Everyone loves a beautiful smell – it can bring back memories from forgotten days we loved, to enhancing how we feel, how we respond to our skincare, and nothing beats the smell of fresh sheets straight off the sundrenched washing line.
Fragrances are everywhere – from cheap perfumes to expensive perfumes, to air fresheners, laundry detergents and personal care products. They fill our homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
Yet, beneath their pleasant aroma lies a darker truth: fragrances can be toxic. Despite their popularity, many of us are unaware of the potential health risks associated with these seemingly harmless scents.
I will delve into the hidden dangers of fragrances and explore why they may not be as benign as we once thought, and why the Everything Skin Range only contains essential oils as fragrance.
The Problem with Fragrance Ingredients:
One of the main concerns surrounding fragrances is the lack of transparency regarding their ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific chemicals used to create their signature scents, citing trade secrets and proprietary blends. As a result, consumers are left in the dark about the potential toxins they’re exposing themselves to.
Research has found that many fragrance formulations contain a cocktail of harmful chemicals, including phthalates, synthetic musk, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances have been linked to a range of health issues, from respiratory problems and skin irritation to hormone disruption and even cancer.
Air Pollution and Indoor Air Quality:
The widespread and slightly obsessive use of fragranced products also contributes to indoor air pollution. Studies have shown that many common household items, such as air fresheners, scented candles, and cleaning products, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These VOCs can react with other pollutants to form harmful secondary compounds, exacerbating indoor air quality issues.
For those suffering with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, exposure to fragrances can trigger symptoms and exacerbate existing health problems. Additionally, prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants has been associated with a higher risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease, and even neurological disorders. Even some so called non fragrance products such as incense sticks – are often made from cheap chemicals instead of natural ingredients so are just as toxic as chemical air fresheners.
And we haven’t even touched on the side effects these chemicals have on our bodies. Toxic effects on the brain include poor memory and concentration, erratic behaviour, word confusion, mood issues, headaches, vertigo and cravings
Environmental Impact:
The environmental impact of fragrances extends beyond the effects these products have on us. The production and disposal of fragrance-containing products contribute to water and soil pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Many fragrance ingredients are derived from petrochemicals and require extensive resources to manufacture, further exacerbating their environmental footprint.
And, to make matters worse -when fragrance-containing products are washed down the drain or disposed of in landfills, they can contaminate waterways and soil, posing risks to aquatic life and ecosystems. They have found that the hormone disrupting ingredients in our chemicals are morphing animals into asexual beings meaning they cannot reproduce which in turn means extinction for them. Add to that, the packaging used for these products contributes to plastic waste including micro plastics adding to the growing environmental crisis.
Better and healthier Alternatives:
Because more of us are becoming aware of these issues, many of us are seeking out safer alternatives to traditional fragranced products. Companies that prioritize transparency and use natural, plant-based ingredients and essential oils instead of fragrances – are gaining popularity among eco-conscious consumers such as the eco – ethical range the Everything Skin Range.
Unfortunately, many companies that offer fragrance-free options, unless they are also an eco, zero waste, sustainable or ethical company are still selling products loaded with the same nasty ingredients (and packaged in plastic) but you think you are using something kind on your skin – but they are not kind at all.
To start your healthier toxic free lifestyle – start by adopting a few eco-friendly habits, such as proper ventilation – open your windows – let the fresh air and sunshine in instead of using chemical fragrances. Use natural cleaning products, or just vinegar and bicarb and start reducing overall consumption, use less than more – can help minimize exposure to harmful fragrances and improve indoor air quality.
While fragrances may seem harmless, their hidden toxins pose significant risks to human health and the environment. From respiratory problems to environmental pollution, the negative impacts of fragranced products cannot be ignored. By advocating for greater transparency, choosing safer alternatives, and adopting eco-friendly practices, we can reduce our reliance on toxic fragrances and create healthier, more sustainable environments for all.
If you would like one on one holistic beauty and wellness advice – book a glowing skin and wellness consultation via zoom with me!
Yvette xx
Thank you for reading my blog!
Hi!
I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.
For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.
