White Paper

Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrances in the Spa and Wellness Sector

A Differentiated View Considering Sustainability, Compatibility and Fragrance Effect

Executive Summary

Natural fragrances impress with their authentic effect, but pose risks such as allergens and sustainability problems. Synthetic fragrances offer controllability, consistency and freedom from allergens, but are sometimes considered “artificial”. For spa operators, a differentiated selection is crucial - depending on the application and target group. This white paper provides practical decision-making aids.

Fragrances are key design elements in spa and wellness facilities. This white paper highlights the opportunities and challenges of natural and synthetic fragrances - with a focus on sustainability, allergy compatibility and practical applications in everyday spa life. The aim is to create a sound basis for decision-making for operators and planners.

Fragrances as a Design Element in the Spa Experience

Fragrances have always been closely linked to human well-being. They influence mood, memory, behavior, and our subjective perception of space. In spas and wellness environments, they are key components of the atmosphere and significantly contribute to the brand experience and identity of a facility. As awareness grows around health, sustainability, and ethical production practices, questions surrounding the origin and quality of used fragrance materials become increasingly important. 

While natural fragrances have long been considered the epitome of purity and authenticity, synthetic fragrances are now experiencing a resurgence—primarily due to their controlled composition, greater stability, and lower allergenic potential. This white paper explores the differences, synergies, and challenges of both fragrance types and provides guidance for their professional use in spa and wellness settings.

1. Fragrances in Spas – More Than Just a Pleasant Scent

Fragrances in spas affect more than just the sense of smell. They trigger deeply rooted associations, can calm, stimulate, evoke memories, or even promote healing. In various applications—from steam baths to aromatherapy—specific scent profiles are used intentionally to achieve desired physiological or psychological effects.

However, not every fragrance is suitable for every guest.
Our preferences for certain scents are not universal—they are deeply influenced by our cultural background, religious traditions, and the social environments in which we grow up. What one culture may consider calming or pleasant might be perceived as intense or even unpleasant in another.
For example, resinous or spicy notes might feel heavy or unfamiliar to Western audiences, while in Middle Eastern or South Asian contexts, they are closely tied to rituals, comfort, and spiritual meaning. Religious practices such as the use of frankincense or myrrh during ceremonies can also leave a lasting imprint on olfactory memory.
In addition to these cultural and psychological factors, allergies, ethical considerations, and environmental concerns now demand a sensitive and informed approach to fragrance selection.

2. Natural Fragrances – Origins, Benefits, and Limitations

2.1 What Are Natural Fragrances?

Natural fragrances are obtained through physical or chemical processes (e.g., steam distillation, cold pressing, extraction) from plants, woods, resins, or fruits. They typically consist of complex blends of various aromatic molecules, which together form a distinctive scent.

2.2 Benefits of Natural Fragrances

• Complexity & Authenticity: Natural substances offer exceptional olfactory depth that is difficult to replicate synthetically. They are perceived as "lively" and tend to vary slightly—an appreciated trait in aromatherapy.
• Positive Associations: Natural fragrances are often linked with health, purity, nature, or even healing—especially in holistic spa concepts.
• Tangible Origin: With transparent sourcing, natural fragrances can reflect a spa's regional identity and philosophy—e.g., local herbal extracts in an alpine wellness retreat.

2.3 Challenges of Natural Fragrances

• Regulatory Restrictions: According to current UN guidelines, the use of essential oils of animal origin is now generally prohibited. This regulation has been in place for approximately three to four years and aims to protect endangered animal species and global biodiversity.
• Allergy Risks: Many plant-based essences contain potentially allergenic compounds such as limonene, linalool, or eugenol. These are often listed in INCI declarations and may cause issues for individuals with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions.
• Quality Variations: Climate, harvest timing, and soil conditions influence fragrance profiles. For spa operators, this means that one batch of lavender oil may not smell identical to another.
• Scarcity & Sustainability: Some raw materials are problematic due to conservation or environmental concerns.
  Examples:
• Sandalwood: Particularly Indian sandalwood is endangered; it grows slowly and global demand is high.

3. Synthetic Fragrances – Precision, Control, and Modern Possibilities

3.1 What Are Synthetic Fragrances?

Synthetic fragrances are created in laboratories to deliberately produce specific aromatic molecules—either by replicating natural templates or by designing entirely new scent profiles. Their composition, intensity, longevity, and chemical properties can be precisely controlled.

3.2 Benefits of Synthetic Fragrances

• Allergen Management: Synthetic fragrances can be formulated to exclude known allergens, making them particularly attractive in public wellness facilities and for sensitive individuals.
• Consistent Quality: Unlike natural substances, synthetic fragrances maintain a consistent scent profile over time—essential for brand-compliant scent design or serialized products.
• Resource Conservation: By replicating rare materials synthetically, endangered natural resources can be preserved—e.g., synthetic musk or ambroxide instead of natural ambergris.
• Cost & Logistics: Lower fluctuations in availability, pricing, and transportation facilitate planning and product development.

3.3 Challenges of Synthetic Fragrances

• Artificial Perception: Depending on formulation and context, some people perceive synthetic scents as "chemical" or overly simplistic—especially in nature-oriented spa settings.
• Environmental Concerns: Certain synthetic molecules are difficult to break down in nature or may accumulate in living organisms. Careful selection is critical.
• Limited Scent Depth: Despite scientific advancements, synthetic monomolecules often lack the olfactory complexity of natural compositions.

4. Practical Guidelines for Spa Use
4.1 Application Types

• Steam Baths & Experience Showers: High scent intensity and technical stability are crucial here—synthetic fragrances may be a good choice when temperature and humidity resistance are required.
• Massage & Aromatherapy: In direct skin applications, guests often prefer natural scents. Note: The term “organic” is not legally protected. Many essential oils are labeled as “certified organic” or “with documented origin”, even though such certifications often hold little objective value. Manufacturers and sellers frequently tailor these claims to market demand, not to rigorously verified standards. Claims like “organic” or “natural” should always be critically evaluated
• Inhalation Rooms & Medically Oriented Treatments: Compatibility is key here—low-allergen synthetic fragrances or well-tolerated natural options with verified purity are ideal.
• Ambient Scenting & Room Fragrance: A blend of nature-identical and natural fragrances can offer a balanced solution: authentic aroma with stable performance.

4.2 Target Group Considerations

• Health-Conscious Guests: This group values transparency, origin, and compatibility—low-allergen compositions, regardless of their source, are appreciated.
• Sustainability-Minded Guests: Natural products are welcome—but only if harvested responsibly. Terms like “bio-based sources” should be viewed critically: they lack clear legal definitions and are often used for marketing rather than substance.
• Brand-Focused and Design-Driven Spas: For a consistent olfactory identity across multiple locations, synthetic fragrances are often the only viable option.

5. Embracing Diversity with Intentionality

Natural and synthetic fragrances are not adversaries—they are tools with distinct strengths. Choosing the right fragrance depends on the specific application, guest expectations, health considerations, and brand values.

A professional spa benefits from a differentiated approach to both fragrance types through:

• Deep understanding of scent effects,
  
• Transparent guest communication, 
  
• Conscious consideration of sustainability, safety, and sensory quality.  
  

The spa of the future isn’t dogmatic—it’s informed.