Why Fragrance is Bad for Everyone

A Healthy Bite - ThatOrganicMom

Friends, I'm going to get up on my fragrance-free soapbox here for a minute if you don't mind. But first, do not miss this important point: product developers are clever, consumers are busy, and greenwashing is everywhere. Greenwashing in Skincare, Cosmetics, and Cleaners Companies get away with greenwashing all the time. Greenwashing, a form of deceptive marketing used to persuade the public that a company's products, aims, and policies are environmentally friendly, is illegal. Yet there are so many loopholes. Organizations like Greenpeace are out to stop the practice of greenwashing. In 2009, they launched a campaign to help consumers make better choices. The best way for you to make an informed decision is to simply do the research into companies you support with your voting dollars. Skincare products without fragrance are harder to find but with a bit of determination, you will succeed. Favor fragrance-free products that are vetted by a reliable third-party, and learn to look beyond the hype. Trust me, you can do it. I am a sucker for a beautiful label, but I have found that pictures of bamboo and vague words such as "natural" are meaningless. Don't worry, you can find non-toxic beauty products that are free of hormone-disrupting chemicals and preservatives. Although, if you've been wearing perfume or colognes all your life, you may feel naked without them! Why Are Products With Fragrances Bad For Your Skin? Do you need to worry about using fragranced skincare and beauty products? Learn more about the potential long-term effects of using fragranced skincare and beauty products and what safe alternatives are available. Fragranced products often contain potentially harmful chemicals and ingredients that may lead to skin irritation or other health risks. Understand Allergic Reactions To Fragrances Fragrances, even natural, can still cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can vary in severity, but it is a good idea to research the ingredients inside your products. Natural fragrances such as essential oils may appear harmless. However, they could still irritate if used too frequently or at too high of an intensity. Be sure to check product labels for any potential allergens before you buy them. The Chemicals That Are Harmful To Skin The chemicals commonly found in fragranced products can be particularly problematic for people with sensitive skin, as they can cause allergic reactions and other skin irritations. Common fragrance ingredients that could lead to potential irritation include phthalates, parabens, synthetic musks, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Consider switching to a more natural or organic product instead. How To Find Natural, Safe Skincare Alternatives Suppose you're looking for skincare and beauty products that don't contain fragrances or potentially harmful chemicals. The good news is, there are plenty of natural and organic options available. Look for products that list natural essential oils or other natural ingredients on the label, or opt specifically for non-fragranced products. It's also a good idea to check user reviews to ensure that any product you're interested in is safe and effective. When in doubt, you can consult a trained skincare professional about the safety of specific ingredients or do your own research on a site like EWG.org. Reduce Your Exposure To Skin Irritants Fragrances contain several additional ingredients that may cause irritation or inflammation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Some scents also have been shown to aggravate asthma symptoms in people with existing asthma conditions. This potential risk makes it even more important to look closely at labels before purchasing skincare and beauty products. Tips For Incorporating Natural Fragrance Into Skincare There are safe options if you love incorporating fragrance into your skincare and beauty regimen.