Eau de senteur
In perfumery, there are many variations of fragrances with different olfactory concentration: perfume extract, eau de parfum, eau de Cologne, eau de toilette, eau fraîche, eau de senteur (scented water). The latter do not contain alcohol. It is particularly suitable for babies and children.
Eau de senteur: a fragrance for babies and children
If it may seem surprising to associate perfumery with babies and children, it is important to know that many fragrances exist for very young age.
Moreover, the baby is, even in the uterus, already able to perceive the flavours that are transmitted by the amniotic fluid, from the last trimester of pregnancy. Then, from the very first days of birth, he is in contact with the smells and perfumes that surround him: the smell of his parents' skin, their perfumes, the smells of the house, his food. From a very young age, the baby will therefore be in great olfactory demand.
Babies can therefore also have their own scent, in order to sublimate the wonderful and unique scent characteristic of infants. Today, many eaux de parfums exist to awaken their olfactory sense, as brands have understood that they are tomorrow's customers.
The eau de senteur is intended for children under the age of 3, and does not contain alcohol at all, which is replaced by a solvent. When it is mixed with the scented concentrate, it can give a slightly cosmetic, even somewhat sticky feeling. These fragrances are subject to numerous dermatological tests, like all serious perfumes.
History of the first eaux de senteur
The first eaux de senteur were Baby Dior in 1970. This fragrance followed the birth of luxury children's fashion. However, the resounding success can be explained by Eau de Bonpoint, which is still on market today, and which was very popular not for babies and children but also among young mothers (Bonpoint has developed a whole range of baby cosmetics).
Ptisenbon and Tartine et Chocolat by Givenchy (1987) also met international success (here again, this fragrance was not only worn by children).
Inspired by these successes, other brands have launched their fragrances for children, such as Petit Guerlain (now abandoned in favour of Baby Guerlain that is in an exclusive range).
Regulation of eaux de senteur
In recent years, regulations have become much stricter for eaux de senteur, and very few natural ingredients are now allowed in baby fragrances. This is understandable and logical, as babies have very fragile and thin skin (an ingredient applied in very small quantities can be found in high concentrations in their bodies).
Moreover, contrary to what one might think, very few natural ingredients are allowed in these new formulas. Citrus fruits, for example, are forbidden in these compositions, as they can cause allergies or intolerances.
The exercise is therefore very difficult for the perfumer, because the range of natural and synthetic raw materials authorised is extremely limited. They must succeed in creating a perfume with a very natural scent, while using very few natural raw materials.
What fragrances should I choose for children and babies?
Fragrances for very young children are always scents that are somewhat reminiscent of the smell of an infant's skin. These fragrances should always be very fresh and soft (evoking the scent of talcum powder, for example). This is why musky notes (white musks) with a citrus fruit effect (without citrus fruits) and abstract flowers are very popular.
From the age of 7 children begin to want a more mature fragrance. They will then want fragrances that are always fresh and light, but this time with notes that are often fruity or gourmand. The latter do not have the same regulatory restrictions as those for babies.
Tips for choosing your eau de senteur
Before buying an eau de senteur, the ideal is to check its composition on an application such as Yuka, it will allow you to verify that no allergenic or forbidden substances are present in the fragrance. For an eau de senteur to be totally suitable for babies, it must be hypoallergenic, phthalate-free, paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free, among others.
Tips for applying eau de senteur
We do not recommend you to apply eau de senteur directly on the child's skin, and even less on a baby's skin. Before the age of 3, the fragrance should be sprayed only on clothing and only if it is safe to use.
Classic eaux de senteur for babies
- Bonpoint Water
- Ptisenbon Givenchy
- Baby Touch Burberry
- Baby Guerlain
- J Jacadi
- Mustela Eau de Senteur
- Musti Mustela
- Eau de Senteur Klorane
- Baby Ikks
- Uriage Eau de Senteur
Eaux de senteur for children
- Little Woman Ikks
- Young Man Ikks
- Young man Jacadi
- Miss Jacadi
Sylvaine Delacourte fragrances
Discover Sylvaine Delacourte's brand with her Orange Blossom, Musk and Vanilla Collections. You can try them thanks to the Discovery Boxes (5 Eaux de Parfum x 2 ml) and rediscover these raw materials as you have never smelled them before.
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Eau de parfum
There are different kinds of fragrances in perfumery, including eau de toilette, eau de Cologne, eau de senteur, eau fraîche, and perfume extract. Each one is distinguished by its more or less important concentration, as well as its tenacity and quality of its trail. Here are a few notions about eau de parfum.
Eau de toilette
An eau de toilette is a perfume with a low concentration of essential oils. The higher the concentration of the eau de toilette, the longer it will last. However, the orchestration of the perfume is crucial, and its good hold will depend on the talent of the perfumer (and not only on concentration). An eau de toilette should be applied on clothes in a special way to ensure perfect diffusion.
Eau de cologne
Eau de Cologne, originally used for hygiene and cleansing, is a fragrance that brings freshness and purity. Passed through generations, eau de Cologne revitalises, restores energy and vitality, and makes purification a moment of pleasure and well-being. This low-concentration scent is sprayed generously all over the body.
Perfume extract
In perfumery, there are many variations of fragrances with different olfactory concentration: perfume extract, eau de parfum, eau de Cologne, eau de toilette, eau fraîche, eau de senteur. Perfume extract is the richest and most concentrated product available today.
Eau fraîche
Today there are several types of perfumery products, the concentration of alcohol in which is more or less high: eau de toilette, cologne, eau de parfum, perfume extract, and eau fraîche.The latter has a lower alcohol concentration than eau de toilette, and it is distinguished by its great freshness and sparkle, which makes it the ideal summer perfume.