Fragrance-Free February… trying saying that five times fast!
February is not just the month of love, it is also the month of fragrance-free living. Fragrance-free February is a time to raise awareness about the harmful chemicals that can be found in many of our everyday products. From laundry detergent to shampoo, fragrances are everywhere. But do you know what is actually in these fragrances and how they can affect your health?
What do we mean by Fragrance-Free?
When you see the term ‘fragrance’ listed on a product label, do you assume that it is safe? Most people do, but the truth is that fragrances can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals. In fact, in 2010 there were over 3000 different chemicals that could potentially make up the term ‘fragrance’. These chemicals are often kept hidden from consumers, as companies are not required to disclose the specific ingredients that make up their fragrances.
But the dangers of fragrances go beyond just being irritating to those with allergies. Studies have shown that the chemicals used to make up fragrances can have serious health implications. These chemicals have been classified as allergens, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, carcinogens, and neurotoxins. They can cause a wide range of health problems, from skin irritation to respiratory issues and even cancer.
I have a friend that has built up such an intolerance to other people wearing products containing fragrance that she can no longer go into the office and even has difficulties doing every day activities like shopping. She has an extreme reaction to the fragrance, including not being able to breathe if someone around her has used a particularly strong fragrance.
One of the biggest problems with fragrances is that there is no oversight or regulation of the industry. The fragrance industry regulates itself, meaning that safety testing does not have to be confirmed by regulators before products are sold to consumers. This lack of oversight means that consumers are left in the dark about the potential dangers of the products they are using.
I can’t count the number of women I know who have thyroid dysfunction from spraying perfume on thier throat for decades. Perfumes often contain chemicals such as phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors and can have serious health implications. Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used in fragrances to help them last longer. However, these chemicals have been linked to a variety of health issues, including disrupting hormone levels and even potentially causing cancer.
When we spray perfumes on our skin, we are essentially exposing ourselves to these harmful chemicals, putting our health at risk. Choosing fragrance free alternatives or natural scents such as pure essential oils, can help avoid these dangerous chemicals and protect our overall well-being.
Make the switch to Fragrance-Free
That is why I have made the switch to fragrance-free living. I no longer use any products that list ‘fragrance’ on the label. Instead, I have switched to natural alternatives that are actually good for my health. There are so many natural and fragrance-free products available today that there is no need to expose yourself to potentially harmful chemicals.
If you are looking to make the switch to fragrance-free living, there are a few simple changes you can make. Start by checking the labels of your products for the term ‘fragrance’ and avoiding any products that contain it. Look for products that are specifically labeled as fragrance-free or made with natural ingredients. You can also try making your own products at home using simple, natural ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, and bicarb soda. I have so many free recipes on my website to help you with this. I even a Perfume and Potions ebook which teaches you how to make your own natural perfumes.
In addition to switching to fragrance-free products, you can also advocate for better regulation of the fragrance industry. Contact your local MPs and urge them to support legislation that would require companies to disclose all ingredients in their products, including fragrances. By raising awareness about the dangers of fragrances and advocating for safer alternatives, we can protect our health and the health of future generations.
This February, join me in making the switch to fragrance-free living. Let’s prioritise our health and well-being by choosing products that are safe and natural. Together, we can create a world where fragrance-free living is the norm, not the exception.
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