Scented candles. Luxurious perfumes. Great-smelling hair and skincare products.
We get it – fragrances can be fun and soothing to use. However, what many people don’t realize is that heavily scented products can also have downsides, especially when it comes to our health and overall well-being.
Perhaps that’s why we’re seeing the beginnings of a fragrance-free movement, specifically on social media platforms. Many conscientious shoppers are starting to realize that fragrances trigger unwanted reactions in their families, and they’re looking for safer alternatives.
So, why should your household consider going fragrance-free? Let’s talk about some of the significant reasons for making the switch.
✓ Lower the Risk of Allergic Reactions
Perhaps the most predominant reason that most customers switch to fragrance-free alternatives is to avoid potentially allergenic ingredients.
Most fragrances contain a complex mix of chemicals, some of which can trigger allergic reactions in both children and adults. For decades now, research has indicated that a significant portion of Americans is sensitive to fragrance – and it’s estimated that up to 11% of the general population is allergic to fragrance.
If you continuously find yourself (or your children) experiencing allergy-related symptoms, such as coughing, itchiness, sneezing, or congestion, it’s possible that fragrance is to blame.
Opting for fragrance-free home and beauty products is an excellent way to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and help keep you and your family safe.
✓ Protect Sensitive Baby Skin
Even if no one in your family is outright allergic to fragrance, you need to pay special attention to the products you use when you have a baby in the house.
Babies naturally have skin that’s more sensitive to scents and certain ingredients than older children and adults’ skin. It’s not uncommon for infants to break out in heat rashes and dry skin, both of which can be indicative of sensitive skin.
That is why many resources, including WebMD, specifically recommend using fragrance-free products, especially during infants’ first few months of life. Remember: the label “hypoallergenic” doesn’t necessarily mean that a product is safe, so make sure you’re doing your research on the chemicals and scents that are in all of your baby’s products.
If you’re on the hunt for infant-friendly (and fragrance-free) bath products, check out our first bath kit for babies. Our hair and body wash and baby cream are both designed to safely clean young, sensitive skin.
✓ Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Many studies over the last few decades have indicated that artificial fragrances, such as air fresheners and those found in body sprays and soaps, can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
In 2011, researchers conducted a survey of selected consumer goods. These products included home products like air fresheners, but they also looked at soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorants, and shampoos.
The survey’s findings revealed that these products emitted over 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some that are classified as “toxic” or “hazardous” by U.S. laws. In general, VOCs are well-known for triggering negative reactions in humans, including…
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Coordination problems
- Asthma attacks
- And more
Here’s the kicker: even some products advertised as “green,” “natural,” or “organic” in the survey emitted hazardous chemicals. Therefore, you can’t trust every label you see on beauty and home products.
If you want to ensure your home’s air is clean and free from dangerous compounds, going fragrance-free is a good place to start.
✓ Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Sure, you’re keeping plastic out of the ocean and shopping with reusable tote bags, but those aren’t the only things you can do to minimize your environmental footprint.
If you’re using lots of synthetic fragrances, such as perfumes and smelly lotions, you might be impacting the environment around you. In fact, some green activists would tell you that your perfumes, paints, pesticides, and other petro-chemical products are “worse” for the environment than vehicle emissions.
For example, a paper published in the journal Science in 2018 found that VOCs emitted from products like those we just listed may contribute to half of the fossil fuel VOC emissions in the industrialized cities it assessed.
We’re not saying you have to throw away EVERY scented candle you own or anything. However, the more you can switch to fragrance-free products, the more you stand the chance of reducing your negative impact on the environment.
✓ Safeguard Your Pets’ Health
Don’t forget about your furry friends when looking at beauty products – even if the products aren’t for them. There are many scents that are potentially harmful to cats and dogs, including seemingly safe essential oils that contain natural “phenols.”
That’s why going “all-natural” isn’t necessarily the best move.
Even natural products can contain smells and ingredients that are poisonous to your pets. Instead, you’re better off looking for fragrance-free products that are less likely to trigger issues in animals’ nervous systems and respiratory tracts.
If you have questions about what fragrances might be dangerous to your pet, speak to a veterinarian. In the meantime, start researching alternative products that are more likely to contain truly safe, non-toxic ingredients.
Ready to Embrace “Worry-Free” Beauty Products?
The bottom line is that you shouldn't have to worry that the artificial (or natural) scents in your products are harming your family. That’s why Original Sprout is so dedicated to developing worry-free products that have everything you want – and nothing you don’t.
Our products deliver safe, vegan, cruelty-free formulas that are totally free of…
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Sulfates
- Gluten
- Artificial scents
Additionally, we’re conscious about crafting products that reduce our carbon footprint. That’s a big part of why we use wholesome ingredients and certified organic extracts.
To learn more about Original Sprout products, visit our product list. If you have questions about how we produce our products or what goes into them, feel free to contact our team directly.