Hundreds of toxic ingredients can be hidden under the label “fragrance” in cleaning and beauty products. This self-regulated industry often masks harmful chemicals behind this innocuous term, leaving consumers unaware of the potential dangers lurking in their homes.
Our bodies are resilient, but constant exposure to synthetic fragrances—derived from petrochemicals—poses a significant risk to optimal health. These substances can penetrate the skin, enter the bloodstream, and be inhaled through the respiratory system, contributing to various adverse health effects, from respiratory issues to hormone disruption.
Allowing synthetic fragrances in our homes is a massive oversight, one that we often don’t realize until we begin to suffer the consequences. For years, I was attached to the scent of Tide and Downy in my sheets. This fragrance was ingrained in my memory as the smell of clean laundry, a bond formed during childhood and reinforced over time. The connection between scent and emotion is powerful, residing in a part of the brain that is uniquely accessed through smell.
However, over the past decade, I've intentionally broken this emotional bond with synthetic fragrances. I've replaced them with natural alternatives, eliminating these harmful chemicals from my daily life. Now, I clean with Dr. Bronner's SAL SUDS, wash my body with their Castile soap, and rely on Griffin Remedy and RD Alchemy for my body, hair, and face.
As individuals, we hold the responsibility to ensure that the products in our homes are free of harmful ingredients. By eliminating products like scented detergents, softeners, dryer sheets, cleaning products, fragrance-emitting devices, sprays, perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, and scented cosmetics, we can protect not only ourselves but also our families, communities, and the environment.
Let’s start reading labels, understanding ingredients, and taking active steps to stop poisoning ourselves. Switching to essential oil-based alternatives is a simple yet powerful way to improve indoor air quality and safeguard our health.