The clean beauty sector, which encompasses natural cosmetics, skincare, and personal care, continues to expand. The global market, valued at $6.5 billion in 2021, is predicted to skyrocket to an estimated value of $15.3 billion by 2028. This growth is undoubtedly propelled by an increasing interest in products free from synthetic ingredients, boasting transparent supply chains, demonstrated cruelty-free manufacturing, and locally sourced production.
A trending niche within clean beauty is natural fragrance—a growing industry where Irish firms are making a noticeable difference. In Burren, Co Clare, a heritage company, the Burren Perfumery, co-owned by Sadie Chowen, produces hand-made cosmetics and perfumes. These products inspired by the surrounding rugged environment and nearby growing native plants are handcrafted on-site in small batches. Their catalog includes items ranging from castile soaps to serums and lip balms.
In 2020, the Burren Perfumery introduced its first eau de parfum—Wild Rose. This natural fragrance, complying with the Cosmos Natural Certification (the gold standard for certified natural and organic cosmetics in Europe), is comprised of 100% natural ingredients, 77% of them organic. Its elegant blend of pink grapefruit and bergamot is packaged in an FSC-certified, recycled cardboard box and minimal glass bottle, labeled with vegetable-based ink.
Chowen devoted over two years to perfecting this perfume, leaning into creating a signature fragrance sharing the ethos of the perfumery. Her emphasis was on ensuring the ingredients she used were both natural and sustainable.
This fall, she plans to unveil her second perfume, a 100% natural and certified organic fragrance, Néroli eau de parfum. The extravagant aroma, which took four years to perfect, consists of some of the most coveted natural ingredients accessible to perfumers, according to Chowen. Many of these elements are manually harvested in rural locations and require time and proficiency to cultivate, gather, and extract.
Producing a natural fragrance is not without its obstacles. From choosing the right suppliers to receiving the Cosmos certification, Chowen underscores that it requires both patience and vision. However, having successfully introduced the previous fragrance, Wild Rose, gave Chowen confidence and determination to create another uncompromising perfume.
Néroli signifies a new path for Chowen. Unlike her previous creations, chiefly linked to the Burren, inspiration for Néroli struck during a trip to Grasse, the heart of the perfume industry in France. The new addition aims to capture the essence of a sun-filled summer breeze, encapsulated by the neroli flower freshly plucked from the tree.
The Burren Perfumery has been thriving since it was established in 1972. It invites visitors to its shop and organic café all year round. Chowen takes pride in not merely aiming for expansion but striving to excel in their craft, which is to welcome people and enrich their understanding of their sense of smell. They propose a 30-minute fragrance exploring experience to visitors to gain pleasure while strengthening their bond with perfume. The perfumery also offers fragrance workshops and is in process of developing a fragrance discovery set for customers to recreate this sensory experience at their homes.
Meanwhile, in Dublin, a former chocolate factory now serves as the headquarters for The Nature of Things. Run by fragrance veteran Benoit Nicol, this essential oil and wellness company validates the commitment to supporting organic farming as a certified member of the Irish Organic Association. Nicol’s belief in using only natural ingredients to make his scents is a testament to his respect for nature and its beauty.
Both Chowen and Nicol see the enrichment of the consumer’s connection with perfume as a crucial aspect of their mission. The tandem believes that our appreciation of everyday experiences comes down to small encounters—such as smelling morning coffee or the zest of a lemon—and these simple events can significantly enhance one’s relationship with natural fragrance. As more people gain understanding of the “slow fragrance movement,” the industry anticipates increased interest in quality natural fragrances that are both ethically made and empowering for their customers.
