Natural Fragrance Safety: What's The Real Scent?

The term natural fragrance is often used as a marketing buzzword, with no standard definition. While natural fragrances are typically a mixture of essential oils and botanical extracts, they can still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Natural fragrances are also not necessarily free of harmful functional ingredients, and undisclosed ingredients in natural fragrances can make it difficult to determine their safety. On the other hand, synthetic fragrances are created in labs and have been linked to health risks such as allergies, hormone disruption, asthma, and cancer. The key difference between natural and synthetic fragrances lies in their origins and transparency, with natural fragrances derived from natural sources and synthetic fragrances created in labs.

Natural fragrances can still contain harmful functional ingredients

Natural fragrances are often assumed to be safe, but this is not always the case. The term "natural" is not regulated, and products labelled as "natural" may still contain harmful ingredients.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has published a list of over 3,000 ingredients that are used to create fragrance mixes. While some of these ingredients are natural, many are synthetic. Even natural fragrances can contain synthetic ingredients, as IFRA allows traces of synthetic fragrance ingredients (such as solvents, antioxidants, and preservatives) in their definition of natural fragrances.

In addition, natural fragrances are not always free of functional ingredients, which can include antioxidants, preservatives, diluents, solvents, fixatives, and colors. These functional ingredients can be harmful, and their presence in natural fragrances is often undisclosed. For example, essential oil isolates are considered skin allergens and sensitizers, and can increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Furthermore, natural fragrances may contain isolates, which are single scent compounds extracted from plants. The process of extracting isolates can result in a compound molecule that is very different from the original plant, raising concerns about its safety.

The lack of transparency and regulation in the fragrance industry makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what ingredients are in the products they are using. When choosing fragrance products, it is important to be cautious and opt for fragrance-free or unscented options whenever possible.

Natural scents can be sensitisers

Even natural fragrances can contain sensitising chemicals that trigger allergic reactions in the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. These reactions can be severe, and even a tiny amount of a natural fragrance can be enough to trigger them. For example, limonene, which is responsible for the aroma of oranges, limes, and grapefruits, is a common trigger for sensitivities.

The term "natural fragrance" is often misleading and confusing. There is no standard definition for the term "natural", and it is not regulated. Manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance ingredients, so it can be difficult to know exactly what is in a product. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices, especially those with allergies or sensitivities.

To make matters worse, the term "natural" is often misused or greenwashed. For example, a product may be labelled as "natural" if it contains trace amounts of essential oils, even if the fragrance is mostly synthetic. In addition, natural raw materials used in fragrances may be grown with chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides, and may contain synthetic ingredients such as solvents, antioxidants, and preservatives.

It's important to be cautious when choosing products with fragrances, even natural ones. Look for brands that prioritise transparency and provide detailed ingredient lists. If you have known sensitivities, be sure to check the ingredient label and do a small patch test before using a new product.

Natural fragrances are not regulated

The term "natural" is often used in product descriptions, especially in skin, body, and home care products. However, it is important to note that the term "natural" is not regulated and lacks a uniform definition. This means that the understanding of "natural" can differ significantly between consumers and manufacturers.

In the context of fragrances, the lack of regulation and clear definitions can be problematic. Fragrances, whether natural or synthetic, are complex mixtures of ingredients, and the specific composition is often protected as a trade secret. While the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has published a list of over 3000 ingredients that could be used in fragrances, manufacturers are not required to disclose the exact ingredients in their products. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices, especially for those with sensitivities or allergies to certain fragrance chemicals.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies fragrances according to their intended use, either as drugs, cosmetics, or both. Fragrance products applied to the body to enhance attractiveness are considered cosmetics under the law. However, fragrance ingredients are also commonly found in other product categories, such as shampoos, shower gels, and body lotions. Even products labeled as "unscented" may contain fragrance ingredients to mask unpleasant odors. While cosmetic products must list their ingredients, fragrance ingredients can be simply listed as "Fragrance" or "Flavor" under U.S. regulations, making it challenging for consumers to identify specific fragrance chemicals.

The safety of fragrance ingredients is also a concern. While fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet safety requirements, the FDA does not require pre-market approval. Companies and manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and proper labeling of their products. However, without full ingredient disclosure, it is difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the potential health impacts of fragrance products.

To address these concerns, some companies choose to provide additional information about their fragrance ingredients upon request. For example, they may confirm or deny the presence of specific ingredients, such as certain essential oils, to accommodate consumers with allergies or sensitivities. Additionally, programs like Safer Choice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) help consumers find products with safer ingredients, although participation in such programs is not mandatory.

In summary, the lack of regulation and standardized definitions in the fragrance industry can make it challenging for consumers to fully understand the safety and composition of natural fragrances. While some manufacturers prioritize transparency and safety, the onus often falls on consumers to seek out this information and make informed choices.

Natural fragrances are often diluted

Secondly, dilution allows perfumers to use tiny amounts of expensive materials in their formulas without having to create large batches. This is especially useful when experimenting with new formulas, as it prevents wastage if the formula doesn't work out. Diluting strong-scented materials also helps to create a more subtle fragrance that is more pleasant to wear.

Thirdly, some materials are easier to smell when diluted. When we smell something, we are smelling the air above the material as it evaporates, not the material itself. Diluting strong-scented substances in alcohol helps them to evaporate, giving us a fuller profile of the scent.

It is important to note that while natural fragrances may be diluted, they can still cause sensitivities and allergic reactions in some individuals. Fragrance sensitivity is a common issue, with studies showing that 30.5% of the general population finds fragrances worn by others irritating, and 19% reporting adverse effects from air fresheners. Therefore, it is always recommended to use fragrances with caution and be mindful of others who may be sensitive to scented products.

Natural fragrances can be misleadingly labelled

For instance, independent scientists found 0.25 ppm of dibutyl phthalate in Citrus Magic air fresheners marketed as "natural". This indicates that "natural" claims cannot always be trusted. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) provides some guidelines on the use of the term "natural", stating that natural raw materials used in fragrances are still considered natural even when they are physically isolated from plants through processes such as distillation, expression, and extraction. However, the IFRA also allows for traces of synthetic fragrance ingredients (such as solvents, antioxidants, and preservatives) in their definition of natural fragrances.

Additionally, natural raw materials are not necessarily organic. They can be grown with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. When a product is labelled as having a "natural fragrance", it is often unclear what specific ingredients are included. Companies may provide evasive answers or claim that their ingredients are proprietary information. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are buying and whether the product is truly natural or safe.

Furthermore, the term "natural fragrance" can be misleading as it does not always indicate the absence of harmful functional ingredients or the absence of allergenic potential. Essential oil isolates, which are commonly used in natural fragrances, have been rated 3-5 out of 10 for safety by the Environmental Working Group. These isolates may still cause allergic reactions, even if they are derived from plant matter. The European Union Chemicals Agency considers isolates to be skin allergens and sensitizers, which can increase the risk of allergic reactions with repeated use.

Therefore, when it comes to fragrance, it is important for consumers to be cautious and do their research. Checking ingredient lists, seeking out transparent companies, and opting for products with full disclosure of ingredients are recommended.

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