Let’s play a game. Can you identify which of these common ingredient words is different than the rest: coconut oil, water, glycerin, fragrance?
The word “fragrance” is the oddball. While other listed items point to specific substances, fragrance is a category. This category can contain any of over 3,000 separate ingredients, most of which hide behind the protective cloak of “trade secret.” Fragrance doesn’t appear harmful. I mean, it’s just a scent, right? It doesn’t get the scrutiny it should. And yet, undisclosed fragrance may be the most hazardous part of your body and home care products.
With all the unknown, I have put “undisclosed fragrance” near the top of what I avoid in home and body care products for several reasons:
- It poses harm when the product is used as intended, unlike most hazardous ingredients whose problems emerge when misused.
- Fragrance impacts every breathing being, not just the person using the product, though of course the primary user experiences the most exposure.
- Undisclosed fragrance is everywhere. Over 95% of personal care products contain undisclosed fragrance. It is even more intense in house care products from fabric softeners and dryer sheets to trash bags and cat litter.
Table of contents:
- The hidden hazards of fragrance
- The role of ingredient disclosure in fragrance safety
- Does ingredient disclosure ensure product safety?
- What are the regulations around fragrance?
- Where are the most hazardous fragrances?
- Phthalates in fragrance and why they’re so bad
- What are the differences between essential oils, natural fragrance, and artificial fragrance?
- Do all synthetic fragrances contain phthalates?
- Are all essential oils safe?
- What’s the difference between fragrance and parfum?
- What is the difference between “unscented” and “fragrance-free”?
- How to identify good scent in products
- How does Dr. Bronner’s scent its products?
- Finding your scent fix
The hidden hazards of fragrance
According to the 2023 reporting from the California Safe Cosmetics Program, a program instituted in 2022 that mandates ingredient disclosure in the state of California, over 90% of products contained at least one of 26 identified allergens common in fragrance. These allergens can trigger asthma and contact dermatitis. Without ingredient disclosure, individuals with certain allergies cannot discern which products are safe for them.
Additionally, 15% of fragrance compounds from the same California reporting contained carcinogens, 7% contained developmental or reproductive toxicants, and 5% contained persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals. While the presence of allergens poses a risk only to people with particular allergies, these additional categories of hazard can impact anyone.
The role of ingredient disclosure in fragrance safety
The beginning of fragrance safety and awareness begins with full ingredient disclosure. “Trade secret” protection over fragrance blends blocks consumers from knowing all that a product contains, and prevents consumers from being able to make informed decisions for their own health and needs.
Because fragrance blends can be too lengthy for product packaging, full lists might be found on a product’s website.
There are a few resources to help identify ingredients. The SmartLabel database is one voluntary registry of products and ingredients. Also, the California Safe Cosmetics Program offers a product search database to disclose fragrance ingredients sold in California.
Best of all is when a manufacturer makes ingredients clear and readily available.
Does ingredient disclosure ensure product safety?
Ingredient disclosure alone does not ensure product safety, but it is an important first step for consumer empowerment. Ingredient disclosure equips consumers with the necessary information to decide if a product is right for them. It still places burden on the consumer to follow up with research.
There is additional regulatory work to be done beyond mandated disclosure. There are specific ingredients whose harm potential is robustly documented and should not be present at any level. Formaldehyde is one of these. The number of ingredients that are outright banned as unsafe is woefully small compared to the body of research substantiating harm from a much longer list of ingredients. The Toxic Free Beauty Act of 2025 is one attempt to curtail the use of 18 of the most hazardous chemicals. In the meantime, while these ingredients are still in use, ingredient disclosure is the only way consumers will be able to see and avoid them.
What are the regulations around fragrance?
It’s quite surprising how little regulation there is around fragrance. At the federal level, cosmetics are governed by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), while household products falls under the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, fragrance ingredients have long been protected from required disclosure because they are considered trade secrets. There is no sign of change around this for household products.
For cosmetics, the 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) has a landmark update to the laws in place since 1938. (Nope, not a typo – there was no substantive update to cosmetic regulation for 84 years.) MoCRA included required disclosure of known allergens, even in fragrances. However, this hasn’t actually happened as of this writing in June 2026. The disclosure is to be based on a list of allergens that the FDA would release, but the list of allergens has yet to be released. Without that list from the FDA, this disclosure cannot go into effect and the regulation is useless.
At the state level there are some stronger disclosure laws than the federal ones. California requires disclosure in cosmetics based on a list of harmful fragrance and flavor ingredients, though even this still does not disclose all ingredients. In an unexpected twist, both California and New York have stricter disclosure laws around fragrance ingredients in household products.
In summary, full ingredient disclosure of fragrance compounds is not required at any level.
Where are the most hazardous fragrances?
Risks associated with fragrance ingredients increase depending on the amount and type of exposure. For body care, a product that stays on your skin provides higher exposure to its ingredients – and as such, fragrance – than a product that is rinsed off. With house care products, the greatest fragrance exposure is found in products that emit concentrated scent into the air or in residues that are left on fabrics we launder.
Therefore, to pick a place to begin scrutinizing the products in your bathroom cabinets, start with leave-on products, such as lotion, deodorant, sunscreens, and makeup. When you have those cleaned up, turn your attention to wash-off products such as soap, shampoo, and shave gels.
With household products, plug-in air fresheners and aerosol room sprays need your first attention. These products are not providing a hygienic purpose and may be covering up a true problem which should be dealt with directly. Plus, these concentrated scents penetrate deep within anyone that breathes in that space – whether it’s us, our kids, our pets, or our guests. For a pleasant home scent, grab an idea or two from my list of ways to make your house smell fantastic without compromising health.
Then turn your attention to laundry products: detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets. We are constantly in touch with fabrics. We wear them, we sleep on them, we dry ourselves with them. There are many emotional and subconscious ties to the scents in our laundry, but they are also a primary source of ingredient toxicity. Make the effort to adjust your laundry norms by trying some of these laundry swaps.
Phthalates in fragrance and why they’re so bad
Phthalates (pronounce it with a silent “ph” [tha-late]), are a category of chemicals called plasticizers which have garnered a lot of media notoriety. They are rarely listed individually on a product label but rather are used in fragrance blends as a fixative, or fragrance preserver. They are one of the primary concerns around undisclosed fragrance.
Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they cause hormone suppression, mimicry, or overproduction, as well as a range of other maladies including reproductive problems, birth defects, neurological issues such as attention deficit, and even certain forms of bone and breast cancer. Furthermore, they are designed to endure.
Problematic as phtahlates are, the hubbub around them can also be a red herring. Their notoriety has resulted in decreased usage and many products loudly proclaim themselves “phthalate-free.” While being free from phthalates is a good thing, this is no assurance that the other ingredients in the product are good. It is still essential to read full ingredient lists and be wary of undisclosed fragrance
What are the differences between essential oils, natural fragrance, and artificial fragrance?
Essential oils are extractions of the aromatic compounds of plants. Not every plant is able to generate them. For example, mint and citrus both can produce essential oils from their leaves and rinds, respectively, but peaches and watermelon cannot. Essential oils are an oily substance composed of a complex blend of many volatile (meaning easily airborne) materials. They can be very potent substances, many with therapeutic benefits. A product that is “scented with essential oils” relies on these whole plant derivatives.
Next come natural fragrances, which are derived from essential oils, but are not otherwise changed. The components of essential oils are isolated through means of distillation, centrifuge, or similar, and then captured. This is how, from one plant base, there can be derived the scent of cinnamon, almond, or even vanilla.
An artificial or synthetic fragrance is a recreated compound possibly meant to mimic a naturally occurring scent, such as the aforementioned peach, or perhaps to capture an idea such as an ocean breeze or clean linen. These may begin with a petroleum base and as mentioned have a wide-range of potential ingredients.
Do all synthetic fragrances contain phthalates?
No, but full transparency is necessary in order to verify what is or is not in a fragrance.
Are all essential oils safe?
Essential oils are specific, understandable ingredients that would be clearly listed on a label. Not only does this knowledge give you the information you need to decide if a product is right for you, essential oils do not contain phthalates and other synthetic hazards thereby avoiding many potential risks. While some individuals may be sensitive to them, that is much less common than the allergen rates of synthetic components. Anyone with an essential oil sensitivity would be able to navigate the ingredient list.
The benefit of essential oils depends on the individual, on the use, and the concentration. Just because essential oils come straight from a plant doesn’t mean they’re benign. Plants are powerful, both for our benefit and to our detriment.
Essential oils are best used diluted in a carrier oil or in a product before being applied to the skin. A carrier oil is an oil extracted from a fat or oil-heavy part of a plant, such as a seed or a nut, that is relatively unscented and often has its own retinue of benefits. Common ones include olive, jojoba, and coconut oil.
In home care, essential oils can be used to scent homemade cleaning products, such as any of my Green-It-Yourself (GIY) recipes. I often use them to scent my GIY Scouring Powder. The can also be used for fragrance by sprinkling a few drops on a ceramic tile or using in a diffuser.
However, even when using essential oils to scent your air, it is still important to flush out your indoor air regularly by opening the windows and pausing the use of essential oils.
Are essential oils and artificial fragrances safe for my pets?
Because essential oils can be powerful, this is a good question to ask. Certain pets like cats and birds are particularly sensitive to scent, whether from essential oils or something artificial. Their livers do not contain the mechanisms necessary to filter out scent compounds that enter the bloodstream from their lungs. It is best not to use any air-fragrancing products, such as plug-ins, sprays, or diffusers, even with essential oils, around these sensitive animals. If you are bathing them, use products without any sort of scent. Dogs are more equipped to process fragrance compounds and can be bathed with products containing a variety of essential oils, though certain ones such as tea tree are not recommended for dogs.
It is best to consult your pet’s veterinarian or expert for questions related to your specific pet.
Are essential oils safe for my kids?
When incorporated wisely, most essential oils can be used safely with children. There are a few points to keep in mind. No essential oil should be applied undiluted to skin, which is true whether it’s adult skin or youth skin. Further, certain essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus have a distinctive tingly sensation on the skin which can be too exciting for sensitive young skin and are best avoided on children under three.
Any essential oils should be diluted. Carrier oils are one way to dilute them. In body care products, essential oils are usually greatly diluted by the other ingredients. When you are considering exposure amounts, remember that products like lotions that are left on the skin provide greater exposure than a wash-off product like soap.
Over the years, there have been a flurry of concern about the impact of tea tree and lavender essential oils on young boys. I’ve fielded many questions about this. The concern stems from a study of four boys who developed prepubertal gynecomastia, which is the appearance of breast tissue before the onset of puberty. However, the authors conclusion that it was due to the use of tea tree and lavender essential oils in products was almost immediately refuted by a number of counter studies like this one.
As always, consult your child’s medical professional with any concerns.
Are essential oils safe if I’m pregnant?
Many essential oils are compatible with pregnancy, especially when they are in body care products where they are greatly diluted by the other ingredients. Investigate the recommendations around each essential oil individually and consult your medical professional with any questions.
What’s the difference between fragrance and parfum?
In an ingredient list, “fragrance,” “perfume,” and “parfum” are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
What is the difference between “unscented” and “fragrance-free”?
Here is a tricky part of fragrance labeling: unscented and fragrance-free don’t have the same meaning. This is tricky and I regularly have to pause to be sure I get these two straight.
- “Unscented” is an experiential designation, meaning that the user should not be able to smell a scent in the product. But the product might still contain masking fragrances, added to products to neutralize the scent of functional ingredients.
- “Fragrance-free” on the other hand, means there are no ingredients added to the product intended to impact its scent one way or the other.
This cannot be simplified to good vs. bad. Something that is Unscented (doesn’t have a discernable smell) might also be Fragrance-free (doesn’t have any fragrance ingredients added).
How to identify good scent in products
Here’s the good news! There are trustworthy scents in products. Here are a few different ways to find healthy fragrance:
- Take note of full and easily accessible disclosure of fragrance ingredients as a first step.
- Look for scents from essential oils.
- Familiarize yourself with verifications from reputable programs such as EWG Verified or Made Safe. These certifications have strong fragrance standards, such as mandated transparency and the exclusion of certain substances.
- Utilize independent research from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database and Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Both databases give hazard scores to products and ingredients. Another great resource is the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, whose Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project is particularly eye-opening since products marketed to people of color contain the highest hazard ingredients.
If uncertainty around scent remains, opt for fragrance-free products.
How does Dr. Bronner’s scent its products?
Where does all of this discussion around scent and essential oils and unscented leave Dr. Bronner’s products? Dr. Bronner’s scented products use only essential oils or compounds from essential oils to scent its products. Most of the scented product line use whole essential oils such as the iconic Mentha arvensis (wild mint oil) and Mentha piperita (peppermint oil) that give the iconic Peppermint Magic Soap its minty punch. There are a few limited release scents such as the Sandalwood Jasmine, released in late summer, that use a natural fragrance that is comprised of a blend of essential oils with isolated distillates from essential oils. You can always find full ingredient disclosure on our webstore, and backed by the rigorous EWG Verified certification.
Dr. Bronner’s use of the term “Unscented” for our scentless soaps predates the distinction between “fragrance-free” and “unscented” that I mentioned above. The family lore is that in 1979, my grandfather developed a scentless version of his pure-castile soap at the request of the UCLA Medical Center’s maternity ward. He simply made his soap with no essential oils and called it “Unscented Baby-Mild.” (Fun fact: that label was originally pink, and now it’s blue.) We have used the term Unscented for our scentless soaps ever since. You can see from the ingredient list that it contains no fragrance compounds or masking scents. It’s a very simple soap.
Finding your scent fix
There is no need to give up on scented products. Scent is wonderful and can transport us to pleasant times and places. They can lift our spirits, spur our minds, calm our bodies, and even inspire us. There are many great options for scented products out there, and as consumer awareness around scent safety has grown, even more will rise to meet the demand. Keep reading those labels, avoiding the bad, and voting for the good with your purchases. Do a bit of research and ask questions.
Also remember that there are many great scents you can make on your own! A simmer pot of fragrant fruit and spices or an herbal bouquet on the counter. A baking loaf of banana bread or batch of chocolate chip cookies!
Whatever scents you use, it is always important to flush out your indoor air daily.
Further reading
