Why Artificial Fragrances Really Stink
We have talked about the difference between essential oils and synthetic fragrance oils before. As time goes by, there is more and more compelling research about the safety of fragrance.
Why does this really matter?
Everyone likes to smell nice…or to have fresh-smelling linens, or a home that always smells like an apple pie is baking in the oven. Unfortunately, the very ingredients that create those smells may just be making you ill.
Did you know that the overwhelming majority of skin care products–from soaps to lotions to sunscreens–contain synthetic fragrance? Even the typical department store makeup items contain this ingredient. If you are looking at a product ingredients label, it may be listed as “parfum”, “fragrance”, or “fragrance oil.” They are all synonymous.
Fragrance oils simply are unhealthy and may cause health issues down the road and also can contribute to health conditions you may have now, such as asthma and allergies.
- 95% of artificial fragrances are petroleum based chemicals. (According to a report from the National Academy of Sciences in 1986; report not refuted)
- Many artificial fragrances contain Phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system and are known carcinogens. Phthalates are banned in the EU. They can damage the reproductive system and are also harmful to the environment. (Source: Cosmetics Database)
- Artificial fragrance is a leading cause of asthma and allergies. (Source: Toxic Beauty by Samuel Epstein)
Did you know that your typical “fragrance oil” may contain over 100 different chemical compounds such as amines, ethers, ketones, lactones, terpenes and thiones. Many also contain phthalates, benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and other toxins shown to cause cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, neurological disorders, and allergic reactions. These compounds also get into the air and can have grave effects on the ecosystem. When you use a laundry detergent with artificial fragrance, it not only can affect your allergies, but harm the earth.
Did you know that waste eater facilities actually do not remove the chemicals found in artificial fragrance? They are left to linger in the environment.
Aren’t fragrance oils natural?
If I am buying a rose perfume, doesn’t it always come right from rose petals? No. Fragrance oils are synthetic and have been created to mimic the aroma of scents found in nature, in foods, etc. Trade secret laws have made it so the companies do not have to disclose all of the chemical compounds found in the fragrance, so you will see “fragrance”, “parfum”, “fragrance oil”, etc. on the labels.
What does the EWG say about the subject?
There is more and more evidence that fragrance is harmful, even toxic. The Skin Deep Database now ranks Fragrance a very disturbing 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. As a mom, I am troubled by the fact that nearly all products marketed to my kids are not just full of chemicals, but contain large amounts of fragrance. Of course my kids want to smell like a strawberry milkshake or a banana split, but at what cost?
Seed does not use artificial fragrances -- ever.
Quite simply, you will NOT find any synthetic fragrances in our products. We create naturally plant-based and effective facial care and body care products that are safe for you and your family. You may notice that our fragrance free products are not completely without a scent. Natural ingredients retain their natural aromas, so from time to time you may be able to detect the scents from the natural butters and extracts used. Our products with an aroma ALL use 100% pure essential oils, never any synthetic fragrance.
Have you considered using fewer products with artificial fragrances? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
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