Unlocking The Science Of Scent In Laundry Detergents

Laundry detergents often contain artificial fragrances that are designed to infuse your clothes with a pleasant, clean-smelling aroma. These fragrances are chemically based and can leave a coating of their cocktail of chemicals on your laundry, which is then transferred to your skin. When a product lists fragrance as one of its ingredients, this could be any combination of around 3,000 different chemical ingredients. Some detergents are designed to eliminate body odour, while others are formulated to leave a fresh scent on your clothes without being too strong or overbearing.

How fragrances are created

Fragrances in laundry detergents are created using a combination of around 3000 different chemical ingredients. These chemically-based fragrances are designed to infuse clothes with a pleasant, clean-smelling aroma. While the scent doesn't usually change the effectiveness of the detergent, it can be designed to control odour.

Some fragrances are created using a combination of chemicals that are safer for humans, pets and the environment. These safer alternatives are cost-effective and work just as well as products that include unsafe chemicals.

How fragrances are preserved

Fragrances in laundry detergents are preserved throughout the washing process. These fragrances are chemically based and maintain their consistent aroma by leaving a coating of their cocktail of chemicals on your laundry, which is then on your skin. When companies list 'fragrance' as an ingredient, this could be any combination of around 3000 different chemical ingredients.

If you want to reduce your risk of contact with hazardous chemicals, you can look for products with the EPA Safer Choice logo. These products have had every chemical, including fragrances, reviewed and found to be safer for people, pets and the environment.

How fragrances are regulated

Fragrances in laundry detergents are highly personal, and everyone has their own preferences. However, the scent doesn't change the effectiveness of the detergent. Some detergents are designed to control odour, such as ARM & HAMMER™ Plus OxiClean™ Odor Blasters, Fresh Burst™, which is formulated to eliminate body odour, musty towels, and sweat.

Mainstream laundry detergents contain significant amounts of artificial fragrances that are highly durable and preserved throughout the washing process. These fragrances are chemically based and maintain their consistent aroma by leaving a coating of their cocktail of chemicals on your laundry, which is then on your skin. When companies list 'fragrance' as one of their ingredients, this could mean any combination of around 3000 different chemical ingredients.

If you want to reduce your risk of contact with hazardous chemicals, you can look for products with the EPA Safer Choice logo. These products have had every chemical, including fragrances, reviewed and found to be safer for people, pets and the environment.

How fragrances are marketed

Fragrances in laundry detergents are marketed as a way to infuse your clothes with a pleasant, clean-smelling aroma. These scents are often described as 'fresh' and are designed to appeal to personal preferences. For example, some people may prefer a floral or citrusy scent, while others might opt for something more subtle.

The marketing of these fragrances often focuses on the idea that your laundry will smell just like the product inside the bottle. This is achieved through the use of artificial fragrances that are highly durable and preserved throughout the washing process.

Some detergents also emphasise their ability to eliminate odours, rather than simply masking them with a fragrance. This is particularly important for those with sensitive skin, as fragrances can sometimes irritate the skin.

When it comes to choosing a fragranced detergent, it is important to read the product labels to understand the ingredients and any potential risks associated with the chemicals used. Some companies offer 'safer alternatives' that are healthier for humans and the environment, and these can be just as effective as products containing unsafe chemicals.

How fragrances are tested

Fragrances in laundry detergents are added to infuse your clothes with a pleasant, clean-smelling aroma. The scent doesn't usually change the effectiveness of the detergent, but some are designed to control odours.

Mainstream laundry detergents contain significant amounts of artificial fragrances that are highly durable and preserved throughout the washing process. These fragrances are chemically based and maintain their consistent aroma by leaving a coating of their cocktail of chemicals on your laundry, which is then on your skin. When companies list "fragrance" as an ingredient, this could be any combination of around 3000 different chemical ingredients.

If you're concerned about the chemicals in fragrances, you can look for products with the EPA Safer Choice logo, which means that every chemical, including fragrances, has been reviewed and found to be safer for people, pets and the environment.

Frequently asked questions