Scent. Psychologists have proved the positive effect of pleasant fragrances upon our sense of wellbeing and let’s be honest, life without the heady perfume of spring flowers or the warm spicy notes of a cinnamon pastry would be unbearable. Of all our senses, the one most closely linked with memory is smell, which explains the happiness that floods us when we catch a whiff of a beloved scent.

Given that many women have a ‘signature’ fragrance they wear daily; a scent that epitomises the image of themselves they want to show the world, it’s clear that perfume is an integral part of our beauty regime. But not, it seems, when it comes to skincare.

Women who spray eau de parfum with abandon on their bodies are more demanding of their face creams, which are allowed less than 1% fragrance in a formula. Somewhat ironic considering that skincare companies have to carefully and transparently list their ingredients while perfumeries do not.

At Ytsara, we embrace the sense of wellbeing that comes from a beautiful fragrance – it’s part of our skincare ritual. We’ve intensively researched natural essential oils that we can, with a clear conscience, include in our formulae. Every ingredient in our range of products passes our high benchmark test – to tread lightly on an eco-system already jeopardised. To use sustainable, botanical ingredients to nurture nature and our own bodies. Fragrance is no different.

Our list of ingredients includes ‘parfum’, the correct term for ingredient blends according to International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) rules. Ytsara’s ‘parfum’ is the signature mix of natural essential oils created especially for us. Our aromatic compound of precious oils was specifically developed to deliver additional benefits and fragrances to our formulae.

Citral, citronellol, geraniol, linalool and limonene are aromatic elements of the essential oils Ytsara uses, the primary oils are:

• Lavender
• Coriander
• Neroli
• Grapefruit
• Ginger

Ytsara is completely transparent and truthful about our ingredients and how they are sourced. Compare them with components commonly found in even the most exclusive, expensive fragrances. You can pick your poison here:

• Phthalates: plasticising ingredients linked to birth defects and damage to reproductive, adrenal, liver and kidney organs. Phthalates are often hidden in the product’s fragrance.

• Musks: artificial musks accumulate in our bodies, often detected in breast milk and the bloodstream. There are two basic types of musks – nitromusks and polycyclic musks. Nitromusks are linked to skin irritation, sensitisation, cancer, reproductive and fertility problems. The European Union has banned the use of some nitromusks in cosmetics and personal care products, but the use of polycyclic musks has increased.

• Allergens: fragrances are considered to be among the top five known allergens.

Your journey to skincare wellness in harmony with nature begins with knowledge and making conscious choices.

Bon voyage de découverte.