The Fragrance Effect: How Scents Influence Your Everyday

Fragrances are substances that contain strong-smelling organic compounds that give products a pleasant odour. They are used in a wide range of products, from cosmetics and toiletries to household and laundry items. Fragrances are regulated differently depending on their intended use, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treating them as cosmetics or drugs. Fragrances can be made up of a mix of more than 3,500 chemicals, some of which are toxic and can cause health issues such as allergies, reproductive issues, and even cancer. However, manufacturers are not required to list the specific ingredients that make up a fragrance, making it challenging for consumers to know the full composition of the products they are using.

Fragrance in cosmetics and toiletries

Fragrance is a key factor in consumer preference for a given cosmetic or personal care product. This may be because the sense of smell is directly connected to the brain's limbic system, where memory and emotions are stored. A particular fragrance often becomes strongly associated with product identity and acceptability.

The word perfume derives from the Latin perfumare, meaning "to smoke through". Ancient texts and archaeological excavations show the use of perfumes in some of the earliest human civilisations.

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same requirements for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. They must be safe for consumer use according to the labelled directions or as they are customarily used. The safety of fragrance ingredients is assessed by a comprehensive program operated by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). This program, in operation since 1973, includes a Code of Practice (the Code) that provides recommendations for good manufacturing practices and guidelines on fragrance ingredient safety assessment, including safety standards that limit or ban the usage of certain fragrance materials.

IFRA oversees the gathering of information for the safety of individual fragrance ingredients and reviews this information to determine their safety under expected conditions of product use.

Fragrance in household products

The use of fragrance in household products is a common practice, with many consumers preferring their cleaning products, air fresheners, and dish soaps to have a pleasant scent. According to P&G data, scented products account for a significant proportion of sales in the US, with 89% of laundry, 79% of surface cleaning, and 99% of dishwashing products being fragranced.

The preference for natural fragrances over synthetic ones is also increasing, with brands incorporating botanical ingredients to create unique scent profiles. This trend aligns with the ancient practice of using herbs and spices to fragrance cosmetics, candles, and soap. For example, housekeepers in antiquity would sprinkle scented water on clean floors and cushions and store clothing in cedar chests to impart a pleasant aroma and protect against insects.

The inclusion of fragrance in household products can have social and psychological benefits. Studies have shown that experiencing pleasant scents can enhance agreeableness and cooperation, while scents associated with cleanliness, such as citrus or pine, can promote prosocial behaviours, including increased trust and charity. Additionally, the sense of smell is closely linked to memory, and using fragranced household products can evoke positive memories and boost emotional well-being.

However, it is important to note that fragrances can also have adverse effects, even at low concentrations. Current labelling legislation, such as the 'Fair Packaging and Labeling Act' in the US, prevents the disclosure of 'trade secrets', which includes complex fragrance blends, making it challenging for consumers to know the specific ingredients in fragranced household products.

Fragrance in laundry products

WholeFoods brand 365 offers a powdered laundry detergent fragranced with lavender, while Dedcool offers an eco-friendly option. Wilton makes a cedar-scented detergent, and Method offers a detergent with a Peony Blush scent.

When choosing a laundry fragrance, it is important to consider the ingredients and potential hazards. Good Home fragrances are free of parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, and other potentially hazardous chemicals often found in fragrances.

Fragrance in air fresheners

Air fresheners are scented products that are used to improve the smell of a space. They are available in a variety of fragrances, including 'new car' and 'red delicious'. Air fresheners can be oil-based, and some are designed specifically for use in cars. Car cologne diffusers are an example of a luxury car freshener brand that offers a range of premium-grade scents inspired by best-selling and exclusive colognes, perfumes and unisex fragrances.

Fragrance in candles and incense

Fragrances are substances that possess strong-smelling organic compounds that have characteristic, pleasant odours. Manufacturers use them in many products as a perfume.

Fragrances are found in the majority of cosmetics, toiletries, household, laundry, air fresheners, candles, and incense products. Fragrance ingredients are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as cosmetics if they are in a cosmetic product and function to provide scent. However, the FDA does not approve or test cosmetic products, including fragrances, before they are available for sale. Manufacturers are legally responsible for ensuring product safety.

Fragrance chemicals are not always benign. Exposure to some fragrance chemicals can lead to a range of health problems, including disrupting the hormone system, harming the reproductive system, and causing allergic reactions in both children and adults. Some fragrance chemicals are also linked to cancer.

While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, some common ones include phthalates and styrene.

Frequently asked questions