The Fragrance Factor: How Scents Influence Your Day-To-Day

Fragrance is a combination of chemicals that gives each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. Fragrance ingredients are commonly used in products such as shampoos, shower gels, shaving creams, and body lotions. Fragrance chemicals are also added to products marketed as unscented to mask the smell of other ingredients. Fragrances are derived from natural and synthetic methods, with synthetic fragrances being either nature-identical or artificial. While fragrances are designed to smell pleasant, they can cause adverse health effects. Some fragrance chemicals are toxic and have been linked to a range of health issues, including allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, endocrine disruption, and potential effects on the reproductive system.

Fragrance in cosmetics

Fragrance is a common ingredient in cosmetics, but its presence is often a matter of concern for consumers. Fragrances are typically added to cosmetics to mask the inherent smell of other ingredients and to enhance the experience of using the product. While some people enjoy the addition of fragrance to their cosmetic products, for others, it can be a source of irritation or even a serious health risk. This article will explore the role of fragrance in cosmetics, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and how consumers can make informed choices about the products they use.

Fragrances are natural or synthetic essential oils or aroma compounds used to impart a pleasant odour to a product. The word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a product label often represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients. While the specific ingredients may not be listed, consumers can be assured that fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same safety requirements as other cosmetic ingredients. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) oversees the safety of fragrance ingredients through a comprehensive program that has been in operation since 1973. This program includes a Code of Practice that provides recommendations for good manufacturing practices and guidelines on fragrance ingredient safety assessment.

There is no clinical reason for fragrance to be added to skincare products. Typically, fragrance is added to cover up the smell of other ingredients or to make the product more appealing to consumers. Fragrance can be a key factor affecting a consumer's preference for a given cosmetic or personal care product. This may be due to the sense of smell being directly connected to the brain's limbic system, where memory and emotions are stored. Additionally, fragrance can trigger feelings of nostalgia, enhance well-being, and boost self-esteem.

Who Should Avoid Fragrance in Cosmetics?

While many people enjoy the addition of fragrance to their cosmetic products, it is important to recognize that some individuals may experience negative effects. Those with fragrance allergies or sensitive skin may wish to avoid fragranced cosmetics, as they could experience irritation or an allergic reaction. People who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, or those with hyperpigmentation or dark spots, should also be cautious of fragranced products as they may cause further irritation. Fragrance can also be a trigger for migraines, so those who are susceptible should opt for fragrance-free alternatives.

How to Make Informed Choices

For consumers who are concerned about the presence of fragrance in their cosmetics, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to read the product label carefully. While individual fragrance ingredients may not be listed, the terms "fragrance" or "parfum" will indicate the presence of fragrance in the product. The EU has outlined a list of 26 common fragrance allergens that must be declared on product labels if they are present above a certain threshold, so consumers can avoid these ingredients if necessary. Additionally, consumers can look for products that are labelled as fragrance-free rather than unscented, as the latter may still contain chemicals and fragrances to mask odours.

Fragrance in cleaning products

Fragrance is a major factor in the marketing of cleaning products, which tend to have relatively simple formulas. Fragrances are added to improve the smell of cleaning products, and this is done through two similar but subtly different methods. The first is to use synthetic fragrances, such as galaxolide, which has a distinctive floral and woody smell. These strong smells clearly and intentionally fragrance a product, such as those marketed as 'floral'. The second method is to use 'masking' fragrances. Many chemicals in cleaning products are intrinsically unpleasant, such as the 'rotten egg' smell associated with sulfur surfactants. Cleaning products marketed as 'fragrance-free' often use lower concentrations of 'natural' essential oils to mask chemical ingredients, creating a neutral product.

Fragrance is a mix of many different substances. These ingredients may be natural compounds (from materials like flowers, fruit, trees, plants, or nuts), essential oils, or synthetic compounds. Lavender and lemon are two common fragrances found in cleaning products.

The smell of 'clean' is often associated with the scent of chlorine bleach. For others, it may be the scent of the outdoors after a thunderstorm, or the sweet smell of pine or cedar.

The term 'unscented' means that a product does not contain fragrance for scenting purposes, but an unscented product can contain fragrance to mask the odour of other ingredients in the formula. The term 'fragrance-free' means that no extra fragrances were added to change the natural scent of the product, but there may be fragrances in the original formula.

Fragrances are considered hormone disruptors, neurotoxins, carcinogens, allergens, and asthma triggers. Cleaning chemicals, which almost always contain fragrances, are estimated to be causing 37% of childhood asthma cases. Fragranced cleaners can also pose a serious risk to the respiratory health of cleaning professionals due to their increased exposure to such products.

In the US, fragrances in household products are regulated by the 'Consumer Product Safety Commission'. The 'Fair Packaging and Labeling Act' prevents the disclosure of 'trade secrets', including fragrances, as they can be complex blends. Manufacturers must consider:

> 'The ingredient or mixture of ingredients acting as a masking agent...may be declared by their individual name(s) or as "fragrance". A masking agent present in a product at an insignificant level may be considered an incidental ingredient under in which case it need not be declared on the label.'

In the EU, there is a list of 256 ingredients (including fragrances, dyes, etc.) that must be explicitly stated on ingredient labels at any concentration. This list includes both synthetic and botanical ingredients, recognising that 'natural' fragrances can be harmful.

How to Avoid Harmful Fragrance Chemicals

• Reduce or eliminate your use of fragranced cleaning products.
• Read cleaning product labels and check whether your favourite cleaning product contains any of the harmful chemicals mentioned in this article.
• Contact cleaning product manufacturers to ask them not to use toxic chemicals in their products.
• Make your own cleaning products using safer ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
• Use the EWG's safe cleaning products database to search for cleaning products that use safer ingredients.
• Look for products with the EPA's Safer Choice label, which lets you know the ingredients have been screened for safety by a third party.

Fragrance in toiletries

Fragrance is an important aspect of toiletries and cosmetics, enhancing their appeal and masking unpleasant odours. It is added to a wide range of products, from shampoo and hand cream to household cleaners, and can be made from natural or synthetic sources. The term 'fragrance' itself refers to a pleasant, sweet scent, and its use in toiletries is designed to impart a positive olfactory experience to the user.

The use of fragrance in toiletries dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using readily available herbs, spices, and flowers to create perfumes. The art of perfumery was refined over time by various cultures, including the Romans, Persians, and later, the French, who are still known for their contributions to the perfume industry today.

The addition of fragrance to toiletries serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it can enhance the user's experience by providing a pleasant scent. Fragrance can also communicate complex ideas and create moods, signalling cleanliness, freshness, or softness. It can alleviate stress, enhance well-being, and even trigger attraction.

The sense of smell is directly connected to the brain's limbic system, where memory and emotions are stored. This may explain why fragrance has such a powerful impact on consumer preferences. Often, a particular fragrance becomes strongly associated with a product's identity and acceptability.

However, it is important to note that fragrance chemicals are not always benign. Some can cause allergic reactions, disrupt the hormone system, or even lead to more serious health issues. For example, certain chemicals called phthalates can harm the reproductive system, and another chemical, styrene, is linked to cancer.

To protect consumers, regulations require all ingredients in cosmetic products to be listed on the label. However, fragrance ingredients are often guarded as trade secrets and are simply listed as "fragrance" or "parfum". In an effort to increase transparency and protect sensitive users, the EU has outlined a list of common fragrance allergens that must be disclosed on product labels if they are present above a certain amount.

While the addition of fragrance to toiletries can provide an enhanced sensory experience and convey a sense of cleanliness and freshness, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain fragrance chemicals and to choose products that are transparent about their ingredients.

Fragrance in food

The use of fragrances in the food industry is an interesting and complex topic. Fragrances play a pivotal role in enhancing the sensory attributes of food products, influencing consumer preferences, and driving advancements in food quality. They are added in small quantities but can significantly impact the taste and aroma of the final product.

Fragrances in food differ from flavors in that they are not necessarily linked to taste. Instead, they are crucial for creating a pleasing olfactory experience. These fragrances can be sourced from natural origins, such as flowers, spices, and essential oils, or they can be synthesized in laboratories to achieve specific aromatic profiles. Natural fragrances are often preferred for their perceived safety and environmental benefits, while synthetic fragrances offer consistency, stability, and cost-effectiveness.

The applications of fragrances in the food industry are diverse and can be found in frozen foods, bakery products, candy production, milk drinks, and condiments. For example, in frozen dumplings, meat fragrances like pork and beef are used to replicate the natural aromas and flavors of meat. In bakery products, fragrances enhance flavor and contribute to the stability of the product's aroma.

However, it is important to note that some fragrance ingredients used in food products may be toxic. According to the International Fragrance Association, there are over 3,000 fragrance chemicals in use, and exposure to some of these substances can lead to health issues. These chemicals are often not listed on product labels, as companies are not required to disclose individual ingredients, and they are considered trade secrets. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices.

To minimize potential health risks, consumers can opt for products that are fragrance-free or carefully read ingredient lists to identify potential allergens and toxic chemicals. Additionally, choosing products bearing the EWG VERIFIED® mark can provide assurance, as these products meet strict standards for transparency and health safety.

Fragrance health concerns

Fragrances are a combination of chemicals that give each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. They are added to a wide range of products, from personal care items to cleaning supplies, and can be derived from natural or synthetic sources. While fragrances are designed to smell pleasant, some of the chemicals used in their production have been linked to various health concerns.

One issue is that fragrance ingredients are often not disclosed to consumers. Manufacturers are not required to list individual fragrance chemicals on product labels, as they are considered trade secrets. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are exposing themselves to when using fragranced products.

That said, we do know that some fragrance chemicals can cause adverse health effects. These effects can range from relatively mild issues such as allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory distress, to more severe problems like cancer and reproductive toxicity. For example, certain fragrance chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the body's hormone system. Phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly used in fragrances, have been linked to reproductive system harm. Additionally, some fragrance chemicals, such as styrene, have been associated with an increased risk of cancer.

It is important to note that the health effects of fragrance chemicals can vary depending on the concentration and frequency of exposure. The term "fragrance" on a product label can represent a mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients, and the specific combination may differ from product to product. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to work with their physicians to identify triggers and avoid fragranced products when necessary.

To minimize potential health risks, consumers can take steps such as choosing products that are fragrance-free or transparently labelled, and consulting resources like the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Skin Deep database, which provides safety ratings for personal care products.

Frequently asked questions