Photo by Sarah G

Perfumes and fragrances (usually derived from an artificial/chemical source) are used to scent a wide range of bath and body products such as  perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotions, deodorant, makeup, hair care products, and baby care products. They are also used in household products like air fresheners, laundry detergents, candles, cleaning products – and the list goes on.

When “perfume” or “fragrance” is listed as an ingredient, it shouldn’t be confused with actual essential oils.  Fragrances and perfumes are made from a wide variety of chemicals from formaldehyde to methylene chloride.   The average perfume can contain over 800 ingredients, most of them toxic. By law, the ingredients in perfumes does not have to be listed.

Common side effects from perfumes are headaches and migraines, sneezing, watery eyes, sinus problems, anxiety, nausea, wheezing (especially in asthmatics), shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, brain-fog, dizziness, convulsions, sore throat, cough, chest tightness, hyperactivity (especially in children), tremor, fatigue, lethargy, and drowsiness.

The side effects from perfumes and artificial fragrances are so widespread and affects so many people, many companies now have a “scent free” policy in the workplace.

What can you do?

One way to avoid exposed to artificial fragrances is to read labels.  If you see “fragrance” or “perfume”, chances are at least a few of the 800 toxic chemicals are used in this product.  If you are looking for a scented product, look for products that are derived from natural sources such essential oils, botanical oils, flower water and resins.

Green and Chic – Ingredients

One of my biggest pet peeves with personal care products, especially ones that claim to be “natural” is the use of artificial fragrances and perfumes. 

Besides the fact that they do not smell very good, they can cause and contribute to chemical sensitivities in many individuals. Migraines, asthma attacks and skin reactions (breakouts, rashes, itching, etc) are on the rise due to the fact the many products contains more synthetic chemicals than they have previously.

 At Harvard Medical School, experts such as Dr. Michael Segal, an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, state “Perfumes can be very potent in triggering asthma.  A typical perfume contains tens to hundreds of volatile organic compounds.  Such compounds were originally discovered in natural products such as flowers or fruits, but now most perfumes are manufactured from synthetic chemicals.  Both naturally-produced and synthetically-produced perfumes release many volatile organic compounds, some of which can trigger asthma.”

Fortunately there are many alternatives currently available.  Unscented products (great for the workplace) and products scented with essential oils are a wonderful alternative to artificial fragrances.  I will offer alternatives for adults and children at greenandchic.com.  In the meantime, let me know if you need product recommendations.