Fragrance Oils In Soap: Anxiety Trigger?

Fragrance oils are synthetically produced in a laboratory and can be used to create a wide range of pleasant aromas for soaps, from floral and herbal to fruity and unusual scents like chocolate. On the other hand, essential oils are natural essences from plants, obtained through various extraction methods, and are considered to be safer and more environmentally friendly.

While fragrance oils are generally safe, some people may experience skin irritation, especially those with sensitive skin or specific skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea. Fragrance oils may also cause respiratory problems, headaches, and allergies. Essential oils, on the other hand, are less likely to cause such issues due to being natural.

In terms of sustainability, fragrance oils are more sustainable as they do not require large quantities of plant materials, whereas essential oils are less sustainable as they require vast amounts of plant matter, especially those sourced from trees.

When it comes to soap-making, fragrance oils have their pros and cons. They offer a wide range of pre-mixed fragrances and are available in impossible scents like cappuccino or strawberry. However, they may cause discolouration, change colour during curing, accelerate trace, or cause the soap batter to seize. Essential oils, on the other hand, allow for experimentation with different blends, are less likely to accelerate trace, and are unlikely to seize the batter. However, they are more expensive and may not have fragrances that stick as well in handmade soap.

Ultimately, the choice between fragrance oils and essential oils depends on personal preferences, sustainability concerns, and the specific requirements of the soap-making process.

Fragrance oils can contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation and rashes

Fragrance oils are made from chemicals, and while many are marketed as "clean" and "non-toxic", there is no such thing as a completely toxin-free fragrance oil. Even essential oils are toxic in large enough quantities.

The ingredients in fragrance oils are often hidden behind the term "fragrance" on product labels, making it difficult for consumers to identify the toxic ingredients. These toxic ingredients can cause harm to human health, particularly with repeated exposure.

One such toxic ingredient is phthalates, which are commonly found in synthetic fragrance oils. Phthalates are a family of chemicals known to disrupt hormones in the human body and have been linked to a range of health concerns, including birth defects, infertility, and cancer.

Another toxic ingredient is parabens, which, like phthalates, are often found in synthetic fragrance oils.

These toxic chemicals can cause various negative health effects, including skin allergies and sensitivity. Fragrance oils contain a blend of various chemicals that can trigger skin irritation, itching, and rashes. They can also exacerbate existing skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis, leading to uncomfortable flare-ups.

Therefore, it is important to read product labels and opt for products that use natural scents and essential oils instead of synthetic fragrance oils. By choosing natural fragrances, we can protect our health and enjoy a safer, more eco-friendly option.

Fragrance oils can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and allergies

According to a 2016 study by fragrance chemical researcher Anne Steinemann, Ph.D., 32.2% of the adult population report adverse health effects from synthetic fragrances, including respiratory problems (18%), migraine headaches (15%), and neurological problems (7%). The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has admitted that poor air quality, poisoned by chemicals, contributes to neurological ailments, including migraines.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has linked the chemicals in perfume to short-term memory loss, central nervous system disorders, and even severe depression due to an alteration in the brain's biochemistry. Fragrance sensitivity is so widely acknowledged in some countries that it is considered a disabling health condition covered under disability legislation, affecting approximately 9.5% of the population.

The term 'fragrance' is given to any number of chemicals used to create an aroma. These could be natural or lab-created synthetics. When you see the word 'fragrance' on a product label, it simply means a combination of ingredients that create a scent. These are almost always 100% synthetic and frequently manufactured from petrochemicals. Fragrance is not just one thing—it usually consists of around 50-200 different chemicals from a possible list of over 3000 ingredients.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics discovered that the average commercial perfume contains fourteen secret chemicals not disclosed on the ingredients label, including those associated with hormone disruption and those that can accumulate in human fatty tissue, including breast milk. As many as 75% of these chemicals have not been assessed for safety in personal care products.

Some of the toxic chemicals commonly used in perfumes include:

• Diethyl phthalate (DEP)—a known hormone disruptor used as a denaturing agent and to increase the longevity of wear.
• Synthetic musks—found in almost all perfumes and laundry products. They bioaccumulate in humans, animals, and the environment, and cause hormone disruption.
• Acetaldehyde—a reproductive toxin that smells like green apples.
• Benzophenone—an endocrine disruptor that acts as a UV filter.

The list of health implications from synthetic scents is long and complex. Fragrance can cause a lot more harm than just a rash. People who are highly sensitive to the chemicals used in fragrances can suffer from respiratory, neurological, and immune system problems. Those with inflammatory skin care conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, acne, or rosacea, may see their condition worsen from fragrances. Fragrances are also known as a huge trigger for migraines.

A 2018 Women's Voices for the Earth study found that, in the over 3000 chemicals reportedly used for fragrances, 1,242 were chemicals of concern—and that included at least 7 possible carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, agents.

Fragrance oils can contain hormone-disrupting chemicals

The limbic system is responsible for triggering a hormonal response throughout the body, which can impact mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. This response can be beneficial, such as boosting energy levels, but it can also be detrimental, especially for those with pre-existing hormone-related health issues.

Phthalates and xenoestrogens are two types of chemicals commonly found in fragrances that can disrupt hormones. Phthalates are often used to increase the longevity of wear, while xenoestrogens are natural or synthetic compounds that mimic oestrogen. These chemicals can interfere with the natural release of hormones or cause their overproduction, leading to excessive hormonal fluctuations and a range of health issues.

Other endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in fragrances include parabens, octoxynols, synthetic musk compounds, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can "trick" hormone receptors, leading to inappropriate hormonal responses in the body. This can result in various health issues, including infertility, thyroid dysfunction, increased risk of cancer, and neurological effects.

To protect yourself from these potentially harmful chemicals, it is essential to choose fragrance products wisely. Look for products labelled "phthalate-free," "paraben-free," or "BPA-free." Opt for natural essential oils and botanical extracts, and choose brands that are transparent about their ingredient sourcing.

Fragrance oils can cause neurological problems

• Respiratory problems
• Skin problems
• Asthma attacks
• Cardiovascular problems
• Neurological problems
• Cognitive issues
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Central nervous system disorders
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Alterations in brain function
• Alterations in brain waves

Fragrance oils can worsen inflammatory skin conditions

Fragrance oils are derived from natural or synthetic sources and are used in a variety of products, from perfumes to candles and diffusers. While they are often used to enhance the sensory experience of a product, they can also have a significant impact on our physical and mental health.

The Impact of Fragrance Oils on the Skin

Fragrance oils can have both positive and negative effects on the skin. On the one hand, they can act as a protective barrier, helping to retain moisture and improve skin hydration. They may also possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.

On the other hand, fragrance oils can also disrupt the skin's barrier function, leading to increased transepidermal water loss and skin dryness. Some fragrance oils, particularly those with a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, can induce dermatitis and disrupt the skin's natural barrier.

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Fragrance oils have been linked to a range of inflammatory skin conditions, including:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Rosacea
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Skin cancer
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Photoaging

Preventing and Managing Skin Conditions

To prevent fragrance oils from exacerbating inflammatory skin conditions, it is essential to consider the type and quality of the oils being used. Cold-pressed plant oils tend to have better therapeutic properties than refined oils, as they retain more of their original composition and therapeutic effects.

It is also crucial to be mindful of the concentration of fragrance oils in products. A higher concentration can lead to a higher fragrance density, potentially altering the effects on the skin.

Additionally, certain fragrance oils, such as citrus oils, can be photosensitive and become toxic to the skin when oxidized. It is recommended to use these oils at low dosages and preferably at night to minimize the risk of skin reactions.

Fragrance oils can indeed worsen inflammatory skin conditions, but this impact is not universal and depends on various factors. By understanding the properties of different fragrance oils and using them appropriately, it is possible to manage and prevent the exacerbation of inflammatory skin conditions.

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