Somewhere in a cave, a long time ago, she crushed berries and flowers and soaked them in fat to make a perfumed salve for healing. Later, priests used incense and oils in their rituals, plumes of smoke reaching the gods faster. The French took it over the top, and to cover the stench of raw sewage, bottled scent, and even the kings had to have a signature scent. But somewhere along the way, in the early part of the 20^th century, the fragrance industry took a detour and introduced synthetic fragrance, and botanical organic perfumes lost their favor. While synthetic perfumes are surely fragrant and the ingredients more affordable for their manufacturers to make, they are filled with an endless list of chemicals, which, we all now know, can have adverse effects on your health. So as you hold up the latest bottle of perfume you got for the holidays for the perfect Instagram post, maybe you should reconsider, and return the gift (come on you know you do most of the time) and take the credit and shop for the better perfume alternative. Not because it is important for you to be mindful of what you put on your body, that’s what lotions are for, but because your breath matters (now that you wear a mask most of the time you probably realize this). Alcohol free organic perfumes are the healthier breathable alternative. Here are a few reasons why you should try one:

• The price is right

The truth is you will probably pay less for your organic essential oil perfumes. When you don’t have celebrities marketing your brand and fancy designer labels, you are more likely to pay for what’s in the bottle than what is on it. Put your money where the plants are, organic, therapeutic high-grade oils and absolutes. That’s the money.

• Organic and non-toxic

With organic perfumes, you don’t have to deal with the stress of not knowing what you are putting on your body. These perfumes are usually made from fewer ingredients and they should all be listed on the label. The major ingredients are essential oil, water, a carrier like jojoba, and a clean preservative and emulsifier. If you choose well there will be no artificial coloring or alcohol that is added.

• Organic perfumes are not tested on animals

If you are a vegan or care greatly about animals and the environment, you can rest assured knowing that most organic perfumes are not tested on animals. Brands creating these perfumes are sustainable and ethical, which means you can buy their products without any guilt. Look for certifications like the Leaping Bunny or Vegan Action.

• You can choose from a wide variety of natural scent ranges

One of the most significant reasons you should opt for organic or natural essential oil perfumes is the sheer variety that you get to choose from. Some of the most popular scents include lavender, vetiver, sandalwood, rose, jasmine, orange and so on. These scents react with the natural chemicals in your body to give off the most soothing and unique aromas. With synthetic perfume a dab will do. With botanical perfume you will need to “rewild your nose”. Acclimating to botanical scent is like changing your diet, at first you will miss your favorite junk food, but eventually you will see you should have changed your ways a long time ago. From citruses, to woodsy and exotics, herbals to florals, organic perfume offers a full range of scent profiles.

When you shop for organic perfumes, do the research to make sure that a perfume that claims to be organic is actually made with at least 95% organic ingredients. Remember natural products have a vibration, energy and molecules that have healing properties. Don’t waste your neck and nose on anything less. Buy from trustworthy brands that offer quality and transparency.