What is "Fragrance"?
"Fragrance" is a term that comprises the ingredient(s) used to create the scent in many cosmetics and personal care products. Despite being listed as an ingredient in many products, "Fragrance" – and its equivalents "Aroma", "Parfum", and "Perfume" – does not have a standard definition and often consists of harsh, synthetic chemicals.
Why is "Fragrance" Used in Products?
"Fragrance" is solely used as a scent-booster in cosmetics and personal care products, giving these products their unique smell. While scents can be added with either natural or synthetic (chemical) ingredients, the term "Fragrance" almost always refers to a combination of chemicals rather than raw, natural ingredients.
Who Should Avoid "Fragrance", and Why?
Our recommendation is for everyone to avoid "fragrance". Here's why:
- Unknown and potentially harmful ingredients – Unlike other product ingredients, those used to create unique scents in cosmetics are legally protected as "trade secrets" of the product manufacturer and are not required to be disclosed to consumers beyond the word "Fragrance". This means products that contain the ingredient "Fragrance" may contain harmful ingredients in its underlying formula. EWG states that "Fragrance" can be a combination of any of 3,500+ chemicals, some of which are toxic and can cause a range of health issues (link). The worst of these chemicals include carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, and allergens.
- Dishonest manufacturing and business – Companies whose products include "Fragrance" in their ingredient list are willingly choosing to be dishonest with their customers. Instead of listing the true raw ingredients used to form the scent of their products, these companies are foregoing transparency in order to advance their own interests. It cannot be well understood what ingredients are included in "Fragrance" without additional information from the manufacturer.
Other Things to Note
- U.S. regulations protect trade secrets outside of just scent. Some companies are allowed to use the word "Flavor" to conceal the ingredients behind the unique flavoring of their product(s).
- "Fragrance" can be made from petroleum or botanical raw materials.
- A 2016 study that assessed the health impacts of products with "Fragrance" found that participants reported an extensive list of health effects ranging from migraines and asthma to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.
What to Use Instead of "Fragrance"?
FreeMind does not use any synthetic "Fragrance" in our hand soaps, and does not use any scented ingredient at all in our Fragrance-Free soap (learn more about our ingredients here). Our Lavender and Eucalyptus soaps build on the Fragrance-Free formula by using essential oils, not synthetic fragrance oils or "Fragrance", for scent. Those who enjoy scented products should seek out products that list and use naturally-sourced scent ingredients.
Conclusion on "Fragrance"
"Fragrance" is an unrestricted term that allows manufacturers to conceal the ingredients used to scent their products, all in the interest of trade secrets. The primary risk to consumers is that "Fragrance" can be a combination of any of 3,500+ chemicals, the worst of these chemicals include carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, and allergens. Instead of using "Fragrance", consumer products can very easily use naturally-sourced raw ingredients for scent, avoiding the mystery imposed upon consumers regarding what ingredients their favorite products actually contain.
