The First Whiff of Something Different
If you've ever opened one of our natural skincare products with herbal ingredients, like our antiaging serum one with baobab extract, or the ones with neem or turmeric, you may have thought, Hmm, that’s not what I expected! You’re not the only one. Many people who switch from regular, artificially scented products are usually taken aback, sometimes even shocked and confused by the natural herbal product smell.
We totally get it! Most of us expect the effective formula of natural skincare serums, lotions and shampoos to smell fresh, floral, or fruity. But here’s the deal: real plants don’t smell like perfume. And that’s a good thing!
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why do natural skincare products smell weird or strong?
- The earthy-sweet scent of baobab extract and why it’s worth it
- Benefits of fragrance-free skincare and why it matters
- How to get used to natural product smells
- FAQs and tips for sensitive noses or first-time users
Why Do Natural Skincare Products with Herbal Ingredients Smell So… Different?
Well, plants have their own authentic aromas. When you work with real herbs, roots, and extracts like baobab, neem, or turmeric, they come with their own unique smells. Here are a few examples:
- Baobab extract: Has a mildly earthy scent with a hint of sweetness thanks to its nutrient-rich pulp. Many people ask, “Why does my baobab cream or serum smell nutty?” and this nutty aroma is completely normal and natural.
- Neem: Has a bitter, musky, almost garlic-like smell due to its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds. Curious users often search, “Neem skincare smell explained.”and they find that natural is just natural.
- Turmeric: Has a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery scent, reminding you that it’s as healing as it is powerful.
- Aloe Vera: Has a fresh scent but with a grassy feel and not the artificial “ocean breeze” you will find in perfumed aloe gels.
These herbal skincare smells come from medicinal herbs with the natural compounds that deliver skin benefits. If your product doesn’t smell like a candle store, it's probably because there are no synthetic fragrances added in. And most products at Makhzan UAE are fragrance-free, effective formula designed for sensitive noses and delicate skin.
Spotlight: Baobab Extract’s Natural Scent in Plantus Cosmetic Repair Reflection Serum
Baobab, also known as the Tree of Life, is packed with:
- Vitamin C which brightens dull skin
- Antioxidants which protect from environmental stress
- Hydrating polysaccharides that help with plumpness and elasticity
All of this is contained in our Plantus Cosmetic Repair Reflection Serum. Its scent is subtly earthy, with a slight sweet, nutty hint. Unlike fake tropical fruit scents in synthetically perfumed creams and serums, the aroma in our baobab skincare shows its authenticity.
So next time you ask, "Why does my baobab serum smell nutty?" just smile. That’s nature working without additives. No, it hasn’t gone bad. It’s just naturally unscented and fragrance-free.
But Why Does It Smell Strong? Is That Normal?
Yes. It is normal, herbal products even natural skincare have a strong scent and that is normal.
You see, concentrated botanicals and medicinal herbs often release potent, raw plant smells. If you thin of it it in terms of cooking:
A store bought soup for example has artificial flavoring which makes it to taste like natural herbs. A homemade herbal broth on the other hand smells much stronger because it’s real and unfiltered. Our skincare is the same: no fluff, just natural ingredients in concentrated form.
So that “strong” smell? That means:
- More antioxidants. Like baobab has 6 times the vitamin C of oranges.
- More active compounds from medicinal herbs like neem, turmeric, and others
- No fillers, perfumes, or masking agents
About Fermentation & Natural Preservation
Some of our products use fermented plant extracts, which can release slightly sour or yeasty notes kind of like sweet bread or kombucha. That’s a sign of live, active ingredients, not spoilage.
Will the Smell Fade? Can I Make It Less Strong?
Here’s how to get used to natural product smells and gently reduce them if needed:
- Store properly: Keep in a cool, dark place to help tone down the scents, heat can make the smells stronger.
- Tightly seal lids: Close the lids tightly to avoid oxidation which may alter natural smells.
- Refrigerate when needed: Especially for fresh, preservative-free products.
- Add light essential oils carefully if you really desire a light scent
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- Try one drop of lavender or chamomile into a natural serum or cream
- Use floral hydrosols like rose water with fresh smell as a base toner before applying the serum or cream
Just remember: Patch test before using essential oils, even natural ones. Bonus tip: Give it time. Your nose will adjust the sense of smell!
Many of our customers say:
“At first, I wasn’t sure about the baobab serum smell, but after a week, I didn’t even notice, and my skin looked brighter than ever!”
FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns
Why does my natural lotion smell earthy?
That earthy scent is the mark of authentic herbal skincare with the finest ingredients. Especially if you’re using products with natural herbs like neem, baobab, or fermented ingredients. It’s totally expected.
Why does my natural soap smell bad?
If you’re used to fragranced soaps, unscented or fragrance-free soaps may smell a bit “off” at first. This is because they retain their raw plant oils, from the finest ingredients which doesn't have a fresh scent and some describe them as smelling like dirt or roots, and yes, that’s okay.
Herbal skincare smells like dirt. Is that okay?
Yes. That earthy scent is part of the herbal experience. It’s a sign of real roots, leaves, and oils at work, not artificial aromas with breezy scents.
Unscented vs. Fragrance-Free: What’s the Difference?
- Unscented may still use chemicals to neutralize natural scent.
- Fragrance-free means absolutely no synthetic or natural fragrances were added. Most Makhzan products are truly fragrance-free for maximum purity.
How to mask natural skincare smells safely?
- Use gentle hydrosols e.g., rose water or orange blossom for breezy scent
- Layer with naturally-scented oils like almond or jojoba and use sparingly
- Let your skin breathe between layers to minimize layering smells
What about natural deodorants? Any tips for transitioning to the smell?
Yes! Natural deodorant smell transition tips:
- Give it 2 weeks. Detox from aluminum-based products can exaggerate smells at first.
- Use a clay mask on your underarms during the switch.
- Stay hydrated and wear breathable fabrics.
Thank you for choosing products that use natural herbs that are real, raw, and rooted in nature. Many of them may not smell like a perfume ad but they work in harmony with your skin and body, not against them. If you have any questions about our ingredients or how to make your switch easier, we’re here for you.