Fragrance/Perfume: What Is It & Is It Toxic?

As a society, we're constantly being bombarded by pleasant scents. From candles to body washes, fragrances are everywhere.

For many of us, perfume is an essential part of our daily routine. It is often used to make us smell good, and it can even be used to enhance our mood.

But, did you know that fragrances and perfumes can be toxic to our health and skin?

What Is Fragrance/Perfume?

Fragrance and perfume are umbrella terms used to describe the blend of chemicals that create a scent.

These scents are found in a variety of products such as perfumes, colognes, shampoos, lotions, and candles.

The term "fragrance" is often used as an umbrella term for synthetic and natural scents, while "perfume" is typically used to refer to synthetic fragrances.

Toxic Chemicals Found in Fragrances and Perfumes

Fragrances and perfumes contain a variety of toxic chemicals, including phthalates, which are used to make fragrances last longer.

The EWG conducted a study that found that 75% of products that listed “fragrance” on the label contained phthalates.

Phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with hormone production and can cause developmental and reproductive problems.

Phthalates are also known to be carcinogenic and to cause respiratory problems.

According to Non-Toxic Revolution, "Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that mimic hormones and interfere with the normal functioning of the body's hormonal system."

Phthalates have also been linked to obesity, asthma, and diabetes.

The use of phthalates in beauty products has been banned in the European Union, but they are still commonly found in many products sold in the United States.

Other toxic chemicals found in fragrances and perfumes include benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.

These chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and respiratory problems.

Some fragrances and perfumes also contain synthetic musks, which have been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions.

Why Fragrances Are Bad For Your Health and Skin

Fragrances are a combination of chemicals that give a product a distinctive scent. They can be found in almost all beauty and cleaning products.

Although they smell nice, fragrances are known to cause a variety of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, and respiratory problems.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), fragrances are among the top five allergens in the world. They are also known to be carcinogenic and to cause hormone disruption.

Many fragrances contain the presence of toxic chemicals such as phthalates, which are used to enhance the scent and increase the longevity of the fragrance.

Phthalates have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and developmental issues.

In fact, a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that phthalates are associated with reduced IQ scores in children.

In addition to phthalates, fragrances can also contain other harmful chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde.

These chemicals are known to cause cancer and other serious health problems. According to the International Fragrance Association, over 3,000 chemicals are used in fragrance products, and many of them have not been tested for safety.

The fragrance industry is not required to disclose the ingredients used to create a specific scent, which means that there is no way to know exactly what is in the fragrance you are using.

According to a report by EWG, fragrances can contain up to 14 secret chemicals that are not listed on the label.

This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to know what they are putting on their skin and in their bodies.

It is important to note that just because a product smells good does not mean it is good for you.

Potential Allergic Reactions

Fragrances are a common cause of allergic reactions.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis, a type of skin rash that develops from exposure to an allergen.

Contact dermatitis can occur when your skin comes into contact with a substance that it is allergic to.

Fragrances can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma.

Additional symptoms of a fragrance allergy can include redness, itching, and swelling of the skin.

In severe cases, a fragrance allergy can cause hives, blistering, and even difficulty breathing.

The problem with fragrance allergies is that they can develop at any time.

You may have used a product for years without any issues, only to develop an allergy to it later on.

This is why it is important to be mindful of the products you are using and to pay attention to any changes in your skin.

Tips to Avoid Fragrance in Beauty Products,
Cleaning Supplies, and More

There are several ways to avoid fragrance in beauty products, cleaning supplies, and other household products.

One of the easiest ways is to look for products that are labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented.”

These products may still contain fragrances, but the scent has been masked so that it is not detectable to the human nose.

It is important to note that “unscented” does not mean “fragrance-free.”

1. Read Labels Carefully - When shopping for beauty products, cleaning supplies, and other household items, be sure to read the labels carefully. While you may think looking for products labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” would be helpful, this doesn't help either. Many times these phrases mean that they just contain a chemical that masks the scent of other chemical ingredients. Be wary of products labeled “natural” or “organic,” as these may still contain synthetic fragrances. Also, look out for other words in the ingredient list like eugenol, geraniol, citronellol, and limonene.
   
   
2. Avoid Air Fresheners - Air fresheners are a major source of indoor air pollution, and many contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, benzene, and formaldehyde. Instead of using air fresheners, consider using natural alternatives like essential oils or beeswax candles.
   
   
3. Use Natural Cleaning Products - Many conventional cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances that can be harmful to your health. Instead, opt for natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap. These products are effective at cleaning and disinfecting, and are much safer for you and the environment.
   
   
4. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies - You can make your own cleaning supplies using natural ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
   
   
5. Choose Products From Companies Committed To Using Safe Ingredients - Look for companies that are transparent about their ingredients and committed to using safe, non-toxic ingredients. You can use the EWG’s “skin deep” app for a rating on any personal care products while you are shopping. The app scans the product barcode to get detailed information about every ingredient from the database. You can also look for the “safer-choice” seal on your beauty, skincare, and cleaning products to help you identify products verified by EPA to be fragrance-free.
   
   
6. Open The Windows! - Instead of using air fresheners or candles, open your windows to let in fresh air.
   
   
7. Test Your Products Before Use - Before using a new product, test it on a small patch of skin to see if you have a reaction.