What's Inside a Scented Sachet?
Sugar and spice? Dried flowers? Mysterious powder?
We hear a lot of theories about what's actually inside a sachet. Some people assume it's potpourri. Others think it must be some kind of gel or wax. A few have guessed dirt (close, but not quite).
The truth is simpler than most people expect—and once you understand what's inside, you'll see why sachets work so well in places other home fragrances can't.
Here's what's actually in a Fresh Scents® sachet, and why it matters.
The Two Main Components
Fresh Scents sachets are made up of two main components: a mineral base and fragrance oil.
1. Vermiculite (The Mineral Base)
The foundation of every Fresh Scents sachet is vermiculite—a naturally occurring mineral extracted from soil. If you've ever done any gardening, you might recognize it as an ingredient commonly added to potting soil because of its ability to absorb and retain moisture.
That same property makes it ideal for holding fragrance. Vermiculite is porous and lightweight, which allows it to absorb fragrance oil and release it slowly over time. This is why sachets can last for months instead of days.
A few things that make vermiculite a great choice:
It's odorless. Vermiculite has no scent of its own, so it doesn't interfere with or alter the fragrance it carries.
It's absorbent. It holds onto fragrance oil and releases it gradually, providing consistent scent over a long period.
It's natural. Vermiculite is a mineral—not a synthetic material.
It prevents dampness. Because it absorbs moisture, it keeps the sachet contents dry and prevents oil from leaking through the envelope.
2. Fragrance Oils
The second component is the fragrance itself.
Fresh Scents fragrance formulations are proprietary blends crafted by professional perfumers. Each scent is a complex combination of aromatic compounds—some derived from essential oils, others synthesized to achieve specific notes or improve longevity. This is what gives our sachets their perfume-grade quality: true, layered fragrances that last, rather than flat, one-note imitations.
All Fresh Scents fragrances are:
✅ Phthalate-free
✅ Paraben-free
✅ Not tested on animals
✅ Compliant with IFRA safety standards
For detailed ingredient information on any specific scent, check the product packaging or contact our customer service team at info@freshscents.com.
The Envelope: Why Packaging Matters
What's on the outside of a sachet is just as important as what's inside.
Fresh Scents sachets are housed in paper envelopes—not fabric pouches—and there's a reason for that. The envelope is made from special paper that allows fragrance to diffuse gradually while keeping the contents securely inside.
Our envelopes are:
Biodegradable — When your sachet has run its course, you can dispose of it without worry.
Designed for controlled release — The paper allows fragrance to escape slowly over time, which extends the scent life to months.
If you were to pour the same contents into an open bowl, the fragrance would dissipate in a matter of days. Keeping the contents sealed inside the envelope is what gives sachets their longevity.
This is also why we recommend keeping your sachet sealed. Opening the envelope won't make the fragrance stronger—it will actually cause it to fade faster.
What About the Artwork?
One thing that sets Fresh Scents apart is the original artwork on every sachet. Each design is hand-painted by Leigh Brown, our in-house South Carolina artist, making our sachets as beautiful as they are functional.
The artwork is printed directly on the paper envelope, which means you can display your sachets on a shelf, tuck them into a basket, or even frame your favorites. They're designed to be seen, not hidden.
What's NOT Inside a Fresh Scents Sachet
Sometimes it helps to clarify what's not in our sachets:
- No dried flowers or herbs. While traditional potpourri sachets often contain dried botanicals, Fresh Scents sachets use vermiculite and fragrance oil for longer-lasting, more consistent scent.
- No gels or waxes. Our sachets are dry and mess-free.
- No phthalates or parabens. All fragrances meet strict safety standards.
How the Ingredients Work Together
Here's a quick breakdown of how everything comes together:
| Component | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Vermiculite | A natural mineral that absorbs and holds fragrance oil; releases scent slowly over time |
| Fragrance Oil | Perfume-grade formulations made with essential oils; provides the scent |
| Paper Envelope | Controls fragrance release; biodegradable |
| Artwork | Original hand-painted designs by our in-house artist |
The result is a flameless, mess-free fragrance solution that lasts up to 6 months (Signature Collection™) or 3 months (Small Places Collection™)—no maintenance required.
Safety Information
Fresh Scents sachets adhere to strict safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). However, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
Keep sachets sealed. They're designed to work without being opened.
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Sachets are inedible and should not be ingested. If accidentally ingested, drink plenty of water. If feeling unwell, seek medical attention.
Avoid direct contact with skin. Fragrance oils may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Avoid contact with certain surfaces. Do not allow sachets or their contents to contact furniture, fabrics, natural fiber rugs, finished surfaces, plastics, acrylics, or painted items, as they may cause damage or discoloration.
For complete safety information, check the packaging or visit our FAQ page.
FAQs: What's Inside a Sachet
What are Fresh Scents sachets made of? Fresh Scents sachets contain two main components: vermiculite (a natural mineral) and perfume-grade fragrance oils made with essential oils. The sachets are housed in biodegradable paper envelopes featuring original hand-painted artwork.
What is vermiculite? Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral extracted from soil. It's porous, lightweight, and excellent at absorbing and slowly releasing fragrance—which makes it ideal for sachets.
Are Fresh Scents sachets safe? Fresh Scents sachets adhere to strict safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). Our fragrances are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and not tested on animals. However, sachets should not be ingested and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Why are sachets in paper envelopes instead of fabric pouches? The paper envelope is specially designed to allow fragrance to diffuse gradually while keeping the contents securely inside. This controlled release is what allows sachets to last for months. The envelopes are also biodegradable.
Should I open my sachet to release more scent? No. Fresh Scents sachets are designed to stay sealed. The fragrance releases through the paper envelope naturally. Opening the sachet will cause the scent to fade faster, not last longer.
What if I want to know the specific ingredients in a fragrance? For detailed ingredient information on specific scents, check the product packaging or contact our customer service team at info@freshscents.com or call 1-888-877-3132.
Final Thoughts
Sachets might seem like simple products, but there's real thought behind what goes into them. The combination of vermiculite and perfume-grade fragrance oils—housed in a carefully designed biodegradable envelope—creates a fragrance solution that's long-lasting, mess-free, and meets strict industry safety standards.
No flame. No mess. Just fresh.
