Is Natural Fragrance Safe?
Have you ever noticed that sometimes you prefer one product to another just because the label says “natural”? Nowadays, the word “natural” is common in skin, body, and home care product descriptions. A company may boast that its product is made of 96% natural raw materials. But by “natural,” they often mean ingredients that retained more than 50% of their molecular structure after being processed from a natural source. Is that what you think when you read “natural” on a product label?
In actuality, the term “natural” as used in consumer products does not have a uniform definition. Hence, our understanding of “natural” may differ greatly from the manufacturer’s understanding. So, when it comes to fragrance (or “parfum”), is natural fragrance safe or, at least, safer than synthetic fragrance? This is what you will learn in this blog post, so keep reading!
Is Natural Fragrance Safe?
When I started my blog in 2013, I could hardly imagine the depths I would dive into researching product ingredients. At first, my motivation revolved around my newly born baby and my desire to use safe products on him. Pretty soon I realized that to be able to truly understand whether products are safe, I would have to get to the bottom of their manufacturing process. This realization led to another – I would have to do a lot of reading and contact companies with lots of questions. Well, I was ready.
With time, I developed my research method that reflects the core values of my mission. Now, my main goal is to educate you as consumers so that you can make informed decisions about your purchases. And my major focus is health and safety for you and your loved ones. I have recovered and am recovering from some health issues, too. Please, read my posts about breast implants and explant surgery to learn more. (Both posts were reviewed by Myrto Ashe, MD, MPH, IFMCP.)
Prior to becoming a product researcher, I based my choice of skin or body care products on their fragrance. Basically, my decision to buy the product depended on how much I liked the scent. Conversely, today, I avoid all products that have a “fragrance” ingredient. Why is that? Here is what I discovered about both synthetic fragrance and natural fragrance when I dove into this subject.
Sensitivities To Scented Products Are Real
Reportedly, sensitivities to scented products and air fresheners are very common. Thus, this 2009 study reported that 30.5% of the general population found other people wearing fragrances to be irritating. Additionally, 19% of people reported adverse effects from air fresheners, including headaches, chest tightness, wheezing, and even difficulty breathing.
Importantly, fragrance sensitivity is not just a US problem. In fact, this 2019 study shows that 32.2% of residents of the US, UK, Australia, and Sweden reported fragrance sensitivity. On top of that, 28.6% of respondents with chemical sensitivities lost workdays or even a job because of exposure to fragranced products in the workplace.
Thus, fragrance poses a threat to many people. So, when you decide to use or wear scented products, I encourage you to take those people into consideration. If you cannot imagine your life without using aromas, read on to see healthy options that may work for you.
People with fragrance sensitivity may benefit from carbon air purifiers that handle smells. To be effective, an air purifier should have at least 5 lbs of activated carbon. The largest amount of carbon I have seen so far – 15 lbs – is in most Austin Air purifier models. Please, read my Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Air Purifiers and contact me to get a discount on Austin Air purifiers.
Also, my favorite makeup and skincare company Crunchi (ADVOCATE10 for 10% off your 1st purchase of $50+) makes fragrance-free products, even without any essential oils, such as eye cream and facial sunscreen.
Similarities Between Natural And Synthetic Fragrance
As I mentioned above, fragrance can be natural or synthetic. While somewhat different, both natural and synthetic fragrance have something in common.
To begin with, any kind of fragrance listed as an ingredient is not just one ingredient. Rather, it is a blend of ingredients that are frequently undisclosed because US law does not require disclosure of fragrance ingredients. Basically, fragrance ingredients are protected as trade secrets.
Thanks to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), we know that over 3,000 ingredients are used to create fragrance mixes. That is to say, a combination of a number of these ingredients results in a particular fragrance.
Generally speaking, there are two major groups of fragrance ingredients, each with their specific functions (source). Check out the table below.
Fragrance compounds | · release a pleasant scent · mask a bad odor |
Functional ingredients | · provide the durability or functionality of fragrance compounds · include antioxidants, preservatives, diluents, solvents, fixatives, and colors |
Harms Of Synthetic Fragrance Mixes
Before we talk about natural fragrance, let’s look at some ingredients in synthetic fragrance and their health effects.
First, the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep database rates fragrance as an 8 (with 10 being the most toxic). (Learn how to use the Skin Deep database the right way to avoid falling prey to its shortcomings.)
Second, according to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), synthetic parfum mixes have a link to:
- photosensitivity
- irritant contact dermatitis
- allergic contact dermatitis
- airborne contact dermatitis, and
- pigmented contact dermatitis.
Third, the fragrance ingredient list contains chemicals associated with:
- allergic reactions
- endocrine (hormone) disruption, and
- cancer.
Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that childhood exposure to some phthalates (which are common fragrance ingredients) may increase the risk of obesity. Specifically, phthalates may disrupt critical lipid metabolism pathways to promote adipogenesis and fat storage. To be fair, though, not all phthalates seem to be harmful (e.g., dioctyl phthalate appears to be okay).
The table in the next section presents some common synthetic fragrance ingredients and scientific research into them. Also, stay with me to see if natural fragrance guarantees the absence of allergic reactions and other fragrance-related health issues.
Potentially Toxic Fragrance Ingredients
Dibutyl phthalate (DIBP) CAS 84-74-2 | – toxic to reproduction and may cause damage to the unborn child, endocrine disrupting, and under assessment as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (source) – prenatal exposure of rats to DIBP showed a decrease in testis weight and lower testosterone levels (source) – human urine samples revealed DIBP metabolites associated with changes in male genital development (source) |
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) CAS 84-66-2 | – under assessment as an endocrine disruptor (source) – in animal studies, not found affecting male reproductive development (source) – in human studies, exposure to DEP in a mixture of phthalates repeatedly showed adverse reproductive outcomes, including changes in hormone levels, poor semen quality, and genital development (source) – The Natural Resources Defense Fund recommends avoiding exposure to DEP until we know more. |
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate CAS 117-81-7 | – may damage fertility and unborn child, toxic to reproduction, and endocrine disrupting (source) – classified by the US National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” |
Styrene | – classified by the US National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” |
Resorcinol | – allergen and skin sensitizer (also commonly used as one of colorant chemicals in hair dyes) – under evaluation for endocrine disruption (source) |
So, synthetic fragrance does not seem a desirable ingredient in your skin care or body care products any longer. But what if the fragrance is natural?
Why Natural Fragrance Is Not Safe
For your information, applicable US regulations are lenient, with hardly any updates in the law governing cosmetic products since 1938. Without a legal definition in the US, the term “natural” may mean different things for you and the manufacturer. For instance, independent scientists found 0.25 ppm of dibutyl phthalate in Citrus Magic air fresheners marketed as “natural.” This tells me we cannot trust the “natural” claims blindly.
On the one hand, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets forth some guidelines based on the ISO 9235 standard as to the meaning of the word “natural.” Namely, natural raw materials used in fragrance are still considered natural even when they are physically isolated from plants through the processes of distillation, expression, and extraction (source).
On the other hand, the IRFA allows traces of synthetic fragrance ingredients (solvents, antioxidants, preservatives) in their definition of natural fragrances. Additionally, natural raw materials are not necessarily organic and can be grown with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides (source).
Undisclosed Ingredients In Natural Fragrances
When I see fragrance listed as “natural,” I ask the company to email me a full list of fragrance ingredients. In most cases, I get something like this:
- “It is proprietary information, but all our ingredients are natural and safe.”
- “Our fragrance is a blend of essential oils and botanical extracts.”
- “We use naturally derived fragrance and flavor materials free of phthalates, parabens, and petrochemicals.”
While they may sound good, I consider these types of answers from companies evasive. I still have reservations about safety due to the lack of disclosure of natural fragrance ingredients. Indeed, “free of phthalates and parabens” does not mean the naturally derived fragrance is free of functional ingredients, namely:
- antioxidants
- preservatives
- fixatives
- diluents
- solvents, and
- colors.
So, if a company claims they use no paraben preservatives or phthalate fixatives, what do they use instead? With no way to know, we can only hope their functional ingredients are safer than those used in synthetic fragrance. We just won’t know in the absence of full disclosure.
Isolates In Natural Fragrance
The active ingredients in fragrance mixes are called “natural scents” or “fragrance materials.” Oftentimes, to make a natural scent compound, manufacturers extract from the whole plant a single scent compound, aka “isolate.” Some examples include:
- Citral
- Linalool
- Eugenol
- Geraniol
- Limonene
- Coumarin
- Citronellol
- Hexyl cinnamal
- Benzyl salicylate
- Benzyl benzoate
- Hydroxycitronellal
Per the European Cosmetics Regulation, European manufacturers must list isolates in addition to essential oils even though they are not additional ingredients. Conversely, isolates listed on American products can be additional ingredients. While I am okay with essential oils, I do not favor products with isolates as standalone ingredients.
For starters, the Environmental Working Group rates essential oil isolates 3-5 out of 10 (this rating used to be 5-7).
Next, it is questionable whether isolates are still “natural” just because they are derived from plant matter. Indeed, pounds of. Indeed, pounds of natural raw materials are crammed into a tiny bottle of essential oil and then a compound is isolated. Most likely, the compound molecule is very different from the original plant, which makes me feel uneasy.
Moreover, the European Union Chemicals Agency considers isolates to be skin allergens and sensitizers. To clarify, one can develop an allergic reaction to sensitizers after using the same product with these ingredients repeatedly. Regardless of their origin – synthetic or plant-based – they may increase the risk of allergic reactions. Therefore, when it comes to the allergenic properties of the fragrance material, the term “natural” does not mean much. Just as synthetic fragrance materials, natural scents can be sensitizing, too.
Essential Oils And Natural Fragrance Oils
The difference between the two is in their manufacturing process and their purpose as ingredients.
Essential oils | Natural fragrance oils | |
Production | – extract the entire scent complex compound | – extract an isolate from a plant (one oil can have several different isolates from different plants) – man-made, though called “natural” |
Purpose | – scent – therapeutic properties | – scent |
Because essential oils have powerful healing properties, many shampoos and conditioners contain them to improve scalp conditions. In high concentrations, essential oils may cause allergic reactions, which should not be the case with shampoos and conditioners that contain them (source).
Interestingly, this study found that mice exposed to airborne particulates in essential oils experienced an inflammatory liver injury. On the other hand, mice exposed to certain essential oils were protected from the inflammatory cascade resulting from exposure to air pollution.
All in all, because of potential side effects and complexity, essential oils should be used wisely.
Safe Options For Essential Oils
Plant Therapy | – carries both USDA-certified organic and non-organic essential oils – discloses GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) reports – ensures the purity and high quality of the oils by the team of analytical chemists and certified aromatherapists – extracts oils with all 4 methods of extracting and discloses which method was used |
Summary Of The Natural Fragrance Safety Post
I Do Not Consider “Natural” Fragrances Safe Due To The Possible Presence Of Harmful Functional Ingredients And An Allergenic Potential Of Essential Oil Isolates.
In sum, my rating system reflects my attitude to the overall safety of both natural and synthetic fragrance. Thus, in my baby wipes, diapers, and permanent hair color rating list e-books, I rate them 6 and 8, respectively, while I rate essential oil blends 1 (with 10 as the most toxic).
Additionally, I would be careful about using scented products around people with sensitivities. If you are sensitive to fragrance, an air purifier may be your solution. Please, read my Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Air Purifiers and contact me to get a discount on Austin Air purifiers.
At the same time, essential oils have therapeutic effects when used wisely, assuming they are made of quality ingredients. For example, Plant Therapy carries both organic and non-organic options of essential oils. And Crunchi offers skincare products both with and without essential oils (you can get 10% off on your 1st purchase of $50+ with the discount code ADVOCATE10).
For more safe skin and body product options, please visit the I Read Labels For You blog and check out my shop. You can also book a consultation with me if you wish to go deeper with your healthy living journey.
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Thank you for this excellent post. I’m a health care practitioner and have had clients (and myself) with reactions to Myni cleaning products. It’s a Canadian company located in Quebec. I have asked 4 times for a list of ingredients for their scented household cleaner and have received nothing but a run around.
What is the best question to ask to get exact ingredients? They have not yet pulled the “proprietary” card. I was thinking if asking for the Safety Data Sheet/ WHMIS.
I would appreciate if you know anything about this company and/or reactions and a comment on the best way to get transparency (which they swear to you on the website) of course!
Many thanks
Moragh Lippert
Reg. Holistic Nutritionist (CSSN)
International Health Coach (IFM)
Hello Moragh,
Thank you for reaching out to I Read Labels For You and your kind feedback! We haven’t looked into Canadian companies. As for the best question to ask, we have asked manufacturers direct questions, such as “what are the ingredients of your fragrance?” It’s a good idea to ask for the SDS, too! Thank you for contacting the companies – the more of us do that, the sooner the market will become more transparent.
I am a retired teacher and candle maker. I highly recommend asking for or researching the SDS for the fragrances in question. There are a few fragrance oil suppliers working with fragrance manufacturers to create synthethic fragrances that appear safer than essential oils according to the SDS. Reading the SDS of natural essential oils, one can find cautionary statements like cancer causing, reproductive toxicity, marine toxicity, fatal if inhaled or swallowed, etc. I believe this refers to the concentrated components. If they list the fragrances or essential oils used, you can look up the SDS on supplier websites.
So much information Irina which we are grateful for especially on ‘shampoo bars’ which I am interested in. I am a senior and after so many years of colouring and perming etc. ruined my scalp and ultimately my hair that was thick and plenty.
You start off by not wanting to show a few greys while working, (not wise) then the dry scalp which results in ‘dandruff’ then you search for a shampoo to combat that itchiness, which makes things worse. I have since tried ‘bar shampoo’ and had less dry scalp but to much built up as other ladies have mentioned on your site and would like to find one that would give us less built up if that is possible, I also used many shampoos not knowing which was good, better, best,
I also believe that the quality of water has to do with ‘hair problems’. I live in Stratford ON and we have very bad water that comes from 200 yr old pipes they even produce some rust; we are entitled to quality water because we pay for it.
All that said I believe a scalp that produces oil usually has a healthy head of hair and do agree that brushing helps. I have used the ‘vinegar’ rinse and I will add lemon to it this time but it seems that once my hair dries after 2-3 days its back to the dryness. A good bar shampoo would be helpful. Irina, S.O.S. (:
I also used bad shampoos not knowing which was good, better, best,
Hi, Tula! Thank you for sharing your hair journey with us! Before trying a soap-based shampoo bar, know that they do not work for everyone and be prepared that your hair may need to go through a period of adjustment. That said, here are some options that we consider safe: J.R. Liggett’s Original Formula Shampoo Bar (Body and Hair Products Section), Apple Valley Natural Soap Simply Shea Shampoo Bar, Apple Valley Natural Soap White China Silk Shampoo Bar, Ethique solid shampoo (Body and Hair section). We hope this helps!
Is Lume toxic?
Hi Sabra! Thank you for your interest! Irina will be happy to review this product for you in a private consultation: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/
I am super sensitive to scents, even naturally derived ones. I just make my own now… you can pick out essential oils that you find pleasing and non-irritating from a health food store. Add a few drops to a carrier oil like argan oil, then rub it on your skin. (I’ve been using rose with argan oil). It’s such a relief for me to have found a way to customize the scent according my own sensitivities.
I’m so glad you found a solution that works for you, Laura! ~Irina
I first noticed that certain oils gave me a burning sensation an there were in a person’s bag selling them . Since then I never fancied fragrance oils .
As years passed my skin has become more sensitive to a lot of products containing fragrance, like detergents , body wash , hair also dish wash products .im still doing research to find a product that will not affect my skin
Like Cindy above I’ve been wondering what I can use in place of perfume. I haven’t worn it in 4years, since I got pregnant with my 1st. I’ve tried making DIY essential oil perfume from Pinterest but never seem to get them right. Any tips or do you know of any company that makes only essential oil perfumes??
Thank you for letting us know, Ruth! ~Irina
I would be interested in finding a company the makes essential oil perfume as well.
Hi, Ladies: What do you think about this perfume? https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/irinawebb/area/shop-online/category/fragrance/ ~Irina
Thanks so much! I will try it.
This is so true. I bought some lotion from a local shop where everything is homemade with “natural” ingredients, but this was fragranced with fragrance oils rather than essential oils. This lotion was so potent as opposed to the essential oil fragranced products I usually use. Burned mine and my daughter’s noses and made our eyes water! Definitely not ok! I will only use product “fragranced” with pure EO’s.
My boyfriend and I love fragrance, but being a naturalist, I know that colognes and parfumes usually are very toxic. Have you written on parfumes or other personal fragrance that is natural? I am interested in knowing where to purchase this, that I can trust as being natural product.
Hi, Cindy: I do not recommend “natural” fragrance unless it is 100% essential oils. Have you had a chance to read the whole post? Thanks. ~Irina