Heidi Norton
Incense is a great way to add fragrance to a room, but not all incense is created equal. Synthetic incense is typically made from chemicals, while natural incense is made from herbs, spices, resins, and essential oils. Synthetic incense often contains harmful ingredients like phthalates and synthetic fragrances, which can cause negative reactions in some people, such as headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues. To identify synthetic incense, look out for very cheap products, charcoal-based sticks that have been dipped in fragrance oils, and unusual fragrances like cotton candy or green apple. Natural incense will have a deep, woodsy, soft, lingering scent, while synthetic incense will have a more vibrant and crisp scent. You can also examine the ash of an incense cone for traces of wood or other non-plant material to determine if it's natural.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Very cheap incense is likely synthetic. |
| Scents | "Green Apple", Cherry, Cotton Candy, etc. are likely synthetic. |
| Ingredients | "Fragrance oils" or "perfume oils" are likely synthetic. |
| Description | Dipped or hand-dipped likely means synthetic. |
| Colour | Black sticks are usually synthetic. |
| Side effects | Nausea, headaches, burning eyes, etc. are likely caused by synthetic incense. |
| Company | A company offering dozens of scents at the same price is likely selling synthetic incense. |
| Packaging | Synthetic incense may be sold in packaging designed to look like natural incense. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheap incense is likely synthetic
Incense is often made from synthetic materials, and it can be difficult to tell whether it is natural or synthetic. However, there are some tell-tale signs that your incense is likely synthetic, especially if it is cheap.
Firstly, if the incense is very inexpensive, it is probably synthetic. Synthetic incense is usually very cheap to make, with low-quality incense being made by soaking unscented blanks (sticks, cones, etc.) in synthetic fragrance oils. These blanks are often made from natural bamboo, sawdust, or charcoal, but the scent is artificial. Therefore, if the incense has an unusual fragrance, such as green apple, cherry, or cotton candy, it is likely synthetic as these scents do not exist in the plant world and cannot be derived from essential oils.
Secondly, if the incense is black, perfectly formed, and jet black, it is likely synthetic. Most black incense sticks are made by gluing charcoal powder to a bamboo stick and then dipping it in synthetic oils. However, some high-end low-smoke incense is cut with charcoal for a cleaner burn, so this is not always the case.
Thirdly, if the company carries a large variety of scents, and they are all the same price, they are likely synthetic. Natural raw materials vary in price, so a company selling many different scents at the same price is a red flag.
Finally, if the incense is described as dipped or hand-dipped, it is probably synthetic. While some natural incense is hand-dipped, this term is often used for synthetic incense, where the sticks are dipped in synthetic fragrance oils.
It is important to note that synthetic incense is not necessarily worse for your health than natural incense. However, some people may have sensitivities or allergies to synthetic fragrances, so it is essential to use incense in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling a lot of smoke.
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'Hand-dipped' incense is often synthetic
Hand-dipped incense is often synthetic, and it can be challenging to determine whether it is natural or not. Hand-dipped incense sticks are made by coating a wood core with burning powder and scent or fragrance oil. The type of oil used during the dipping process determines the scent of the hand-dipped incense sticks. While essential oils derived from plants offer a more natural and organic aroma, fragrance oils are synthetic and may contain a mix of aromatic ingredients.
The use of terms like "dipped" or "hand-dipped" is a potential indicator that the incense is synthetic. Additionally, if the incense has unusual flavours or fragrances that do not exist in the plant world, such as cotton candy or green apple, it is likely synthetic. Incense that can be bought in bulk and has a black colour is also typically synthetic.
The price of incense can also be a factor to consider. Natural raw materials vary in price, so a company offering various scents at the same price is almost guaranteed to be synthetic. Cheap incense is more likely to be synthetic, and spending a little more can make a significant difference in quality. However, price is not always a reliable indicator, as some natural incense can be affordable, while some synthetic incense can be expensive.
It is important to be cautious when purchasing hand-dipped incense, as synthetic fragrance oils have been associated with potential health risks. These risks can include headaches, respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even more severe issues like cancer. To ensure the safety of the product, it is recommended to buy from reputable sellers and consider eco-friendly alternatives.
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Natural incense is more expensive
Natural incense is generally more expensive than its synthetic counterpart. This is due to a variety of factors, including the quality and rarity of ingredients used, the intricate manufacturing process, and the associated labour costs.
Firstly, natural incense is crafted from high-quality ingredients such as special woods, leaves, flowers, resins, spices, herbs, and natural oils. These ingredients are carefully selected, dried, powdered, and combined in precise quantities to create a superior product. Some of these natural ingredients are relatively rare and protected by law, driving up their cost. On the other hand, synthetic incense is typically made by soaking unscented blanks, such as sticks or cones, in synthetic fragrance oils or by mixing chemically scented oils directly into the incense paste.
The manufacturing process for natural incense is more sophisticated and exhaustive, requiring expertise and attention to detail. Artisans skilled in the art of incense-making carefully blend the natural ingredients, ensuring a harmonious balance of fragrances. This labour-intensive process contributes to the higher price of natural incense.
Additionally, the reputation of the seller and the country of origin can impact the price of natural incense. Reputable sellers who source high-quality ingredients and maintain consistent standards are more likely to charge a premium for their products. Similarly, the cost of labour varies across countries, with Japanese incense, for example, tending to be more expensive due to higher labour costs compared to India.
It is worth noting that natural incense is often viewed as a luxury item, with enthusiasts appreciating its sophisticated fragrances and lack of negative health effects associated with synthetic incense. Some people report experiencing headaches, breathing problems, and allergies when using synthetic incense, which can contain high concentrations of artificial fragrances. Natural incense, while more expensive, offers a superior olfactory experience and is less likely to cause adverse reactions.
Finally, the law of supply and demand also influences the price of natural incense. With natural ingredients being scarce and protected, the limited availability of certain raw materials drives up the cost of production, which is then reflected in the retail price.
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Synthetic incense has artificial fragrances
Synthetic incense is extremely common, with some sources estimating that up to 95% of the incense available in shops and online is synthetic. Synthetic incense is often cheaper to produce and therefore to buy, and it is often difficult to tell whether incense is synthetic or not.
One of the easiest ways to tell if incense is synthetic is to look at the price. If the incense is very cheap, it is likely synthetic. Similarly, if a company offers dozens of scents at the same price, they are likely to be synthetic, as natural raw materials vary greatly in price. For example, if a company makes natural incense, their sandalwood will be much more expensive than their cinnamon.
Another way to tell if incense is synthetic is to look out for buzzwords and terminology. If the incense is described as "'dipped' or 'hand-dipped'", it is likely synthetic, as this means the sticks, made with an odourless charcoal base, have been dipped in fragrant oils. Incense that can be bought in bulk by the stick is also likely to be synthetic. Additionally, if the incense has a strange flavour, such as cotton candy, green apple, cherry, or other fruit scents (besides citrus), it is probably synthetic, as there are no essential oils with these scents.
The scent of the incense can also be a good indicator of whether it is synthetic. Synthetic incense tends to have a vibrant and crisp scent, whereas natural incense has a deeper, woodier, and softer lingering scent. If the incense smells artificial and chemical-like, it is likely to be synthetic.
Finally, the appearance of the incense sticks can be a good indicator of whether they are synthetic. If the sticks are black, they are usually synthetic. Most black sticks are made by gluing charcoal powder to a bamboo stick that is then dipped in synthetic oils.
It is important to note that synthetic incense is not necessarily worse for your health than natural incense, and some people may prefer the scent of synthetic incense. However, some people may be sensitive to synthetic fragrances and experience negative reactions such as respiratory problems, burning/watery eyes, headaches, or nausea.
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Natural incense has a soft, lingering scent
When it comes to identifying natural incense, it can be challenging to determine whether it is synthetic or natural. However, there are a few indicators to look out for. Firstly, if the incense is cheap, jet black, and perfectly formed, it is likely synthetic. These characteristics indicate that the incense is a charcoal 'blank' stick that has been "dipped" or "hand-dipped" in synthetic perfume oils. Fragrances like Green Apple, Cherry, and Cotton Candy are also tell-tale signs of synthetic incense as there are no essential oils with such scents.
Another way to identify natural incense is to pay attention to the number of scents offered by the company and their pricing. If a company offers dozens of scents at the same price, they are likely synthetic. Natural incense typically varies in price depending on the raw materials used. Additionally, the concentration of fragrances can be a factor in determining whether incense is synthetic or natural. Synthetics may have a higher concentration, which can cause reactions in some individuals.
It is worth noting that natural incense may not always be easily distinguishable from synthetic incense, and sometimes it comes down to personal preference and sensitivity to certain fragrances. Some people may experience allergic reactions or sensitivity to synthetic fragrances, making it easier for them to distinguish between natural and synthetic incense.
To ensure you are purchasing natural incense, it is recommended to buy from reputable sellers or artisans who specialize in natural incense products. Etsy, for example, is known to host various artisans who create incense using all-natural materials. Additionally, looking for incense made from pure resins and woods, rather than fragrance or perfume oils, can increase the likelihood of acquiring natural incense.
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Frequently asked questions
If the incense is black, cheap, and perfectly formed, it is likely synthetic. Natural incense is made from plant material alone, so if you see wood in the ash, it is not all-natural. Natural incense also tends to be more expensive, have a soft lingering scent, and may cause fewer allergic reactions. If you are sensitive to synthetic fragrances, you may experience watering eyes, nausea, respiratory problems, or headaches.
Etsy is a great source for artisan incense makers using all-natural materials. However, it is important to be cautious as some sellers may use synthetic fragrances.
If the company carries a wide variety of scents at the same price, they are likely synthetic. Natural raw materials vary in price, so a natural product range will have varying prices.
Buy from a reputable seller and be cautious of very cheap incense. Look out for incense that is "dipped" or "hand-dipped", as this usually indicates that the sticks have been dipped in fragrant oils.
Natural incense provides a healthier alternative for people with allergies and does not leave harmful toxins behind after burning. It also has a more complex and pleasant scent.
