The Problem with Synthetic Fragrances (and What to Use Instead)

Fragrance is one of those things most people don't think twice about. If something smells clean, fresh, or comforting, it's easy to assume it's harmless. But fragrance shows up in far more places than perfume alone. It's in skincare, laundry detergent, air fresheners, soaps, candles, and even products marketed for babies.

That's where synthetic fragrances start to matter. Unlike ingredients such as oils or extracts that are listed clearly, fragrance is often tucked behind a single word on a label. That one word can represent dozens, sometimes hundreds, of individual chemicals that aren't disclosed to consumers.

As awareness grows around ingredient transparency and long-term exposure, more people are beginning to ask practical questions. What's actually creating that scent? Why is it added in the first place? And are there safer ways to keep homes and bodies smelling fresh without relying on mystery blends?

What Is Synthetic Fragrance, Exactly?

If you've ever scanned an ingredient list and seen the word "fragrance," "parfum," or "aroma," you're not alone. It's one of the most common ingredients across personal care and household products, yet one of the least explained.

In simple terms, a synthetic fragrance is a scent created in a lab using a blend of chemicals designed to smell a certain way. The answer isn't a single ingredient, but a formula that can contain dozens or even hundreds of compounds combined into one proprietary blend.

Because fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets, companies aren't required to disclose what's actually inside them. That's why one word on a label can cover a lot of ground.

What Are Synthetic Fragrances Made From?

Synthetic fragrance blends are often made from petroleum-derived compounds and stabilisers that help scents last longer and smell the same from batch to batch.

These blends can include synthetic fragrance oils, preservatives, solvents, and fixatives. From a manufacturing perspective, they're popular because they're:

• Cost-effective
• Consistent in scent
• Long-lasting on skin, fabric, and in the air

The challenge is that consumers rarely know which specific chemicals they're being exposed to, especially when fragrance appears across multiple products used every day.

Are Synthetic Fragrances Endocrine Disruptors?

This is where questions come up more often. Some fragrance ingredients, particularly certain phthalates, have been studied for their potential to interfere with hormone function. These compounds are often used to help scent linger longer. While one fragranced product used occasionally may not raise concerns, the issue is cumulative exposure.

Think of it like this: one slice of cake now and then isn't the problem. Eating cake at every meal, every day, eventually adds up. Fragrance exposure works in a similar way when it comes from skincare, deodorant, laundry detergent, air fresheners, and cleaning products all at once.

That's why many people choose to reduce fragrance overall rather than worry about a single product in isolation.

Why Fragrance Shows Up Everywhere

Fragrance isn't limited to perfume or beauty products. Synthetic fragrance is often added simply to make products feel "clean" or "fresh," even when scent has nothing to do with how well something works.

It's commonly found in:

• Body lotions and face creams
• Deodorants
• Soaps and shampoos
• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
• Candles and air fresheners
• Household cleaning products

Layering scented products throughout the day increases exposure without most people realising it. That's why fragrance awareness often starts at home, not in the beauty aisle.

Laundry: A Hidden Source of Fragrance Exposure

Laundry is one of the biggest sources of everyday fragrance exposure. Detergent scents are designed to cling to fabric long after clothes are washed, which means they sit directly against the skin for hours.

This matters even more for items like:

• Baby clothes
• Bedding and towels
• Athletic wear
• Undergarments

Choosing a detergent without heavy fragrance can make a noticeable difference, especially for sensitive skin. Our Eco Laundry Detergent HE is formulated to clean effectively without relying on harsh scent blends. It's water-based, non-toxic, biodegradable, and uses phthalate-free fragrance components, making it a gentler option for both skin and the environment.

Air Fresheners and the Idea of a "Clean Smell"

Air fresheners are another product category where fragrance is often mistaken for cleanliness. Many conventional sprays don't remove odours at all — they simply cover them with strong scent blends, often made from synthetic fragrance oils.

A different approach is to neutralise odours rather than mask them. Our Eco Air Freshener is plant-derived, non-toxic, and designed to eliminate odours caused by pets, smoke, and everyday messes without releasing heavy fragrance into the air. That makes it easier to keep shared spaces feeling fresh without overwhelming scent, especially in homes with pets or kids.

What to Use Instead of Synthetic Fragrances

Reducing fragrance doesn't mean giving up scent entirely. It's more about choosing products that are transparent, thoughtfully formulated, and appropriate for everyday use.

Some practical alternatives include:

• Naturally scented or scent-free skincare
• Deodorants made without synthetic fragrance
• Fragrance-free or lightly scented laundry and cleaning products
• Traditional soaps made with simple ingredients

We offer natural deodorant sprays in scents like Honey Blue, Lavender, and a scent-free version, as well as hand-cut soaps and African Black Soap for those who prefer minimal ingredients. Lightly scented incense and essential-oil-based products can also be a good option for those who enjoy fragrance in moderation.

For a deeper look at soap ingredients, our guide on why choose natural soaps breaks it down in more detail.

Natural Doesn't Always Mean Perfect — and That's Okay

It's worth saying that "natural" isn't automatically better for everyone. Essential oils and plant extracts can still cause irritation for some people, especially those with very sensitive skin. In those cases, choosing scent-free products can be the most comfortable option.

The goal isn't to replace every product overnight or avoid fragrance at all costs. It's about understanding what's actually being used and making informed choices that feel realistic and manageable. Reducing overall exposure, even in small ways, can make a difference over time.

If fragrance exposure is a concern at home, cleaning products are often an easy place to start. Our guide on how harmful chemicals in cleaning products are threatening our health offers helpful context for anyone looking to make safer swaps.

Full transparency: We sell the products discussed in this article. We write these guides because education is part of our mission — informed customers make better choices.

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