The Origins
Did you know fragrance has its roots in ancient times? The word 'perfume' itself comes from the Latin 'per fumus' meaning 'through smoke'. Let's go back to circa 3300–1300 BC.
Ancient Egypt & Rome
The Ancient Egyptians were the real MVPs in perfume's history. They used olive oil based scents made with natural plant extracts in religious rituals to honor their gods, and Pharaohs were even buried with perfumes for their journey to the afterlife. Ancient Romans weren't far behind, using fragrances in daily life & public baths.
Middle Ages & Renaissance
Perfumes took a hit during the Middle Ages, with religious authorities deeming them sinful. But thanks to the Renaissance, fragrances made a comeback in Europe! Now using high proof alcohol as a base rather than traditional olive oil, which allowed for a louder projection.
19th Century Industrialization
The 19th century brought about a fragrance revolution with the rise of synthetic compounds. As a result, perfume became widely accessible, no longer limited to the elites. While some synthetic compounds proved to be less allergenic than their natural counterparts, others posed negative long term health effects on consumers and the planet.
Modern Fragrance
Today, fragrance is everywhere ~ from personal perfumes to shampoos, body washes, and lotions. The industry now commonly uses 'denatured alcohol', a mix of alcohol and toxic additives to discourage drinking. A growing number of ingredients are being sourced from synthetic compounds to cut costs and boost profits.
Conclusion
While the evolution of fragrance represents a blend of creativity, enthusiasm, and the universal longing to stir emotions, it's concurrently morphing into a competition for minimizing expenses and maximizing returns, potentially jeopardizing human health. This historical evolution of fragrance should inspire a more discerning and mindful use of our beloved scents.