We all have scent preferences and mostly buy based on how something smells. How many times have you opened the top of a cleaning product, perfume, candle, or bath products to see how it smells? What if I told you that those fragrances were made up of chemicals that can accumulate and have lasting changes over time? Learn all about what makes up the fragrance in your products and how to make meaningful changes in your home.
*Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own and I would never recommend products that I don’t use or stand behind. This post may contain affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view the Privacy Policy and Disclaimer pages.
Lies and Truths About Fragrance
Myth: The FDA regulates the ingredients in beauty and personal care products.
Truth: Cosmetic products and ingredients are not legally required to be approved before going on the market. The only exception are color additives, which is an entirely different topic altogether.
*Note that the FDA defines a cosmetic as anything that can be applied to the body to enhance beauty and/or attractiveness. This includes perfume, makeup, toothpaste, and even candles, among other things.
Myth: My product says “lavender scented” on the front and lists “fragrance” on the back label, so obviously the “fragrance” is lavender.
Truth: The word “fragrance” could be a term that encompasses dozens even hundreds of, chemicals for any one particular product (source).
Myth: My product is safe because it is “fragrance free”.
Truth: As the FDA states, “Even some products labeled “unscented” may contain fragrance ingredients. This is because the manufacturer may add just enough fragrance to mask the unpleasant smell of the other ingredients, without giving the product a noticeable scent” (source).
Do We Really Know What Makes Up Fragrance?
According to a study performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2010, the average fragrance product contains 14 chemicals not listed on the label. They independently tested 17 name brand perfumes and found a total of 91 chemicals. Of those 91 chemicals, 38 were undisclosed on the label, with an average of 14 secret chemicals per product. There were an average of 10 allergens/irritants per product and an average of 4 hormone disruptors per product. Additionally, only 34% of those 91 chemicals have been safety tested.
The average fragrance product contains 14 chemicals not listed on the label.
Environmental Working Group, 2010
Did you know that in the United States, there are over 3,100 chemicals in the fragrance database? Actually, 3, 163 to be exact as of 2010. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate what chemicals make up a product’s “fragrance” in order to protect the company’s “trade secrets”. Some of the worst ingredients that make up fragrance include:
- Phthalates: A synthetic chemical added to products in order to help disperse and carry the fragrance. These are linked with developmental delays in children, cancer, and infertility among other things (source).
- PEGs: Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are petroleum based and therefore can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during processing. Because of this, they can be carcinogens and neurotoxins (source).
- BHA: Butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, is a preservative and stabilizer. It has been linked with hormone disruption and research shows its carcinogenic and allergic effects (source).
- Parabens: Are a type of artificial preservative added to increase shelf life of a product. This mimics estrogen and causes reproductive toxicity (source).
What Chemicals Do the U.S. Regulate?
Something else to note is that the United States has banned 11 chemicals from use in cosmetics. The European Union, which has been known to have strict standards, also ban those same 11 with a total of 1,328 banned chemicals. A lot of the chemicals allowed in the United States are on their list including formaldehyde and certain dyes.
These chemicals are inhaled and absorbed through our skin. As women, remember that our bodies produce the next generation. The average woman uses 12 products everyday while the average man uses 6 (source). That is double the exposure to endocrine (hormone) disruptors, neurotoxins, and carcinogens.
The reality is that babies are now being born with chemicals already in their bodies and continue to be exposed for the rest of their lives. A study in 2009 tested the umbilical cords of babies and found over 200 chemicals. Imagine what that number could be now, 10 years later.
Of the 287 chemicals detected in infants’ umbilical cords, 180 were carcinogens, 217 were neurotoxins, and 208 were developmental toxins. Over these babies’ lifetimes the exposure will continue. These chemicals will accumulate and ultimately affect the next generation.
5 Ways To Clean Up Your Products
As a disclaimer, I have not tried all of these products. As I run out of products, I will be replacing with these. I’ve done my research and looked into various brands and labels. The following are products that I have found to be cleanest in their categories.
1. Body Wash
Best Overall
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap: You can just squirt a bit of this on your loofah or washcloth and clean. I buy unscented castile soap since it’s a great base for so many things and add my own essential oils if I want it scented. Dr. Bronner’s makes a variety of scented options with essential oils.
Runner Up
Aleavia Body Wash: If you want something more “luxurious”, this is a great brand. It only has 7 (clean) ingredients and is made with prebiotics to nourish the skin. I made this my runner up because it is not as readily available as Dr. Bronner’s and the price point is higher.
2. Deodorant
Best Overall
Pretty Frank: Uses very clean ingredients including essential oils (mostly organic) as fragrance and natural deodorizers/sweat absorbers including arrowroot powder and magnesium. This is a great option for men as many male reviewers have said it can hold up throughout the day.
Runner Up
Rustic Maka: Clean and simple ingredients, scented with essential oils, and main ingredients are certified organic. One con is that you can only buy this online.
A Note About Native Deodorant
Native: This was the first deodorant that I loved when I began buying clean products. They do include “fragrance” on the label, and therefore undisclosed ingredients. I do think that it is better than most deodorants in terms of quality. But I haven’t actually verified with the company what their fragrance is. One pro is that it is readily available locally, so if you’re new to clean products I might transition into this before trying others.
3. Best Hand Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Sugar Soap or Castile Soap: This is the only brand that I would recommend because it’s clean, inexpensive, and multi-use! You can buy the scented versions or unscented and DIY your own with essential oils.
4. Home Fragrance
Best Overall
Essential Oils: I would always recommend using quality essential oils and a diffuser to naturally scent your home. An ultrasonic diffuser works using high vibration which allows the oil to be diffused in tiny droplets. There is no heat involved, which could break down the oil. My favorite essential oils are Young Living, as I’ve found that their quality is unsurpassed.
Runner Up
Beeswax/Soy Candles: If you just can’t kick the candle habit, reach for a 100% beeswax or soy candle as these burn clean. Make sure they are scented with essential oils only and list these individually on the label. Also look for a wick made from 100% cotton or hemp. Traditional wicks can contain lead that releases into the air when burned. I personally don’t use candles anymore, but this is a clean company.
5. Lotion
Best Overall
Dr. Bronner’s Lotion: I’m obviously a fan of this brand. Their ingredients are simple and clean and their scents are always essential oils. There are also no fillers or weird thickeners.
Runner Up
Primally Pure Body Lotion: This is an extremely clean brand and if you’re looking for something more luxurious than Dr. Bronner’s, I’d recommend it. I chose this as a runner up because of it’s price point (more expensive) and local availability (or lack thereof).
Final Thoughts
I believe in transparency. How can anyone make an informed decision if they don’t have all the facts? No one has you in mind more than you. Don’t rely on a company or even a governing body to tell you that something is safe. Fragrance is everywhere and in so many products we use. Do your part, always read the label and know the ingredients.
Resources
International Fragrance Association Standards Library: Here, you will find detailed descriptions of individual chemicals and whether or not research has showed them to be safe.
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