Vegan Action has new requirements for its vegan certification. Starting this year, two documents must be submitted for every ingredient used in a finished product: one proving the source of the ingredient is plant, mineral, fungal, or synthetic; another stating that particular ingredient has not been tested on animals since the year 2000. These changes ultimately benefit the consumer to know a business has performed its due diligence to demonstrate its commitment to compassion.

The niche/indie perfume industry is comprised of small businesses working with one another. A perfumer such as myself works with suppliers that are able to sell me quantities of materials that larger companies only sell in very large amounts. (I may buy 1kg of a green tea CO2 extraction whereas a commercial perfume company will buy ten times that amount at minimum.) I also have direct relationships with other small business suppliers that ethically produce natural materials in limited quantities.

It is impossible for all my suppliers of fragrance materials – both natural and synthetic – to produce the necessary documentation Vegan Action now requires. My intention is not to malign Vegan Action because I wholly support this level of consumer transparency. But the reality is that the majority of my suppliers are unable to provide the documentation, whereas others readily acknowledge some ingredients have been subjected to animal testing by the academic community, government agencies, or within the chemical industry. If I were to comply with the requirements, my fragrance collection would be a fraction of what I currently offer due to available ingredients. I am opting to withdraw certification in favor of maintaining my ability to pursue creative work.

I believe in transparency and your trust in what I make is everything. I am committed to a 100% vegan fragrance line and I will never use animal products or allow my perfumes to be tested on animals. I maintain my Certified Vegan and Cruelty Free status with PETA and I will continue to do so. Thank you for reading and above all, your support.

Thank you, Seattle Bride Magazine, for including our fragrance ETHERIEL in your Spring/Summer 2019 issue! This natural fragrance contains neroli, tuberose, olive, jasmine, vanilla, and sandalwood in organic jojoba oil. All our fragrances are certified vegan and cruelty free so you never need comrpomise your compassion. A truly luxe essential for your honeymoon. (And congratulations on your nuptials!)

You used every last drop of your perfume and you don’t know what to do with the bottle. Send me your empties! I will disassemble the bottle, recycle the glass, and send you a discount code for 15% off your next order for being such a wonderful environmental steward. Just send me a message or email for the address. Remember to include your contact information!