03:00.003-04:00

Essentially Me joins Natural Perfumers Guild

Essentially Me, sister company of new Guild member Aqua Oleum, has joined the Natural Perfumers Guild as a supplier of perfume ingredients and perfumery supplies.

Based in the Cotswolds region of the UK, the company was born out of Alec Lawless's passion for natural fragrance. Whilst Aqua Oleum supplies Essential Oils and Absolutes, Essentially Me specialises in providing natural ready-to-use materials for perfumery. Alec recognised that many of the absolutes and concretes are extremely difficult to work with, being solid or highly viscous at room temperature. To combat this problem, he has developed a range of more than 60 single note fragrances called extraits that are a 20% dilution in aged organic grain alcohol, as well as a botanical musk, ready to start blending.

We also supply a range of perfumes developed by Alec.

Alec's book, "Artisan Perfumery - Or Being Led by the Nose" is available exclusively from the Essentially Me website. This fascinating book tells not only about his 20 years of blending perfumes and sourcing oils, but also how wine appreciation, psychology and philosophy help in understanding perfumery.

Essentially Me is pleased to offer 10% discount to members of the Natural Perfumers Guild. Please email us and we will set up your account on our website. sales@essentially-me.co.uk

-----------------------------------

Sian James

Tel: +44(0)1453 882525

Mob: +44(0)7753 303587

http://www.essentially-me.co.uk

A Lovely New Book for Artisan Perfumers - Artisan Perfumery by Alec Lawless

2009-07-24T16:53:00.004-04:00

Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose

by
Alec Lawless

I'm on vacation, so this won't be a long review, but I just had to get the word out on Alec Lawless' new book, Artisan Perfumery or Being Led by the Nose. The title should give a hint of his humorous approach to the subject of artisan perfumery, and he is consistent throughout the book with his sly wink at the industry, of which he's been a part of for over twenty years.

The co-owner of Aqua-Oleum, along with his ex-wife, famed aromatherapy author Julia Lawless, Alec knows where the greatest aromatics are to be found, either in essential oil, concrete or absolute form, and after years of playing with the essences, began blending. He has a wonderfully relevant background in wine appreciation, and some of his observations on scent and perception, working in his love of sensory and psychology topics, are eye - and nose - openers.

Lest I forget, the book's cover, a small piece of an original artwork he also sells, is pointedly evocative of the lush and beautiful nature of naturals, jasmines and lotus being the cover focus, more aromatics depicted on the full canvas. I have an order in for a print - ah, if only I could have gotten this artwork for my book. Well, I know all current and potential authors of perfumery books will be envious of the artwork, as they will be of his background and travels in search of aromatics, which he freely shares.

Some of the idiomatic British English terms in the book were mysteries to me, but the author speaks clearly, in his own conversational tone throughout, as if you're sitting down with an old friend who is a raconteur sharing all of his devilishly funny observations, so you just slide past them. You'll get the full meaning where it counts, so you'll come away bursting with ideas from the positive and inspirational stories.

Although Alec dips slightly into the world of aromachemicals, and admits he uses them at about 1% in his own blends at Essentially Me, his focus is on naturals. I love that he's incorporated Jean Carles study methodology, and for the first time, to my knowledge, a GC/MS and how to read one appears in a contemporary book!

I just found a page on his perfumery site that combines the book and samples of his perfume. The books is reasonably priced at £9.99, with samples, £19.99

Alec shares some wonderful insights in aging and "softening" alcohol for perfumery that any artisan perfumer would find educational. After speaking with him the other day, I hope I convinced him to create a short video of how to use the pipettes sold on the Essentially Me website. He readily agreed, and I have a feeling that we'll be hearing a lot more of this fellow who has burst on to the artisan perfumery scene with a book, a perfumery raw materials and lab equipment website and decades of knowledge to share.

Natural Perfumers Guild members receive a 10% discount on purchases from Aqua Oleum and Essentially Me, and will also enjoy Alec sharing his knowledge in the private Guild Yahoo chat group. Welcome to our Guild and thank you for producing this lovely book for all artisan perfumers to enjoy.

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel to Speak at New York Botanical Garden on Perfumed Teas

2009-07-17T13:06:00.005-04:00

Edible Evenings: A Celebration of Wine, Beer, and Food at the New York Botanical Garden

Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes will be presenting her vision and insights into the creation of perfumed tea on Thursday August 6th, 2009 from 6-9 P.M. at the New York Botanical Garden as part of their series, The Edible Garden. Mandy will be talking about using essential oils to flavor tea, and the participants will be sampling her gorgeous Rose & Ginger and Jasmine & Mint teas. The presentation is a part of Edible Evenings, and will take place on August 6th from 6 to 9 pm. Bluebottle coffee will also be part of the evening. Tickets are $20 for non-members; $10 for members, and can be purchased from the Botanical Garden here.

Julia Lawless' Aqua Oleum joins the Natural Perfumers Guild

2009-07-16T20:51:00.004-04:00

Aqua Oleum Joins Natural Perfumers Guild

Aqua Oleum is delighted to join the Natural Perfumers Guild as a supplier of Essential Oils and Absolutes.

Aqua Oleum, based in the beautiful Cotswolds region of the UK, has for more than 20 years provided the finest quality essential oils sourced from around the world. The business is owned by Julia and Alec Lawless. Julia is a highly regarded writer on aromatherapy, whose publications include "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils".

Alec, in turn, focuses on ensuring that the company not only provides the finest oils but operates in an ethical manner in our relationships with both suppliers and customers. We offer highly competitive prices and unrivaled product knowledge.

We ship internationally. Visit our webshop on www.aqua-oleum.co.uk

We are pleased to offer a 10% discount to any Guild member. Please contact us on info@aqua-oleum.co.uk and we will set up an account on our website for you.

Also keep an eye out for news of Aqua Oleum's sister company which will be joining the Guild soon...

Natural Perfumers Guild member Lisa Fong to Exhibit at Blunda in Los Angeles

2009-06-23T16:37:00.003-04:00

Natural Perfumers Guild member Lisa Fong will be in Los Angeles this Saturday, June 27.

She will be at Blunda Aromatics, a store located at 304 South Edinburgh in Los Angeles. Lisa Fong will be presenting her line of all natural perfumes, including new fragrances Ondine, and Flouve, from 1:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. There will be free samples available as well as delicious food. Lisa looks forward to meeting natural perfume aficionados and Guild members from Southern California. Please come and visit.

The Natural Perfumers Guild Winner of the Steffen Arctander CD is Ilaine Upton of Virginia, USA

2009-06-01T07:53:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to new member Ilaine Upton of Virginia - her name was chosen randomly from among the new members of the Guild who joined in May, 2009. The drawing was to coincide with the 3rd Anniversary of the launch of the Guild on June 1, 2006. As we enter our fourth year, we are delighted that we can offer such treasured items as the Steffen Arctander CD of his three-volume set Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin and Perfume and Flavor Chemicals Thanks to Guild Supplier Allured Business Media for donating this wonderful CD, valued at $900.

Ilaine joined as a Friend of the Guild and stated on her application: "First it was a rose garden. Then rose otto, absolute and concrete. Then the search for something that would blend with it. Well, there was the 1877 volume of Perfumery and Kindred Spirits, purchased decades ago, sitting quietly... (then the application form cut her off! LOL)

Well, Ilaine, you should find this searchable CD a great addition to your studies, and we in the Guild wish to congratulate you on your win.

Reminder: Natural Perfumers Guild Supplier Allured Business Media Offers 30% off all books Through June 30, 2009

2009-05-27T12:43:00.001-04:00

30% discount off any book published by Allured Books through June 30th!

Natural Perfumers Guild member Allured Books - 30% off books

Offer good through June 30, 2009

Once again Allured Books, a division of Allured Business Media, has come through with a great discount offer on books! Allured is one of the top publishing houses in the world for fragrance and cosmetics books.

If one of their gems is on your wish list, now is the time to take advantage of this offer and save! Just enter Anya30 as the coupon code when checking out to receive the 30% off the price of the book(s). If you have any questions on their books or ordering online, you can contact them at Books@allured.com, subject line- Anya30. Web site - www.allured.com/bookstore

30% off any Allured Publishing Media book through June 30th

2009-05-14T12:56:00.003-04:00

Natural Perfumers Guild member Allured Business Media - 30% off books

Once again Allured has come through with a great discount offer on books! Allured is one of the top publishing house in the world for fragrance and cosmetics books, and if one of their gems is on your wish list, you may wish to take advantage of this offer. Just enter Anya30 as the voucher code when checking out to receive the 30% off the price of the book(s).

New Members - The Natural Perfumers Guild Will Celebrate Beginning Its Fourth Year on June 1st with a Chance to Win the Arctander CD worth $900

2009-05-09T12:12:00.007-04:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild Will Celebrate Beginning Its Fourth Year on June 1st
with a Chance to Win the Steffen Arctander CD worth $900 - New Members Only

From the Slow Scent Newsletter May 1, 2009 sent to Subscribers

The Natural Perfumers Guild will celebrate its Fourth anniversary on June 1, 2009 and Guild President Anya McCoy in asssociation with Allured Publishing Media announces that a CD of the three-volume set that includes Aroma Chemicals Vol. 1, Aroma Chemicals Vol. 2 and Natural Origins is being awarded in a random drawing for new members who join the Guild this month.

This valuable CD retails for $900, and it might be yours if you join the NPG between May 1 and June 1, 2009. If your completed application and membership fee is received between those dates, your name will
be entered into the giveaway for the CD.

This is a great opportunity to be in the running to obtain one of the most coveted research tools in perfumery. The legacy of Steffan Arctander is that he produced one of the best reference books (or, in this case, CDs) in the history of perfumery.

Read about this opportunity here:

http://www.naturalperfumers.com/send050109.htm

Only one week remains to see Mandy Aftel's "Living Perfume" exhibit at Bendels in NYC

2009-05-03T21:55:00.004-04:00

If you are in New York City there is only one week left to visit the acclaimed "Living Perfume" exhibit featuring the perfume, craft and collection of Mandy Aftel, founder of the Natural Perfumers Guild.

Arctander CD giveaway drawing for new members of the Natural Perfumers Guild

2009-05-01T10:43:00.005-04:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild will celebrate its Fourth anniversary on June 1, 2009 and Allured Publishing Media has generously supplied a CD of the three-volume set that includes Aroma Chemicals Vol. 1, Aroma Chemicals Vol. 2 and Natural Origins for a new-member giveaway. This valuable CD retails for $900, and it might be yours if you join the NPG between May 1 and June 1, 2009. If your completed application and membership fee is received between those dates, your name will be entered into the giveaway for the CD.

This is a great opportunity to be in the running to obtain one of the most coveted research tools in perfumery. The legacy of Steffan Arctander is that he produced one of the best reference books (or, in this case, CDs) in the history of perfumery. From the Allured site:

This set includes at least 90% of all chemicals presently used in flavors and fragrances, monographs, all known natural essential oils, extracts, oleoresins along with chemical structure, practical physical data, appearance, odor and flavor type. Also available in this comprehensive set are botanical information, detailed odor and flavor descriptions, suggested uses, literature references and some safety and regulatory information.
Arctander's books are also available on one CD-ROM. Everything you could find in Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin and Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals) is now even easier to locate on this useful CD-ROM. No time to flip page after page looking for information? A simple click of the mouse will find everything you need in this highly navigable format.

Membership

Categories, Goals and Benefits

Professional Perfumer: Two categories depending upon number of employees $125 or $200/yr.

Associate: creates body, home or environmental products scented with natural aromatics. Two categories depending upon number of employees - $125 or $200/yr.

Supplier: Vendor of equipment and materials $200/yr

Friend: Anyone interested in natural perfume $75/yr

Membership Goals and Objectives

Professionalism: Raise the professional standards of artisan natural perfumers, and to help them receive the recognition for their dedication to the artistry of working with natural aromatics.

Communication: Promote interaction and the exchange of information between artisan perfumers amd associates with suppliers to further develop the perfumer's palette and materials.

Promotion: To bring together individuals involved in the production of natural perfumes, and to represent and promote their interests to the public and media.

Education: To encourage the education and training of people interested in careers as artisan natural perfumers, and to develop a mentor program.

Sustainability: Reaching out to growers and distillers around the world to encourage the production and sourcing of boutique natural aromatics.

Legislative: The Guild monitors and actively participates in the shaping of regulations that affect the perfumery industry.

Benefits

*Listing in the Guild directory and the companion blog. This provides two websites for visitors to click through to your URL

*Media and event publicity - we are dedicated to raising public awareness of, and demand for, natural perfumery products

*Use of the Guild logo on your website and on printed materials. The Guild logo is a well-recognized symbol of artisan perfumers

*Discounts from Guild Members - Some members will offer standard discounts, others may negotiate on a case-by-case basis

*Early notification of natural perfumery events and classes - stay informed on what is offered in the natural perfumery world

*Access to the private Guild Forum - available to all members who wish to communicate with each other.

*Ability to participate in Guild events at a discount and also receive discounted fees for events from affiliated organizations, including professional conferences and schools

The winner will be announced on June 2, 2009, and we wish everyone who joins good luck in the drawing!

Bespoke Perfumes, A Course in Natural Perfumery In Italy

2009-04-12T16:35:00.004-04:00

Bespoke Perfumes, A Course in Natural Perfumery
May 18 – 20, 2009 or
September 14 - 16, 2009 Monte Colombo, Italy

Making perfumes is easy. Not everyone who chooses to learn about scent will become a professional perfumer but anyone can make good perfumes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

AbdesSalaam Attar
La Via del Profumo
Via Indipendenza, 538
47854 Monte Colombo (Rn) Italy
Tel. + 39 0541 86 30 13
www.profumo.it
Skype: profumo.it
Blog
Forum

Bespoke Perfumes, A Course in Natural Perfumery – May 18 – 20, 2009 or September 14 - 16, 2009
Monte Colombo, Italy, April 10, 2009 - Making perfumes is easy. Not everyone who chooses to learn about scent will become a professional perfumer but anyone can make good perfumes.

AbdesSalaam Attar’s perfume course in Italy is ideal for those who want to discover the little-known world of olfactory psychology as well as for aspiring natural perfumers. You will compose perfumes and learn how scent links to mind, emotion and spirit. The course admits only 10 students – the intimate group size assures that each student gets a high level of personal attention.

Take this opportunity to expand your creative powers as you experience the rarest and most beautiful aromatic materials in the world including genuine ambergris, orris, tuberose and many other scents rarely found today in commercial perfumes.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Day One - Introduction to Bespoke Perfumery
Day One is dedicated to the discovery of scents and their meaning, to the ethics and philosophy of perfumery. In the morning, you will experience the animal scents, their story and meaning, understand pheromones and why they belong to perfumery. You will smell essential perfumery ingredients that constitute “archetypes” within the world of perfume. In the afternoon, you will discover the perfumer’s tools and learn how to use them. Every student will make a bespoke perfume for someone else. You will be amazed to see how easy it is to make wonderful perfumes using the proper method.

Day Two – Professional Perfumery
Day Two teaches the professional aspect of perfume making. The day is built upon practical exercises. In the morning, you will discover 14 new essences, learn how to smell, to "listen to the soul," to verbalize and categorize smells. In the afternoon, you will compose three perfumes in the manner of a professional perfumer, working from real requests from the market. Day two teaches the criteria and rules for building successful fragrances ranging from ambient fragrances, paper scenting aromas used in olfactory marketing and, of course, wearable personal perfumes.

Optional Third Day – Student-Driven Perfume Discovery
Students have the option to stay one more day following the structured two-day curriculum. The perfumer will make himself available for those who wish to delve more deeply into perfumery, clarify what they have learned so far during the course or discuss their personal projects with him. The optional day is at no extra charge.

LOCATION

The Germano Reale

The Germano Reale is a small country resort in the hills of the Italian Riviera, in the province of Emilia Romagna. Mario Batali, noted Italo-American chef, thinks that this province offers some of the best food in all of Italy, a bonus for your trip! It is easy to extend your stay for a fabulous Italian vacation, as Venice, Florence and Pisa are all within 3-4 hours by car.

DATES
May 18-19 with May 20 optional at no extra charge or September 14-15 with September 16 optional at no extra charge

PRICES

Course (Two days and optional third day): Euro 570 / US Dollars 748 (plus VAT for European students)

Lodging and Breakfast:
 For course participants traveling alone: You will enjoy a double room plus breakfast for the price of a single room – Euro 55 / US Dollars 72 per night
 For course participants traveling as a pair: If you come accompanied, the cost of the double room plus breakfast for two persons is Euro 85 / US Dollars 111 per night (US Dollars 55.50 per person)

Buffet lunch each day - Euro 15 / US Dollars 20 per person

Dinner each night at La Grepia restaurant Euro 20 / USD 26 per person

Based on information above, your per person daily costs above and beyond the course fee, for lodging and food, are: Euro 90 / USD 118 if you come alone and Euro 72.50 / USD 95 if you are accompanied.

LODGING RESERVATIONS
You may book your stay directly at the Germano Reale or ask us to book for you, once you have subscribed the course. Payment for the first night is required in advance, using Paypal or credit card. The advance is refundable until a week before the date of booking. You may complete your payment upon departure.

COURSE REGISTRATION
As the number of students is limited to ten, please register quickly. Your space will be reserved by advance payment of half the course fee, either by credit card on our bank secure server. You may complete your payment for the course at the end of the formal course on the second day.

TRAVEL
You can reach Rimini either by car, train or plane. We shall help you rent a car if you wish to arrive before the date or stay over a few days in Italy. Plane tickets direct from Stansead to Rimini by Ryanair are a very good bargain.

Since the course starts early Monday morning, May 18, 2009, plan to arrive in Rimini no later than Sunday, May 17 either by train at Rimini train station or by plane at Rimini Airport. Arrangements will be made to pick you up in Rimini and bring you to your staying place, 15 minutes by car from the city. You will be transported back to Rimini for your return travel.

LINKS FOR REGISTRATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION
Some good links for course information are here, but certainly contact us for help finding the information you seek. Just mail us at profumo@profumo.it, or call us either by phone (0039 0541 86 30 13) or by skype (Profumo.it)

Calendar

Register for the course

Book your Lodging

Place and logistics

Day one program
Day two program

Exclusive Sneak Preview of the Catalog for "Living Perfume - The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel"

2009-04-05T18:32:00.005-04:00

Click here to download an exclusive sneak preview of the beautifully-illustrated, historic catalog that accompanies the Living Perfume exhibit in New York City at the Henri Bendel store. Included is an essay by Mandy, the founder of the Natural Perfumers Guild, on how she built her collection of rare, antique perfumery materials and her philosophy about the creative art of natural perfumery.

Two Living Perfume Events with Natural Perfumers Guild founder Mandy Aftel in NYC Announced

2009-04-03T12:20:00.005-04:00

TWO LIVING PERFUME EVENTS:

Mandy Aftel will conduct an interactive workshop in solid perfume creation and also have a conversation with Rochelle Bloom of the Fragrance Foundation - with a demonstration of her chef's kit by Chef Todd English of Olives Restaurant.

An evening at The W Hotel – Union Square
FEATURING:

Rochelle Bloom & Mandy Aftel
IN CONVERSATION
NATURALS in Fragrance and Flavor

Brought To You By
Robertet
and
The Living Perfume Exhibit

Featuring a unique collaboration with
Todd English, Executive Chef and Restaurateur, Olives

Please plan to join us at the W Hotel as Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation, and Mandy Aftel, world-leading natural perfumer and head of Aftelier Perfumes, discuss NATURALS in Fragrance and Flavor.

This conversation will be accompanied by a delicious sensory presentation, as famed chef Todd English provides small bites using Aftelier Chef’s Essences as his inspiration. This event coincides with the opening of the exhibit Living Perfume: The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel at iconic retailer Henri Bendel, and is an opportunity to honor the work of The Fragrance Foundation.

Where: W Hotel, Union Square – 201 Park Avenue South, New York
When: April 23rd - 6 to 7:30PM
Ticketed Event – RSVP: Dru Sturgess 412-874-0293 or dru@sensoryrunway.com
$30 per person, payable at the door
Limited Tickets Available

ALSO:

An Interactive Workshop
with
Mandy Aftel

Brought To You By
Henri Bendel
and
The Living Perfume Exhibit

Join us for an interactive workshop with leading natural Perfumer - Mandy Aftel. Using the finest quality natural ingredients, Mandy will walk you through the process of creating your own unique solid perfume, which will be your gift from Mandy to enjoy.

Where: Henri Bendel, Concourse Level
When: April 22nd - 6 to 8 PM
RSVP: 212 904 7990

$100 booking fee, redeemable during the evening on any Aftelier purchase
Limited to 20 participants only.

Please be sure to mark these special events on your calendar.

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel Named One of Top Seven Bespoke Perfumers in the World

2009-03-27T17:32:00.004-04:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild is proud to announce that founder Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes has been ranked one of the Top Seven Bespoke Perfumers in the world by Forbes magazine. Click the link to view a slideshow of the seven named bespoke perfumers. Forbes is recognized as a leading financial magazine and has given the nod to Mandy, a pioneer in natural perfumery, placing her bespoke products alongside those of Guerlain and other corporate perfume houses.

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel's Living Perfume Exhibit - New York - April 18 - May 11, 2009

2009-03-20T15:25:00.004-04:00

Living Perfume - An Interactive Exhibit Showcasing the work of
natural perfumer Mandy Aftel

Henri Bendel, the iconic New York retailer announced that it will hold an exhibit Living Perfume: The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel April 18 – May 11, 2009, featuring the perfume, the craft, and the collection of leading natural perfumer, Mandy Aftel. Henri Bendel is the exclusive retailer of Aftel’s Aftelier line of hand-blended scents which are created from the world’s finest natural ingredients.

This interactive and historic exhibit will showcase the extraordinary materials that bring to life the art and science of natural perfume. It will be created and installed using the responsible design principles of sustainable materials and eco-friendly sourcing, and draw its inspiration from the natural world where natural fragrance originates.

"It is rare to have the opportunity to usher in a new art form, especially one that embodies such great beauty. We consider Aftelier to be the leader in natural perfume and are excited about sharing it with our customers through this historic exhibit" states Claudia Lucas, Senior Vice President of Beauty & Gifts for Henri Bendel.

The recipient of the Sense of Smell Institute’s Richard B. Solomon Award, Mandy Aftel stands in the threshold of a new art form – her beautiful collection is based on the ancient art of blending aromatics and essential oils with a new exploration into the art, science, and meaning of natural perfume.

“As potent as it can be, however, smell is the most neglected of our senses. Rational precepts and the industrial age have separated our minds, bodies and spirits, and further separated us from nature. Natural Perfume, created from natural materials and aromatics is multi-layered phenomenon: In a breath, we are able to reconnect with the natural world and ourselves in new and profound ways.” said Aftel.

Living Perfume: The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel exhibit is dedicated to the sense of smell, aromatics, and the art of natural perfume, with interactive learning opportunities for the public. The Exhibit will feature Aftel’s body of work: her perfumes and oils, her research and writings, her personal library of rare books, graphics, and artifacts - to offer a unique and foundational view of this world.

Shown below is a drawing of the entrance to the exhibit,
featuring botanical and animal images.

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Jeanne Rose to Teach Distillation Class in Napa

2009-03-09T10:54:00.003-04:00

Class date: May 23, 2009

Distillation of Rose.

We will meet at a beautiful Napa Ranch where dozens of Kazanlik Roses grow. We will learn to pick, and distill the Rose for perfect hydrosol and essential oil. A rare opportunity to see and work with the real old Rose used for hundreds of years for its magical romantic scent.

You will learn to distill from a copper 5-gallon home size stove-stop still. Have fun and learn something new. (This is the beginning of the Memorial Day Weekend so if you are coming book your accommodations early)

This is with Jeanne Rose and is not yet on the calendar. Please call 415-564-6785 to enroll.
Starts at 10-2 or until 3. $175.00 http://www.jeannerose.net/calendar.html

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate, Author Avery Gilbert, Nominated for a Los Angeles Times 2008 Book Prize

2009-03-02T17:48:00.005-05:00

The Los Angeles Times today announced the nominees for its 2008 Book Prizes, and the Natural Perfumers Guild is pleased to share the news that Guild Associate, author Avery Gilbert has been nominated in the Science & Technology category for What the Nose Knows: The Science of Scent in Everyday Life.

Prize winners will be revealed on April 24th at an exclusive, invitation-only ceremony at The Times’ Chandler Auditorium. The event leads-off the 14th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, one of the nation’s premier public literary festivals and the largest of its kind on the West Coast, April 25-26 on the UCLA campus.

To read a review of What the Nose Knows by Guild President Anya McCoy, please visit Basenotes. The book may be purchased online at Amazon (where it is also available as a Kindle book) and other online and retail stores.

Natural Perfumers Guild President Anya McCoy Reviews Roja Dove's book "The Essence of Perfume"

2009-02-16T18:08:00.003-05:00

Natural Perfumers Guild President Anya McCoy's review of Roja Dove's book "The Essence of Perfume" has been published on Basenotes.

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Jeanne Rose Offering Natural Perfumery Classes

2009-02-15T10:59:00.002-05:00

NATURAL PERFUMERY CLASSES STARTING IN FEBRUARY 2009

In February, 2009, Jeanne Rose will begin her series of classes,
starting with Botanical Blending and proceeding to the
intricacies of Natural Botanical Perfumery.Following that will be an Herbal/Spa/Skin Class
and others. A free class for participants will follow  in June to discuss your perfumes.
415-564-6785. We accept all major credit cards. e-mail info@jeannerose.net
*******


FEBRUARY 28-29-March 1, 2009. SAN FRANCISCO, CA. PROFESSIONAL BLENDING OF ESSENTIAL OILS. [ for Natural Perfumery Enthusiasts, Massage/SPA Technicians and
anyone interested] This workshop is to be a Seminar for Blending
Essential Oils (EOs) for therapeutic purposes and for perfumery. The
workshop is an important step to any one interested in blending
essential oils for therapeutic healing either emotional or physical;
for perfumery or for making your own products. At Jeanne Rose house in
San Francisco, the House of Aromatic Wonders. $425. [Enrollment limited to 10]

****
March 13-15, 2009. SAN FRANCISCO, CA. NATURAL PERFUMERY AND EXOTICS. Part I Make perfumery skills with a systematic and logical progression
from the basics of measurement to the sophistication of complex
perfumery. Learn the nuances and olfactory nuance of 150  exotic essential oils,
absolutes, waxes, concretes, alcohols and carrier oils. Work hands-on
In San Francisco at the House of Aromatic Wonders. San Francisco, CA 94117. PIF - $450
[Enrollment limited to 8-10]

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield of Cropwatch Challenges Thesis on Oxidation of Essential Oils

2009-02-08T14:12:00.003-05:00

The Natural Perfumers Guild Endorses this paper by Cropwatch

The Trouble With Theories About The Oxidation of Essential Oils.
by Tony Burfield Feb 2009.

Judging by the response from Cropwatch supporters, many of you may have already read about a doctoral thesis and remarks made by Lina Hagvall, distributed via the cosmetics trade press. Many professionals have found the reported remarks condescending, as we are well aware and may have a wider understanding of the context of oxidized aroma materials than the source of the remarks. But I digress.

Thethesis in question is entitled “Formation of skin sensitizers from fragrance terpenes via oxidative activation routes: Chemical analysis, structure elucidation”, and Katie Bird (Bird 2009) recently covered the storyfor Cosmetics Design Europe, although, as with any news knocking natural products, the article is being very widely circulated on websites dealing with health interest and other matters. Many of us have found the
Bird-penned article makes for confusing reading: for example what is ‘geraniol oil’? A better recourse is maybe to download the thesis itself from the University of Gothenburg website at http://gupea.ub.gu.se/dspace/handle/2077/18951

You will then be able to gather that the thesis is primarily concerned with the consideration of substances without contact allergenic properties, but which can be activated either via autoxidation in contact with air, or via cutaneous metabolism, to reactive products which can cause contact allergy. Primarily the study looks a five published articles for which the author has had a major involvement, studying the oxidation of geraniol, geranial (a conformational isomer of citral), linalool, linalyl acetate & lavender oil. For convenience these articles are referenced below (Hagvall et al. 2007; Hagvall et al. undated; Hagvall et al. 2008; Skold et al.2008; Hagvall et al. 2008a).

If I were one of Hagvall’s invigilators, I would have insisted on a re-write of a number of parts of the thesis, where the science as presented is dubious, incomplete or, most importantly, does not present an accurate overview of the topic. Some knowledge of industrial practices would have aided its general acceptability as well, and a collection of these points will constitute a future article from this author.

Overall this author is not saying that the elucidation of underlying mechanisms whereby oxidized essential oils, which may be the cause of type IV allergy and acute contact dermatitis, is not important. But an overview to enable to put this work in perspective is importantly missing. Further, the mention of Axel Schnuch’s work (Schnuch et al. 2007) is selective, and a major omission to include the toxicological reviews of Hostyneck & Maibach’s on geraniol & linalool (Hostyneck & Maibach 2007a; Hostyneck & Maibach) is almost unforgivable, however inconvenient their conclusions to Hagvall’s work. The reader is thus left to form his/her own independent opinion on the relevance of the study, especially against a background of an
increasing number of published studies on the anti-oxidative properties of essential oils, the declining concentrations & use of essential oils in fragrances generally, the use of cold-storage & nitrogen-blanketing
(amongst other measures) to prevent the oxidative deterioration of stored essential oil and natural isolate ingredients, and the addition of anti-oxidants, UV-filters and stabilizers to finished fragrances & cosmetics
to extend shelf-life

One is also tempted to mention that a major contributor to the cost of the studies was RIFM, a primary instigator to the culture of toxicological imperialism which has overtaken the regulation of cosmetics/fragrances in the West.

How does this thesis change anything? The lack of evidence of a clear cause-effect relationship between geraniol and linalool and cases of allergic contact dermatitis has been previously emphasized by Hostyneck & Maibach (2004 & 2008), and Cropwatch would guess from its’ own experience that adverse end-user
effects would tend to support the same conclusion for lavender oil. Hostyneck & Maibach (2008) also comment on the relative stability of linalool, its low oxidation rate kinetics and speculate negatively about how
readily linalool would oxidize in fragrances & cosmetics, as well as low consumer exposure levels to the ingredients. Great store seems to have been put on the Hagvall thesis by IFRA/RIFM juggernaut, but considering the importance of the sensitiser issue to the perfumery trade, and its impact on the use of
natural ingredients in perfumery, the sponsoring of just one researcher to look (mainly) at the oxidation of geraniol & lavender oil seems an exceptionally disproportionate response to the problem.

Unless of course you believe that RIFM sees the future of perfumery as entirely synthetic.

Cropwatch is trying to work towards the sponsorship of toxicological research which emphasises a risk/benefit approach towards the elucidation of the safety of natural products - otherwise we will all drown in a sea of over-cautious toxicological negativity, which, it is becoming clear, has little relevance in terms of safety risks presented to the general public from natural-product containing products.

References.
Bird K. (2009) “Essential oils can become allergens on contact with air and skin, says researcher.” Cosmetics-Design Europe 5th Feb 2009.

Hagvall L. (2009) “Formation of skin sensitizers from fragrance terpenes via oxidative activation routes: Chemical analysis, structure elucidation.” PhD Thesis University of Gothenberg. Hagvall L., Bäcktorp C., Svensson S., Nyman

G., Börje A. & Karlberg A-T. (2007)“Fragrance Compound Geraniol Forms Contact Allergens on Air Exposure. Identification and Quantification of Oxidation Products and Effect on Skin Sensitization.” Chem.
Res.Toxicol. 20, 807-814.

Hagvall L., Börje A. & Karlberg A-T. (date unknown) “Autoxidation of Geranial.” (Unpublished?) Manuscript.

Hagvall L., Baron J. M., Börje A., Weidolf L., Merk H. & Karlberg A-T (2008) “Cytochrome P450
mediated activation of the fragrance compound geraniol forms potent contact allergens.”
Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 233, 308-313.

Hagvall L., Sköld M., Bråred-Christensson J., Börje A. & Karlberg, A.T. (2008a) “Lavender Oil Lacks Natural Protection Against Autoxidation, Forming Strong Contact Allergens on Air Exposure.” Contact Dermatitis 59,
143-150.

Hostyneck J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2004) “Is there evidence that geraniol causes allergic contact dermatitis?” Exogenous Dermatology 3(6), 318-331.

Hostyneck J.J. & Maibach H.I. (2008) “Allergic contact dermatitis to linalool.” Perf. & Flav. 33 (July 2008), 52-56.

Schnuch A., Uter W., Geier J, Lessmann H. & Frosch PJ. (2007) "Sensitization to 26 fragrances to be labelled according to current European regulation. Results of the IVDK and review of the literature." Contact Dermatitis 57(1), 1-10.

Sköld M., Hagvall L. & Karlberg A-T (2008).”Autoxidation of linalyl acetate, the main component of lavender oil, creates potent contact allergens.” Contact Dermatitis 58, 9-14.

Natural Perfumers Guild member Emma Leah of Fleurage interviewed on Perfume Smelling Things blog

2009-02-05T09:19:00.004-05:00

From her Art Deco salon Fleurage in Melbourne, Australia, Emma Leah of Fleurage Pty Ltd perfumery shares her thoughts on botanical aromatics, creating custom perfumes and much more - on Perfume Smelling Things blog.

Sniffapalooza Magazine Interview with Natural Perfumers Guild Member Lisa Fong of Artemisia Natural Perfumes

2009-01-30T14:02:00.007-05:00

Lisa Fong, Natural Perfumer and Charter Member of the Natural Perfumers Guild, is featured in the latest issue of Sniffapalooza Magazine, dated Feb 1, 2009, the Valentine Issue. Lisa chats about her artisan perfume company, Artemisia Natural Perfume and her artistic and philosophical approach to using rare and beautiful natural aromatics to create liquid art.

The FDA Globalization Act of 2009 HR 759 will be released to the public today Jan 30, 2009

2009-01-30T10:58:00.004-05:00

Click here to read or download a copy of HR 759, the FDA Globalization Act of 2009

The FDA Globalization Act of 2008, which died in committee in December was expected to be introduced this year modified and it's here, much earlier than expected. On Tuesday I called Rep. Janet Schakowsky's office because it had been reported earlier that she might be the one to reintroduce the bill. Her rep said it was "unclear" at this time if she would. Well, the next day, in true DC confabulation, it was introduced by Rep. Charles Dingell (DemMI) (the original author of the 2008 bill) and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (DemNJ) as the FDA Globalization Act of 2009 HR 759.

Until the bill is released on the internet today for close examination, a cursory look indicates that they may have backed off on the high fees and registration hurdles (more fees) that they were aiming at us, the little guys of the cosmetics industry. This is what is gleaned from the press release, but I'm holding off until I read the entire bill.

However, in light of the recent peanut butter salmonella scandal, the timing is perfect for a real crackdown on the food industry. Diana Kaye of Terressentials and I recently gathered a number of volunteers and we're working to put together a campaign on the onerous, business-busting fees that are expected. A minimum fee of $10,000 is targeted at anyone who makes food - that includes the artisan bread makers, cheese makers, jam and jelly folks who sell at Farmers Markets and via tiny shops and the internet.

Even if we in the cosmetics industry are off the hook, we'll going forward with our team to work with the foodie industry artisans because as the old saying goes: United we stand, divided we fall.

So our guard is *not* down - I'll keep everyone posted, and I encourage you to follow me on Facebook and also Twitter.

Eden Botanicals Joins the Natural Perfumers Guild as a Supplier

2009-01-28T12:31:00.010-05:00

Eden Botanicals, one of the most respected suppliers of natural aromatics, has joined the Natural Perfumers Guild. For many years both aromatherapists, perfumers and others in the aromatic arts have learned to turn to Eden Botanicals for the highest quality raw materials, whether it be concretes, absolutes, essential oils, CO2 extracts or gums and resins. Founded in 1985, the company originally imported and compounded crystalline amber resins and gained a worldwide reputation as a premier site for these scented products.

When Will Lapaz bought Eden Botanicals in 1999, he branched out into sourcing essential oils for the aromatherapy community, and in response to the growing natural perfumery art, brought in both the common and the exceptionally rare essences demanded for that community. An active participant on the Yahoo Natural Perfumery group, Will proved to be a generous and knowledgeable participant, sharing his vast knowledge of the botanical world with natural perfumers.

Eden Botanicals also carries carrier oils, rosewood or soapstone boxes, glass bottles, pipettes and more to service the perfumery and aromatherapy communities. Amber essence for soapmaking is also offered on the website, along with detailed descriptions for usage.

Guild President Anya McCoy has expressed such faith in Will's ability to source exquisite aromatics and provide great service that she has frequently purchased without sampling first - something practically unheard of in natural perfumery. Eden Botanicals ships worldwide and provides near-wholesale prices to the retail customer. A toll-free number is available for US residents to contact Eden Botanicals.

Energy and Commerce Committee to US Artisans: Drop Dead

2009-01-20T19:41:00.001-05:00

Got your attention? Too bad we all weren't paying attention to the US Energy and Commerce Committee.

Sell handmade toys, children's clothing or any child-oriented item in your shop?
Have some handmade children's toys, clothing or bath or body product you want to donate to a shelter?
Perhaps you want to give some handmade cradle or bassinet away to your best friend.

Forget it.

Come February 10th, you have to:

Empty your shop of the toys, forget about donations, and don't give them away - you might as well send them to the dump. The landfills across America should be full of handmade children's products in the coming months.

Why?

The U.S. Energy and Commerce Committee, the same group that attempted to pass the small-business-killing FDA Globalization Act last year, passed the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act in August. Quietly, sneakily, this bill was passed into law and is just now becoming evident for what it is - the death knell for any handmade artisan product for children.

We're in the early stages of launching a website that will be the home of artisan associations united to fight this Draconian Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the coming revival of the FDA Globalization Act. Membership will be free, and open to all American artisan associations, bringing under our umbrella those who craft bread, chocolate, beer, toys, clothing, wine, bath and body products, cheese - well, you get the idea. I believe we have some innovative and powerful campaigns planned, and I will post more here when we move forward.

We have both a PR and legislative contact campaign planned for both the short term and long term goals - to fight this committee, and any other that attempts to put small businesses into bankruptcy. The CPSIA will be a hard battle, since it's already law. Just think about it - no more crocheted hats from the local store for your baby, no more wooden toys from the woodmaker on that country road. They'll be outlawed February 10, 2009, and any business selling them will be closed down.

It's a horrifying state of Big Brother and we have to take this into our own hands at a grassroots level and organize and fight.

Here's some more information, originally published by Forbes magazine.

January 16 -- "Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act is now shaping up as a calamity for businesses and an epic failure of regulation"

"Congress passed CPSIA in a frenzy of self-congratulation following last year's overblown panic over Chinese toys with lead paint. Washington's consumer and environmentalist lobbies used the occasion to tack on some other long-sought legislative goals, including a ban on phthalates used to soften plastic.

"A group called Handmade Toy Alliance is calling attention to the law's burdens in that area. Booksellers are mobilizing. Yet prominent consumer groups have continued to defend even the law's more extreme applications, and their spokespersons are dismissive of public outrage. 'I haven't heard a single legitimate concern yet,' Public Citizen's David Arkush wrote last month.

"Instead they must put a sample item from each lot of goods through testing after complete assembly, and the testing must be applied to each component. For a given hand-knitted sweater, for example, one might have to pay not just, say, $150 for the first test, but added-on charges for each component beyond the first: a button or snap, yarn of a second color, a care label, maybe a ribbon or stitching--with each color of stitching thread having to be tested separately.

"Suddenly the bill is more like $1,000--and that's just to test the one style and size. The same sweater in a larger size, or with a different button or clasp, would need a new round of tests--not just on the button or clasp, but on the whole garment. The maker of a kids' telescope (with no suspected problems) was quoted a $24,000 testing estimate, on a product with only $32,000 in annual sales."

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End of the Forbes excerpt. Any members of artisan associations reading this, please contact me via the form on my website.

I've written extensively in the past about the business-killing measures that IFRA, the EU and Global Harmonization pose to the Natural Perfumers Guild and small businesses that produce bath and body products. The new organization will work to push back the rising tide of government regulations that threaten to destroy our small, independent businesses.

Image from Hillary Lang on Flickr.

The Natural Perfumers Guild

Love the Guild - membership event now through February 14th

The Natural Perfumers Guild Welcomes French Natural Perfume House Honoré des Prés and Nose Olivia Giacobetti as Professional Perfumer

Blog Updates for Anya's Garden Natural Perfumery Institute - now at Anya's Garden blog

Innovative Perfumery Raw Materials Supplier Ecomaat of Bulgaria has joined the Natural Perfumers Guild

Natural Perfumers Guild deal: Liability Insurance for the Bath and Beauty Microbusiness Community

Giveaway drawing and 20% off Natural Perfumers Guild membership through February 14th, 2010

Outlaw Perfume Project - A Natural Perfumers Guild Artistic Statement

A Perfumer's Dream: Arctander's Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin 35% off through Nov. 15

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumer AbdesSalaam Attar giving away three 50-ml bottles of Mecca Balsam

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumer AbdesSalaam Attar to participate in "live democratic blog"

Contribute to the Lobbying Effort to Defeat the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010 - SCA2010

http://www.soapguild.org/industry/leg-advocacy.php

The Natural Perfumers Guild is Opposed to the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2010

The Safe Cosmetics Act 2010

Cropwatch: The Role of Risk Aversion in the Decline of the Perfumery Art - presented at the World Perfumery Congress, 2010

The Mystery of Musk - A Natural Perfumers Guild Project

Liability Insurance for the Bath and Beauty Microbusiness Community

Transcript of Tony Burfield's Presentation on "Is Excessive Regulation Destroying the Perfumery Art?"

Part I – Perceived Problems with Fragrance Safety Legislation & Safety ‘Experts’.

Safety Issues in the Aroma Business.

The ‘Zero Risk Mindset’.

So How Dangerous is it to go Outside…?

Nature: Presents More Hazards than Using Fragranced Products?

REACH.

The Basis of REACH challenged

The importance of natural aromatic ingredients.

A Timid Industry.

Shortcomings of the EU Cosmetic Commission’s H&S Policies.

A Lack of Cross-Disciplinary Expertise..

..and a Lack of Ecological Awareness..

Media Bad Science on Naturals – an Example.

Bad Science on Naturals in Peer-Reviewed Journals – An Example.

Part 2. The Mis-regulation of Natural Ingredients – some Examples

Destroying the very foundations of perfumery.

Public Objections to ‘Safe’ Reformulations of Classic Perfumes.

Natural Ingredient Usage Declines.

The ‘Weak Animal Carcinogens’ Issue.

Some Inconvenient Classifications.

Legislation-Compliant Ingredients?

‘Allergic’ Fragrance Ingredients.

The Tea Tree Oil (TTO) Debacle

Vanillin

Coumarin

Other Fragrance Ingredients with Questionable Restrictions.

References.

Acronyms.

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Avery Gilbert to Speak at Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield - Powerpoint of talk to British Society of Perfumers; Predicts move of perfumery out of the West due to Excessive Regulations

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield of Cropwatch to Speak at the British Society of Perfumers Symposium Oxford, UK, March 11, 2010

New Natural Perfumers Guild member Judi Leake is the Winner of the Steffen Arctander CD!

Liability Insurance for the Bath and Beauty Microbusiness Community

Giveaway drawing and 20% off Natural Perfumers Guild membership through February 14th, 2010

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Tony Burfield of Cropwatch to Speak at World Perfumery Congress, Grasse, France

Natural Perfumers Guild Perfumer Lisa Fong Announces Redesigned website, 20% off sale

Natural Perfumers Guild Supplier Aromawear hosting fragrance party in New York City

Natural Perfumers Guild Suppliers Aromahead Institute Offering Component Blending Class in Aromatherapy

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel: Events in NYC in January

Natural Perfumers Guild members featured in series on Niche Perfumers Fall/Winter scents

The Evil Stepmother and the Father Who Will Not See - the FDA/GMP is out to perpetuate the eternal scenario

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel featured in "Where Women Create"

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Avery Gilbert Interviewed by Katie Puckrik on youtube

Natural Perfumers Guild Associate Celia Lyttelton Interviewed on Rick Steves Radio Show on her book "The Scent Trail"

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel Marries her longtime beau Foster

Natural Perfumers Guild Member Jeanne Rose - Blending and Perfumery Classes

Another Great Giveaway - Join the Natural Perfumers Guild for a chance to win the $900 Arctander CD, *the* Main Reference for Perfume and Fragrance

Natural Perfumers Guild Member Saponifier - September/October Issue

Natural Perfumers Guild member's book reviewed on Perfume Shrine

Natural Perfumers Guild member Allured Business Media offering 20% off books

The Natural Perfumers Guild Welcomes New Supplier Member Essentially Me of the UK

A Lovely New Book for Artisan Perfumers - Artisan Perfumery by Alec Lawless

Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel to Speak at New York Botanical Garden on Perfumed Teas

Julia Lawless' Aqua Oleum joins the Natural Perfumers Guild

Natural Perfumers Guild member Lisa Fong to Exhibit at Blunda in Los Angeles

The Natural Perfumers Guild Winner of the Steffen Arctander CD is Ilaine Upton of Virginia, USA

Reminder: Natural Perfumers Guild Supplier Allured Business Media Offers 30% off all books Through June 30, 2009

30% discount off any book published by Allured Books through June 30th!

30% off any Allured Publishing Media book through June 30th

New Members - The Natural Perfumers Guild Will Celebrate Beginning Its Fourth Year on June 1st with a Chance to Win the Arctander CD worth $900

Only one week remains to see Mandy Aftel's "Living Perfume" exhibit at Bendels in NYC

Another Great Giveaway - Join the Natural Perfumers Guild for a chance to win the $900 Arctander CD, the Main Reference for Perfume and Fragrance