Who doesn’t like to smell good? I know I certainly do. I used to love going to the perfume section of department and beauty stores and spraying the scents on the little paper cards. As a teenager, my entire bathroom was filled with lovely smelling products from Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret. We use products every day that are designed to help our clothes, hair, skin, and home smell better. Unfortunately, these products could be hiding dangerous chemicals that can be damaging to your skin and health. But Why are synthetic fragrances harmful?

It was surprising to me to discover that companies do not have to disclose all of the fragrance ingredients in their
products. They can stock their products with harmful chemicals under the guise of protecting trade secrets for fragrances. What we end up with is products that smell amazing but can do serious damage to our health in the long run.

Why are synthetic fragrances harmful?

Using a body spray or a scented product in your home does not just mask the smell on the surface. These products can sink deep into your skin and enter your body through your nose or mouth. You wouldn’t spray an air freshener into your mouth, but you may be getting the same effects without even realizing it.

The chemicals used to create synthetic fragrances are not safe to ingest. Products with synthetic fragrances typically include ingredients such as phthalates which can damage your reproductive health. They have also been linked to certain types of cancers and obesity.

Many of the ingredients used to create the scents we love so much are also derived from petroleum. Lab tests have revealed as many as 38 chemicals in leading fragrances that go unlisted. The ingredients do not have to be listed on the labels, so you may not even know they are in your products. That knowledge is extremely unsettling to me.

You may already be suspicious about fragrances. One in three people experience issues due to fragrance sensitivity, including headaches or rashes. Some perfumes and colognes have also been found to cause migraines.

Harmful side effects of using synthetic fragrances in shampoos, skincare products, air fresheners, and cleaning
products include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Skin irritations and rashes
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Increased risk for certain types of cancer
  • Increased risk of birth defects
  • Central nervous system disorders
  • Interference with hormonal health
  • Weight gain
  • Releasing toxins into the skin

What types of products contain synthetic fragrances?

Most of the scented products we use today are made with synthetic fragrances. Our perfumes and colognes are some of the more obvious products that are hiding dangerous chemicals labeled mysteriously as “fragrance.” Other products that typically include synthetic fragrances are:

  • Lotions
  • Face washes
  • Body washes and shower gels
  • Shampoos and conditioners
  • Fabric softeners
  • Laundry detergents
  • Air fresheners
  • Candles

How can you spot synthetic fragrances?

It is difficult to determine which products contain synthetic fragrances because manufacturers can hide chemicals under this fragrance loophole. Often, carefully reading a product’s label is not enough to determine what ingredients and chemicals are lurking in the product.

I recommend avoid products that contain any synthetic fragrances and are not transparent about every ingredient in their product. Synthetic fragrances are created in a lab and include harmful ingredients like petroleum or solvents. Some products may be made with a combination of synthetic and organic ingredients, but they will still contain dangerous chemicals.

To avoid synthetic fragrances altogether, you can purchase fragrance-free products. If a product includes “fragrance” on the ingredient list, you are safer putting it back on the shelf and looking for a better product. Even if a product is labeled as “fragrance free” on the front of the packaging, you may still find fragrance ingredients on the label. Annoying, but true.

What products can you use instead?

Products that have shorter ingredient lists often tend to be better for your skin. Fewer ingredients make it less likely for the product to contain something harmful or dangerous for your skin and body. Essential oils can be a natural way to add fragrance to a product. Just make sure they are not marked as “fragrance oils” and contain synthetic ingredients.

Hopefully soon manufacturers will by law have to disclose harmful fragrances used in personal care products. It can be helpful to find some brands that you trust and stick to those products. My favorite skincare and makeup brand is fully transparent with their ingredients and you can check out the products here.

Conclusion

While we all love to smell amazing, when it comes down to it, it’s really not worth risking our health. Many of the scented products sold today include harmful chemicals disguised as “fragrances” on the ingredients list. Your perfumes, lotions, face washes, and air fresheners may contain dangerous ingredients. You can protect yourself by purchasing fragrance free products whenever you can, and by finding brands that you trust that are fully transparent with their ingredients. Even switching to wearing your favorite perfume to only a few days per week, or on special occasions is a step in the right direction.

I’d love to hear your comments on this topic below!

Also Read : Everything You Need To Know About Facial Oils 101