What is fragrance? Discover the many harmful chemicals hidden underneath this unassuming term and how to choose clean alternatives.

Originally published on faciallounge.com

We see this ingredient on almost every label from shampoos, conditioners, other hair care products, sunscreens, cosmetics, body care products, candles, soaps, perfumes, etc, etc, etc! What many do not realize is that companies are able to hide harmful chemicals under the term “Fragrance”.

Want to hear something shocking? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) stated that, “Fragrance is the biggest cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis”. What does this mean? Rashes, rosacea, dryness, flakiness, redness, etc can all be caused or further irritated by products containing this as an ingredient (check out my article 16 Ingredients to Avoid for a full list of harmful/irritating chemicals).

HOW CAN “FRAGRANCE” BE HARMFUL?

On average, this ingredient contains at least 14 chemicals that are not explicitly listed. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that most, if not all, of these chemicals are known hormone disruptors, allergens and even carcinogens! What’s worse, 80% of chemicals listed under “Fragrance” have not even been tested for human safety.

In another study done by the EWG, they found that phthalates (the incredibly harmful hormone disrupting AND carcinogenic chemical) are in 75% of products with “Fragrance”. Octoxynols and Nonoxynols are also commonly found as chemicals hidden under the this ingredient and are harmful hormone disruptors.

What does this mean? That even products listed as “All- Natural”, “Organic”, “Phthalate-Free”, etc can still have harmful, irritating chemicals.