In the quest to smell good and keep our homes feeling fresh, most of us have filled our lives with scented products—from shampoos and soaps to air fresheners, deodorants, and perfumes. Pleasant scents can lift mood, boost confidence, and add warmth and comfort to our environments. But as the use of synthetic fragrances has grown, questions have emerged: What chemicals are in these products, and are they truly safe? For those of us focused on healthy aging, it’s worth examining fragrance safety and how they might impact our bodies in the short as well as the long term.

Why We Love Fragrances

Scents shape how we feel and interact with the world. Think of how it smells after it rains or when forest bathing, surrounded by pine trees. At home, a fresh-scented laundry detergent can make you feel homier. A whiff of the right cologne may be all it takes to make you think of your first love. A favorite perfume or signature scent is one way many of us express ourselves. And of course, fragrances can be used to mask unpleasant odors.

Because of the way they imprint memories and evoke emotions, it’s no wonder fragrances have been woven into the fabric of everyday life. But as we’ve learned more about the chemical composition of synthetic fragrances, concerns have surfaced about their potential impact on our health.

What’s Inside? Common Chemicals Found in Fragrances

The term “fragrance” can hide a multitude of ingredients, many of which are synthetic and are created chemically and often derived from petroleum. Manufacturers often use these synthetic ingredients because they’re the most cost-effective, versatile, and consistent. These include:

• Phthalates: Often used to extend a scent’s life, phthalates are very common and found in a wide variety of perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning products.
• Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens are another concern due to their potential to disrupt hormone balance.
• Synthetic Musks: Designed to mimic natural musk scents, synthetic musks are often found in perfumes and personal care products.
• Styrene: Often included to increase the staying power of fragrances, as well as makeup, lotions, and even sunscreens.
• BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): Added to fragrances as a preservative to make them last longer.
• VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Found in many air fresheners and sprays, VOCs are a group of chemicals that easily vaporize into the air, contributing to indoor air pollution.

These ingredients may enhance a product’s longevity or help mask unpleasant odors, but they can come at a cost to our health and well-being.

Potential Health Impacts of These Chemical Concoctions

The saying “better living through chemistry” may have been well-intentioned, and many of the chemicals we’re exposed to regularly are appealing to our senses. However, it’s probably a good idea to have at least some skepticism when we’re slathering our bodies or inhaling these various chemicals daily. This is even more true for chemicals we don’t really need and use because we enjoy the way they smell.

You see, chemical-laden fragrances can affect our health in several ways, especially with frequent or prolonged exposure. That includes:

• The Respiratory System: Many fragrance chemicals, especially VOCs, can irritate the respiratory system. People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues may find their symptoms worse when they’re exposed to certain fragrances.
• Hormonal Disruption: Some chemicals, like phthalates and parabens, are known endocrine disruptors. This means they can interfere with hormone levels and even mimic or block natural hormones. This interference is concerning for all, but particularly for pregnant women, children, and anyone dealing with hormonal imbalances.
• The Skin and Immune System: Short-term effects of fragrances include skin irritation, rashes, and photosensitivity, especially in those with sensitive skin. Over time, repeated exposure to certain fragrance chemicals can lead to sensitization, where the body’s immune response becomes exaggerated with each exposure.
• Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Health: Some chemicals used in fragrances, like certain synthetic musks and solvents, may have neurotoxic effects. While research is ongoing, early studies suggest a potential link between prolonged exposure to these chemicals and cognitive or neurological impact.

Research shows that certain fragrance ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled into the lungs, eventually making their way into the bloodstream. Studies have detected metabolites of fragrance chemicals like phthalates in urine and blood samples, indicating that these substances do indeed penetrate the body and may circulate for extended periods. This has raised questions about the potential for bioaccumulation, where chemicals build up in the body over time, possibly increasing the risk of adverse effects.

In addition, a recent survey found that 34.7% of the population reported health problems, including headaches and breathing difficulties, when exposed to fragranced products at work. Over 15% to the point of missing work due to the fragrances found in cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products.

When scanning labels, there are a few ingredients to be mindful of if you’re aiming to limit your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals:

• Phthalates: Widely used to help scents last longer, phthalates are often masked under “fragrance” or “parfum” on ingredient lists.
• Synthetic Musks: These can build up in the body and have been associated with potential hormone-disrupting effects.
• Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Commonly found in air fresheners and some perfumes, formaldehyde-releasing agents help preserve fragrance but can also irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.

To avoid these, look for products that disclose their fragrance ingredients or, better yet, choose fragrance-free options when possible.

This is especially true for the most vulnerable among us. While these chemicals may affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to fragrance exposure. This includes children and pregnant women. For example, because of their smaller bodies and developing systems, children are particularly susceptible to absorbing and storing these chemicals. In addition, exposure to certain fragrance chemicals during pregnancy may impact fetal development, as some chemicals can cross the placenta.

Older adults can also be more vulnerable to the effects of chemical exposure, as with age, the body’s ability to detoxify may decrease. People with pre-existing respiratory or immune conditions also want to be particularly careful, as fragrances can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory or immune issues.

Tips to Increase Fragrance Safety

Reducing exposure to potentially harmful fragrances starts with informed choices. Start by reading labels carefully and opting for products that fully disclose their ingredients. Avoid items listing “fragrance” or “parfum” as these terms can mask a variety of chemicals.

Then, choose natural alternatives rather than chemically created scents. At home, consider using essential oils or sachets with dried herbs. However, be mindful of using essential oils sparingly as they can also trigger sensitivities in some people.

Some of the most appealing scents come from the great outdoors. When possible, open windows to freshen indoor air instead of using air fresheners or scented candles, which can release VOCs and other chemicals into the air.

Where to Find Safe, Non-Toxic Fragrances

There are several brands committed to transparency and using natural, safe ingredients in their fragrance products. Look for certifications like EWG Verified or Made Safe, which indicate that a product has been vetted for potentially harmful chemicals. Many brands now offer fragrance-free options or products with natural, plant-based scents that are free from harmful chemicals.

Essential oils are often considered a safer, natural alternative to synthetic fragrances, and many do offer a non-toxic way to add scent to your personal care and household products. However, essential oils can also be irritants and allergens, especially when used in higher concentrations or applied directly to the skin.

Repeated exposure to the same oils may even lead to sensitization, where the body develops an allergic reaction to oils that were once well tolerated. This reaction can cause skin rashes, respiratory irritation, or other sensitivities. For those, like me, who are interested in essential oils, it’s wise to rotate scents, dilute them properly, and use them sensibly to minimize potential risks.

Fragrance Safety Takeaways

Fragrances are a significant and often enjoyable part of our lives, enhancing our environments and personal care routines. But with rising awareness of potential health risks, keeping fragrance safety in mind can help protect our health and well-being over the long term.

By being mindful of labels and opting for non-toxic products, we can enjoy the benefits of pleasant scents without compromising our health. Remember, healthy aging isn’t just about how we live day to day; it’s also about making small changes that help our bodies thrive in the years to come.