How amazing is our sense of smell?! I truly have a weakness for products that sell amazing. Fragrance is everywhere – it is an unavoidable part of society and our everyday lives, whether it is in our personal care products, cleaning supplies, or decor items for our homes such as deodorizers or candles. Just a single scent has the ability to evoke memories from years past, influence our mood, and can even enhance our overall experience in certain situations.
However, “fragrance” can often mask a complex concoction of chemicals – some of which can be quite concerning and have been linked to a range of health issues.
The chemicals that are “fragrance”
Did you know that there are certain laws that protect fragrance manufacturers from having to share the ingredients that are in their products so that they cannot be copied? The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has estimated that there are more than 3,000 different chemicals commonly used in fragrances. These chemicals can range from natural extracts derived from plants (eg Essential Oils, Absolute Oils and Resin) to synthetic compounds that have been created in laboratories. The result of these chemicals put together is a rich tapestry of different scents that can greatly vary from one product to another. Almost every fragrance on the market is loaded with chemicals that are not and legally do not have to be listed on the packaging
A study done showed that approximately only 34% of ingredients that are popularly found in fragrances have been tested for toxicity. Perfumes and fragrances can contain phthalates (endocrine disruptors linked to lower fertility in both men and women), styrene (linked to cancer), Galaxolide ketone (also linked as being toxic to the endocrine system), ethylene glycol (regular exposure may lead to throat irritation, headaches, backache, and other issues), and acetaldehyde (linked to eye, nose, throat and respiratory tract irritations, and increased heart rate) and oxybenzone (linked to birth defects). So while we are all spraying fragrance onto our bodies and surfaces in our homes, washing our families’ clothes in it, and washing our bodies and hair with it in the hopes of experiencing beautiful scents, we are actually bathing ourselves in a whole lot of potentially harmful ingredients.
Studies have shown that scented laundry powders and liquids release potential carcinogens, and some of these chemicals are even being linked to ADHD and other behavioural issues in children. If you have a look on the back of a product and the ingredients contain “fragrance” or “parfum”, the toxic chemicals mentioned above, and others, are likely hiding within those words.
And if these studies are finding that they’re harmful to adults, can you imagine how they’re affecting small children, babies and pets?!
Reactions to these chemicals
Allergic Reactions
It is reported that many individuals have experienced allergic reactions to certain components in fragrance. Symptoms of these allergic reaction can range from mild skin irritations to more severe respiratory issues. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has identified many fragrance allergens, including:
- Linalool
- Limonene
- Geraniol
These compounds can cause sensitization, which means that repeated exposure may increase the likelihood of the individual having an allergic reaction.
Hormonal Disruption
Some of the synthetic fragrance compounds have been linked to endocrine disruption. One example is phthalates – these are often used as fixatives in fragrances – and are known for their interference in hormone function. The average cologne or perfume have been found to contain up to 30 different chemicals and parabens which have been linked to disrupting both the endocrine system and hormone production. Studies have suggested that there is a correlation between phthalate exposure and reproductive health issues, particularly in males.
Respiratory Issues
Fragrance-containing products have been known to exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. The American Lung Association has noted that some individuals who have asthma are particularly sensitive to scented products, which can lead to increased symptoms, reactions and attacks.
Environmental Impact
The production of synthetic fragrance chemicals not only affect our health, but they can also potentially have environmental consequences. Many synthetic fragrances are known to be derived from petrochemicals, which contribute to pollution. Unfortunately, some natural fragrance ingredients are harvested unsustainably, which can lead to biodiversity loss.
So, let’s look at some healthier alternatives that still smell amazing
As an increasing number of people are becoming more conscious of the fact that the products they are exposing themselves to may be contributing to ill effects on their health and the health of their families, it begs the question – what are some ways we can lessen our exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins and yet still enjoy beautiful scents?
- Choose products made with natural or organic ingredients
- Switch your perfume for a beautiful smelling blend of essential oils that you can apply with a spray bottle or roller bottle!
- Ditch conventional, chemical-filled cleaning products! You can find my 3 ingredient chemical-free non-toxic household cleaner recipe HERE
- Switch to DIY options. For example, you can try using coconut oil as a moisturizer or facial cleanser and can add in a drop of essential oil that will smell amazing and that may also benefit your skin! Find other ways to implement coconut oil as a non-toxic alternative HERE
- Diffuse essential oils instead of using air fresheners (if you have small children or pets always be sure to google which oils are safe for children/pets as some can be unsafe for them to be exposed to)
- Switch to using soy candles instead of those containing parrafin wax (or you could always make your own!)
- Switch to soy wax melts
- Read labels – when shopping, take the time to look at the ingredients on the back of the products you are looking at purchasing. You want to avoid those containing “fragrance” or “parfum”, and instead opt for those that contain terms such as “fragrance-free”, “no added fragrance”, or those that list their fragrance ingredients as “natural fragrance” or “essential oil blend”
As consumer awareness grows, more brands are embracing transparency and reformulating products in an effort to eliminate harmful chemicals. Initiatives to promote sustainable sourcing of natural ingredients are also beginning to gain traction, which could potentially lead to more environmentally friendly fragrance options.
While scents have the potential to enhance our experiences and evoke certain emotions, the chemicals contained in those fragrances can pose potential risks to both our health and the environment. By becoming more informed about the potential effects of fragrance and the ingredients in it, and advocating for transparency, consumers are able make better choices for their well-being and the well-being of their families and even their pets. Whether you choose natural alternatives, decide to make the switch to ditching scented products altogether and opting for fragrance-free products, or if you try your hand at DIY formulations, the path to safer scents is in your hands.