Clean Fragrance 101: What You Need to Know
You know what I love?
When my make-up is dewy perfection, hair flowy and free, outfit equaling amazing—
—and, as that final step of feelin’ myself, a little spritz of that signature scent to finish off the fabulousness.
Yes, please.
But, did you know, you could be spritzing on a scented cloud of FDA protected toxins?
If you wear a conventional scent, that’s likely the case.
So, today, we go deep on fragrance. We’re talkin’ toxic “trade secrets,” hidden health risks, and why, and how, to go clean.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Truth is, the best thing for your health and hormones is a clean fragrance that practices ingredient transparency. Read on as I break it all down.
So, what’s the problem? Why are toxins in our smell good?
Unfortunately, today the label “fragrance” has become a convenient chemical dumping ground that companies can legally use to hide toxins including phthalates, allergens, potential endocrine disruptors, neurotoxins, carcinogens, and more creating a potential cocktail of hidden chemicals that are detrimental to your hormones and health.
How? You may ask.
The issue with synthetic fragrances is that cosmetics companies aren’t required to disclose what’s inside ingredients on their labels that are considered “trade secrets.” Fragrance is considered a trade secret.
So cosmetics companies can label an ingredient “fragrance” and inside that label dump and hide any ingredients they want. Inside the label “fragrance” could include any of 3,000+ ingredients, some known or suspected to harm health, some not.
And these companies are not playing around. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned independent testing on 17 bestselling fragrances. They found that on average there were 14 “secret” chemicals not listed on the label and 10 “sensitizing” chemicals associated with allergic reactions. They also found that hormone-disrupting chemicals were common.
And, please know, that label “fragrance” is everywhere, baby products, cleaning products, skincare, and so much more, including 95% of haircare products.
So, though today we are zeroing in on fragrances within our scents and perfumes, know that any product that contains “fragrance” in their ingredient list is subject to this breakdown.
Now, let’s dive deeper into these ubiquitous toxins:
Common Toxic Ingredients
Here are some of the most common toxic ingredients you might find:
Phthalates: These are used to make the scent last longer. However, they are known to interfere with hormone production and can affect reproductive health.
Synthetic Musks: These are used to create that familiar musk scent. Unfortunately, they can accumulate in the body over time and are linked to hormonal disruption and can have neurotoxic effects.
Parabens: Often used as preservatives, parabens can mimic estrogen and are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Formaldehyde: Another common preservative, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause skin irritation.
Benzyl Benzoate: This ingredient can cause skin allergies and irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
Health Risks Associated with Toxic Fragrances
These toxic ingredients can lead to a host of health problems. You might notice symptoms right away, or they might build up over time. Here’s how these chemicals can affect you:
Allergies: Many people experience allergic reactions to fragrance ingredients. Symptoms can include itching, skin rashes, and even breathing difficulties.
Hormone Disruption: Chemicals like phthalates and synthetic musks can interfere with the body’s endocrine system. This can affect reproductive health and may even lead to certain cancers.
Respiratory Issues: Inhaling these chemicals can cause problems for your lungs. Some people experience coughing, shortness of breath, or asthma attacks.
Neurological Issues: Exposure to neurotoxins in fragrance can cause harm as subtle as dizziness and poor concentration to damage as serious as cytotoxicity to human fetal brain development.
Especially Harmful to Developing Bodies: This includes pregnant women, infants and children.
And Note: “Fragrance” may also be listed as:
Parfum
Cologne
Perfume
Musk
Natural Fragrance
Eau de Parfum
Aroma
So, avoiding fragrances with harmful chemicals is a serious matter that extends way passed smelling good. It's about taking care of your overall health.
When selecting your next fragrance, it is vital that you look for those brands that are transparent about their ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals, prioritizing natural and safe ingredients.
Really, to stay safe, the best option is to go clean.
What is Clean Fragrance?
Clean fragrances are crafted with a focus on safety and transparency that are free from harmful substances commonly found in their conventional counterparts. Here's what makes a fragrance 'clean':
No harmful chemicals: Clean fragrances avoid ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic musks that can cause allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and other health issues.
Natural and safe ingredients: Clean fragrances often use plant-based and naturally derived ingredients, which are less likely to cause irritation and are generally safer for skin contact (though it’s important to note that natural ingredients can still carry health concerns).
Transparent labeling: Unlike many traditional perfumes that hide ingredients under "trade secrets," clean fragrances are more clear about the components beneath the label. Note, this does not always mean that they will list every item behind a “fragrance” label. But it does mean that they will disclose where the fragrance scent comes from. For example: whether it’s essential oils, certified organic fragrance, natural fragrance, naturally derived fragrance, or synthetic.
Let’s go deeper on transparency.
Transparency in Clean Fragrance Brands
The truth is, we should be able to just read an ingredient label and, from that, make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the product. But, because of all the issues laid out above, and others, that’s just not the case.
That’s why supporting brands that practice “transparency” is key.
Ingredient transparency is a cornerstone of the clean fragrance movement.
When brands reveal what's inside their products, it empowers consumers to make better, healthier choices. This openness is especially crucial for those mindful of their well-being and the environment.
Ingredient transparency isn't just a trend; it's a necessary shift towards safer and more responsible beauty choices. When brands are open about their formulas, it creates a win-win situation for consumers and the industry.
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Choosing Your Clean Beauty Fragrance
Understanding fragrance labels, what certifications mean, and shopping at the right spots can help you pick a truly clean product. Here’s a few tips:
Check for Transparency: Clean fragrance brands list components openly. If you see vague terms like "fragrance," be cautious and dig deeper. As we know, this can hide harmful chemicals.
Certifications Matter: Certifications like USDA Organic, Ecocert, and Made Safe are good indicators of a clean product. These organizations have strict guidelines that brands must follow.
Avoid Common Toxins: Be on the lookout for phthalates, parabens, synthetic musks, and formaldehyde. These substances are often hidden in conventional perfumes and can cause health issues. Now remember, all of these can be hidden behind the word “fragrance,” but if they are listed in the ingredients, RUN.
Shop at High-Standard Clean Beauty Stores: Shops like Credo Beauty and Goop have high standards for what ingredients are allowed in their stores. Credo is my go-to as it has over 2700 ingredients that they prohibit or restrict. And Credo requires all brands sold in their stores to practice fragrance transparency.
Use Tech to Check: Databases like Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database, or apps like their Healthy Living app, or, my fave, the Yuka app, provide ingredient information for thousands of personal care and beauty products. And Skin Deep and Healthy Living also include household products.
Brands Leading the Way in Clean Fragrance
Several brands stand out for their commitment to transparency and clean fragrance formulations. These companies are setting new standards in the beauty industry by prioritizing the health of their customers and the planet. Here are a few stars in this movement:
Phlur: Phlur is fully transparent and details out the exact ingredients behind their fragrance label. And, in addition to their avoidance of harmful chemicals, they use eco-friendly packaging, making their products a safe and green choice.
Heretic Parfum: Heretic Parfum uses all-natural ingredients and is upfront about their compositions, detailing exactly what’s behind their fragrance label and exactly what each ingredient does. They believe in the power of nature and ensure that their products are free from synthetic chemicals.
Maison Louis Marie: Maison Louis Marie composes “clean luxury fragrances while doing good for our planet.” Their products are created with the health of our bodies and the environment in mind. Though they do not detail exactly what is behind the “fragrance” label, they ensure that their scents are naturally derived, and publish an extensive list of what their formulations are created without on their website. BTW… #4 is my jam.
These brands are a great place to start for products that are both safe and transparent. And by supporting these companies, you're advocating for a cleaner, healthier fragrance industry.
Conclusion –– The TL;DR
I love a good signature scent, and by making a clean switch, I know my choice doesn’t compromise my health and wellness. Here’s a review of what you need to know so that you can do the same:
Conventional perfumes often hide harmful chemicals under "trade secrets," exposing you to toxins like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic musks.
These ingredients can cause allergic reactions, hormone disruptions, and other serious health issues.
Clean fragrances offer a safer alternative. They use transparent labeling and avoid harmful substances, and by supporting clean companies, you advocate for a safer beauty industry.
Let your signature be making healthy choices that can lead to a happier you. Your body, your hormones, and your environment will thank you for it.