Perfume FAQ

Our Commitment

At Hoshi Gato, we prioritize your safety without compromising on scent quality. That's why all our fragrances are meticulously crafted with the latest IFRA guidelines in mind. We're dedicated to staying abreast of the most recent scientific research, ensuring that you can enjoy our scents with peace of mind.

Curious about the measures we've implemented to safeguard your well-being? Dive deeper into our commitment to safety and uncover fascinating insights into the world of perfumery below.

What is the IFRA?

The IFRA, or International Fragrance Association, serves as a vital collective for fragrance professionals, advocating for both industry advancement and public safety. Through regular publication of updated guidelines, they ensure the safe formulation and enjoyment of fragrances for all.

What is Prop 65?

From the OEHHA website: 

"Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, was enacted as a ballot initiative in November 1986. The proposition protects the state's drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm, and requires businesses to inform Californians about exposures to such chemicals.

Proposition 65 requires the state to maintain and update a list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity."

What does that mean for our perfumes? Well, whenever a certain chemical, natural or synthetic, is shown to potentially cause cancer or reproductive harm, we have to claim that on our website.

Our perfumes are formulated with the upmost care and attention to the scientific data. Many chemicals listen on the OEHHA website are naturally occurring in foods, drinks, plants, and other things that humans regularly come into contact with. It is not typically cause for alarm when these products have not been proven dangerous enough to be removed from consumption.

Are your Fragrances Natural?

At Hoshi Gato, we blend both natural and synthetic ingredients in our fragrances. While there's a common misconception that natural ingredients are inherently safer for the body than synthetic ones, the truth is they're often composed of the same aroma chemicals found in synthetic perfumery. Whether sourced from nature or created synthetically, we prioritize safety in the utilization of all our ingredients, ensuring they're used in the most secure manner possible.

Are your Fragrances Vegan and Cruelty-free?

Yes, any typically animal-derived musks in our fragrances are synthetic and we do not test on animals. (Additionally, my animals aren't allowed in the lab, ever!)

What Does "Potential Allergen" Mean?

You might have noticed that we're open about including all IFRA-restricted chemicals and ingredients in our fragrances. These restrictions are mainly because some folks might have allergic reactions to them. But don't worry! Following IFRA guidelines usually means most people won't have any issues. However, there's a chance that someone might be extra sensitive to a particular allergen, which could lead to a rash or some redness. If you know you're sensitive to fragrances, we suggest doing a quick patch test before diving in completely—just to be on the safe side!

What is a Top, Middle, and Base Note?

The terms "top, middle, and base" when it comes to perfume notes aren't exactly rooted in hard science. Different folks tend to have their own interpretations of what fits into each category. However, the general consensus is that they refer to how long each note sticks around in a fragrance. You might notice some variation here, though. For example, one perfume might label a certain scent as a "top" note, while another might call it a "middle" note—it all depends on how it's blended in that specific perfume.

Here's how we typically break it down:

Top Note:

Lasts for less than 2 hours on the skin.

Middle Note:

Lasts for 2-6 hours on the skin.

Base Note:

Lasts for 6+ hours in the skin.