We are hosting a local All-Natural Perfume Party on 2/8! Details can be found on our Events page.

FAQ + Safety

Q: Are your fragrances natural?
A: Our LARO line is 100% all-natural, no synthetics whatsoever. Our LAROMATICA line is Mixed-Media which means it incorporates natural botanical ingredients with some synthetics. 

Q: What is an all-natural fragrance?
A: An all-natural fragrance is a fragrance created using only all-natural ingredients such as essential oils, absolutes, CO2s, resins, tinctures and concretes. These ingredients are usually steam-distilled, solvent-extracted, carbon dioxide-extracted. Tincturing, maceration and enfleurage are more natural extraction methods. More information on extraction methods can be found here.

Q: Are your perfumes vegan?
A: All of our perfumes are vegan. We had used beeswax absolute in our Chanson fragrance in the past but we have removed it to maintain vegan standards. 

Q: Do you test on animals?
A: Of course not! We are not a laboratory, we're a small artisan perfume studio. We don't mass-produce or manufacture any of our fragrances. We strongly support animal rights.

Q: What is your sillage?
A: Our parfum extraits wear close to the skin when applied to the pulse points. Our eau de toilettes may project further if sprayed on hair and clothing as well as on the skin.

Q: How concentrated are your fragrances?
A: We produce moderately-concentrated perfumes. We believe a perfume should be experienced when someone comes into your aura, not smelled from yards away. Our concentration allows the freedom of controlling the strength. How subtle or strong the scent projects on you depends on how much you put on and how it reacts with your body chemistry.

Q: What is the shelf-life of your fragrances?
A: If kept away from sunlight, temperature fluctuations and moisture, our fragrances can last up to 2-3 years. All-natural perfumes can last much longer and age beautifully.

Q: Why does this fragrance look different in color compared to the last one I ordered?
A: In our quest to source the best ingredients, we sometimes upgrade from a basic essential oil to a CO2, SCO2 or absolute. Basic essential oils are extracted through steam distillation and yield a light, watery oil that is more suitable for aromatherapy than for perfumery. CO2s, SCO2s and absolutes are richer, thicker, more viscous oils that are higher quality and better for perfumery. A basic example would be to compare cinnamon essential oil to cinnamon CO2. The essential oil smells sharp and medicinal whereas the CO2 smells like fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.

Sometimes the difference in color has to do with the essential oil supplier. Occasionally, a batch of essential oils will be different than the last batch due to the nature of the extraction process. A distillery that produces essential oil cannot promise consistency due to the process in which essential oils are harvested and distilled. Sometimes a growing season will differ from one year to another due to weather conditions, while other times it might have to do with slight differences in the distillation machinery. All of these factors affect a plant's unique molecular structure. Only chemical ingredients are consistent year after year because they are made using synthetic isolated molecules. Science is neat, huh?

Q: Where do you source your ingredients?
A: We order natural raw materials from several West Coast companies that share our philosophy. We also make our own tinctures from organic herbs and plants found in our garden.

Q: Do you make custom fragrances?
A: Yes, we do! Please send us a message for more information.

SAFETY
Please keep all fragrances out of reach of children. Eau de toilettes contain alcohol which is flammable. For sensitive skin, please conduct a patch test before using. If there is redness or irritation, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Because natural fragrances have a high essential oil content, there are a few things about essential oils that need to be understood:



Allergies/Irritation
Spice oils can be irritating on the skin. We dilute all spice oils but people with sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction.

Photo-Sensitization
Citrus oils may be photo-sensitizing, meaning, if you wear a fragrance containing citrus oils in the sun, your skin may become more sensitive to UV rays. It is not recommended to wear any fragrance in strong sunlight. Apply perfume to pulse points or areas not in contact with direct sunlight.

Pregnancy
Pregnant women should consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to wearing fragrances which contain essential oils. Certain essential oils may have hormone-like effects on the body and it is best to avoid all contact with essential oils in the first trimester.

Attention:  Aromatherapy is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure or treat any condition or illness. Aromatherapy is not meant to replace normal treatment prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Always seek the advice of a medical professional before changing or discontinuing any prescribed treatment.