Super Eco

Photo credit: Whole Earth Beauty

That fresh, clean smell really isn't actually very fresh or clean at all. We've talked here before about the dangers lurking behind the word "fragrance" on cleaners, candles and cosmetics (some 3,163 potentially toxic ingredients, that's what). But what about perfume? Surely a product designed to convey a crisp, clear note of fragrance must be pure? Think again: Perfumes are typically chock full of carcinogens, synthetics, formaldehyde, and urine and sex hormones (both animal and human). Truly, if you're not disgusted yet, you have stronger stomachs than we do.

Finding healthy, eco-friendly perfumes isn't easy by any means, but the options are slowly growing. "Organic perfume" is no longer synonymous with hippie-dippy patchouli, overplayed lavender or cookie-sweet vanilla. Breathe deeply, my friends, because Super Eco has sniffed out a selection of organic and eco-friendly perfumes.

• Lavanila Laboratories Ok, despite the fact that we did mention no more vanilla (since we're all sick of smelling like freshly baked sugar cookies), we have to lead off with this spectacular example of vanilla goodness: Lavanila. Their growing line of natural fragrance products includes blends with coconut, grapefruit, lavender and passion fruit. Still sound suspiciously crunchy granola? It's sold at Sephora—that many mainstream consumers can't be wrong.
• Wholearth Perfume No. 4 Yes, it's USDA-certified organic fragrance, and the notes of orange, lavender and vanilla are heavenly. We fell in love with the bottle.
• Tsi-La Organics You'll find no synthetics or preservatives in this eco-friendly perfume collection, created by two sisters-in-law with a penchant for green living.
• L'Occitane en Provence With pure lavender extracts from Provence in France, this is sweet—and certified organic.
• Acorelle Lotus Bambou A little spicy, a little different ... Organic eau de parfum with notes like spearmint, tarragon.