Ingredients to Avoid: Fragrance
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In our modern world, we're surrounded by an abundance of scented products. Perfume, air fresheners, laundry detergents and many more fragranced products have all become staples in our everyday lives. However, what many people don't realize is that these seemingly harmless scents can contain harmful chemicals affecting not only our physical health but also our mental health.
Lack of Regulation
One of the most alarming aspects of the fragrance industry is the lack of regulation surrounding the use of fragrance ingredients in consumer products. Unlike other cosmetic and personal care products, fragrances are often considered trade secrets and their specific formulations are protected by the 1966 Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) and the 1979 Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA). Due to these regulations, manufacturers are allowed to use fragrance on their ingredient lists without specifically disclosing all ingredients.[1] As of 2022, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) reports that fragrance can contain over 3,600 ingredients.[2] This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices about the products they use, and the potential risks associated with them.
Health Effects
Fragrance has been associated with the following adverse health effects:
Allergies and Sensitivities - Some fragrance ingredients are known allergens, yet they continue to be widely used in consumer products. Exposure to these allergens can cause redness and swelling, which may occur immediately after use or up to one day later.[6]
Respiratory Issues - Respiratory issues are also a concern, as many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected in fragranced products. Some VOCs are carcinogenic and have no safe level of exposure, contributing to indoor air pollution and posing significant risks to respiratory health.[7]
Hormonal Disruption – Fragrance ingredients can interfere with the endocrine system in both males and females.[9] Pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals found in fragranced products.[8]
Neurological Effects - Some fragrance ingredients have neurotoxic properties that may impair cognitive function and contribute to neurological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[10]Additionally, exposure to fragrances has been associated with headaches, migraines, and dizziness.[11]
Cancer - The IFRA’s list of possible fragrance ingredients includes chemicals that are listed as known or probable carcinogens by California’s Prop 65 Program and the National Toxicology Program (NTP[3] [4] [5] Prolonged exposure to these carcinogenic chemicals through the use of fragranced products may increase the risk of developing various types of cancer.
How to Avoid Fragrance
Don’t fall for marketing tricks! Always look at the full ingredient list to determine if a product contains fragrance or any of its synonyms. Marketing terms such as “hypoallergenic”, “fragrance-free”, or “unscented” can be deceiving and might still contain fragrance.
Products that commonly include fragrance: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, razors, deodorant, lotions, perfume, cologne, cleaners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, candles, wax melts, dish soap, hand soap, menstrual products, etc.
What to Look for on the Label: Fragrance, Perfume, Parfum, Aroma
Some companies will disclose their fragrance ingredients so you may not see any of these on the label. Instead, the company will provide individual ingredients from the IFRA’s list. Not all of the ingredients on the IFRA’s list are harmful, so checking each ingredient individually for safety would be the best option.
Mindful Essentials Standard
At Mindful Essentials, we recognize that undisclosed fragrances can contain many harmful chemicals. Due to this potential risk, our products do not include undisclosed fragrances. We provide full ingredient lists for each product, ensuring you are informed and confident when selecting products to support your low-toxin lifestyle.