The Fragrance Factor: Artificial Scents In Cosmetics

Synthetic fragrances are commonly used in cosmetics and household products to create pleasant aromas. However, the use of artificial fragrances in cosmetics has been a cause for concern, as they have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and nervous-system disorders. While synthetic fragrances are not inherently harmful, the lack of transparency in ingredient labelling makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. This is particularly true in the US, where the FDA considers fragrance a trade secret, allowing companies to hide potentially dangerous chemicals under the vague label of fragrance.

The dangers of artificial fragrances

Artificial fragrances are commonly used in cosmetics to make them more appealing to consumers. However, these fragrances are often made from undisclosed chemicals, which can pose a number of health risks. A 1986 report by the National Academy of Science found that 95% of synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum. These fragrances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, sperm count reduction, nervous-system disorders, obesity, headaches, diabetes, asthma and allergies.

Despite these risks, product labels often do not disclose the ingredients that make up the artificial fragrance. Instead, they use vague terms such as "fragrance", "parfum" or "perfume" to mask the true nature of the ingredient. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices about the products they are using.

Phthalates, for example, are a group of chemicals commonly found in proprietary fragrances. They are thought to be endocrine disruptors, yet without proper regulation, they can easily be hidden in cosmetic products.

To avoid the potential dangers of artificial fragrances, consumers should choose only "unscented" or "fragrance-free" products. However, it is important to read labels carefully, as some products may use other chemicals to mask scents and create an "unscented" experience. By being vigilant and informed, consumers can make safer choices for their health and well-being.

The use of undisclosed chemicals

Undisclosed chemicals are often used in cosmetics to create a fragrance. The FDA considers fragrance a "trade secret", so brands that scent their products can simply add 'fragrance', 'perfume' or 'parfum' to the end of an ingredient label instead of listing the raw ingredients that formed the scent. This means that companies might use hundreds of undisclosed chemicals to formulate a single scent that goes into a hand cream or hairspray.

These undisclosed chemicals can be dangerous. A 1986 report by the National Academy of Science found that 95% of synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum. Synthetic fragrances have been linked to cancer, birth defects, disrupting hormone activity, sperm count reduction, nervous-system disorders, obesity, headaches, diabetes, asthma and allergies.

Phthalates, for example, are a group of chemicals on most clean beauty no-no lists because they’re thought to be endocrine disruptors, but according to the NIH and Environmental Working Group, they’re common in proprietary 'fragrance'.

To avoid undisclosed chemicals, choose only "unscented" and "fragrance-free" products—but read labels carefully, as some products use other chemicals to mask scent to create the "unscented" experience.

The lack of transparency in cosmetics laws

Although synthetic fragrance is not inherently bad, the lack of transparency in cosmetics laws has made shopping with transparency difficult. The FDA considers fragrance a "trade secret", so brands that scent their products can simply add 'fragrance', 'perfume' or 'parfum' to the end of an ingredient label, instead of listing the raw ingredients that form the scent. This creates a dangerous lack of transparency on ingredient labels, making it easy for companies to hide cheap, potentially dangerous chemicals in their products. For example, phthalates are a group of chemicals on most clean beauty no-no lists because they're thought to be endocrine disruptors, but according to the NIH and Environmental Working Group, they're common in proprietary 'fragrance'.

A 1986 report by the National Academy of Science found that 95% of synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum. However, product ingredient labels don't include the ingredients list that makes up the artificial fragrance, instead using the mysterious "fragrance" to mask the detail that makes up that ingredient.

Many natural and synthetic fragrances are components of cosmetics and household products aiming to impart pleasant aromas, such as body lotions, shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents, air fresheners, disinfectants and vaporizers. Synthetic fragrances are made in a lab, typically using alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and/or lactones. A cocktail of synthetically-derived ingredients can be combined to smell like scents found in nature, such as flowers, fruit or vanilla.

To avoid artificial or synthetic ingredients, consumers are advised to read labels carefully and choose only "unscented" and "fragrance-free" products. However, it is important to note that some products use other chemicals to mask scents to create the "unscented" experience.

The ingredients used to create synthetic fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are made in a lab, typically using alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and/or lactones. A cocktail of synthetically-derived ingredients can be combined to smell like scents found in nature—think flowers, fruit, and vanilla.

A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences noted that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil) and include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene, and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions.

Phthalates are man-made chemical compounds that serve a range of functions. In some forms, they’re used to make plastics more durable. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is used as a fixative in fragrances, which means it helps the smell last. There is some concern around DEP and its effects on the reproductive system, as well as other bodily processes.

Manufacturers can create fragrance inexpensively with petrochemicals. Some people experience skin irritation when they come in contact with these ingredients, and there are potentially more serious health effects that are being researched.

Nature-identical synthetics have an identical chemical structure to an ingredient found in natural sources, but have been extracted or created through chemical processes rather than natural extraction methods. Ambroxide is one example; originally extracted from ambergris (a waxy substance extracted from sperm whales’ intestines) via solvent extraction, modern perfumers now use ambroxide synthesised from sclareol, one of the components of clary sage essential oil. Natural isolates are extracted from natural materials using chemical processes, such as coumarin extracted from tonka beans.

The impact of artificial fragrances on indoor air quality

Artificial fragrances are a common ingredient in cosmetics and household products, aiming to impart pleasant aromas in the product formulation. These fragrances are made in a lab, typically using alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and/or lactones. A cocktail of synthetically-derived ingredients can be combined to smell like scents found in nature, such as flowers, fruit, or vanilla.

Artificial fragrances have been linked to a number of health issues, including cancer, birth defects, disrupting hormone activity, sperm count reduction, nervous-system disorders, obesity, headaches, diabetes, asthma, and allergies. In addition, 95% of synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, which can contribute to indoor air pollution.

To reduce the impact of artificial fragrances on indoor air quality, it is important to choose fragrance-free or unscented products. However, it is important to read labels carefully, as some products use other chemicals to mask scents to create an "unscented" experience.

Frequently asked questions