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Uncovering the Truth About Toxic Fragrance Ingredients

Uncovering the Truth About Toxic Fragrance Ingredients

by Jodie Pappas in Clean Kiss Lifestyle

We are exposed to endocrine disruptors daily, and these chemicals can be found in consumer products, food, and even in water. They can be responsible for hormone-related issues as well as other health issues. (EWG’s Guide to Endocrine Disruptors | Environmental Working Group, n.d.)

At Clean Kiss Lifestyle our goal is to keep you informed so that you can make the best decisions when it comes to the products that you use for yourself & your family. 

In this article, you will learn more about the negative effects of using products that contain synthetic fragrances, and discover some solutions that will still allow you to have a fresh signature scent without the damaging effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

For many of us, the fragrance we wear has become a part of our identity; it’s something you spritz on your wrist before you head out to a big event, or maybe you use it before a job interview to feel confident, but at what cost? 

Fragrances found in synthetic perfumes may be responsible for disrupting hormonal health, allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory issues (EWG Skin Deep® | What Is FRAGRANCE, n.d.).

Have you ever found yourself stuck in an elevator with someone who is wearing an overpowering scent?

Or visiting a relative who uses strong air fresheners in their home, and you end up leaving with a headache? 

When you choose to wear synthetic fragrances or use products like air fresheners or scented candles in your home, you are not only affecting yourself, but also the environment and the health of those around us. (Caress and Steinemann 2009, as cited in EWG Skin Deep® | What Is FRAGRANCE, n.d.)

In a recent study led by by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Northwestern University, as mentioned in the article written by the EWG they “tested over 10,000 environmental compounds on human brain cells to see if they affected the hormones that lead to puberty” (Yang et al., 2024, as cited in New Study Suggests Environmental Chemicals Can Trigger Early) they suggested an environmental link where chemicals could be related to early puberty in girls; in addition to genetics, and the food consumed, environmental exposures can be related to the products used (Yang et al., 2024, as cited in New Study Suggests Environmental Chemicals Can Trigger Early Puberty in Girls, 2024). 

One of the chemicals that was identified in the study is called Musk Ambrette; which is an ingredient used typically in cheaper or fake air fresheners, perfumes, personal care products, or air fresheners. (Yang et al., 2024, as cited in New Study Suggests Environmental Chemicals Can Trigger Early Puberty in Girls, 2024). Thankfully, according to the EWG, Canada and the European Union have banned musk ambrette for cosmetic use.

Buyer Beware!

The packaging, regrettably, can be misleading with words labelled like therapeutic, natural, herbal, essential oil blend, etc., giving you the feeling that the product contains safe ingredients when they may contain a combination of synthetic chemicals (EWG Skin Deep® | What Is FRAGRANCE, n.d.).

The frightening part is that brands are not required to list specific ingredients

Instead, you may see them listed under the words perfume, fragrance, or aroma, which can fall under the category of many different chemicals. (EWG Skin Deep® | What Is FRAGRANCE, n.d.)

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

They are chemicals that can be man-made or natural, and could mimic or cause issues with your hormones or endocrine system (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2024)

What is an example of a chemical that is an endocrine disruptor?

Phthalates:  Are frequently used as a stabilizer in fragrances for extending the scent, and may be linked to issues with the liver, kidney, reproductive, and respiratory systems  (EWG’S GUIDE to ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS 8 Hormone-Altering Chemicals and How to Avoid Them, n.d.) In order to reduce exposure try dusting and vacuuming often, use a HEPA filter, avoid the use of products with the ingredient fragrance which can be found in more than just perfumes and room sprays but also in household cleaners, and personal care products. (EWG’S GUIDE to ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS 8 Hormone-Altering Chemicals and How to Avoid Them, n.d.)

Hormone disruption is a big concern when using these products; some of the chemicals found in fragrances can be responsible for mimicking estrogen, which are called Xenoestrogens (Paterni et al., 2016) causing issues with the endocrine system, and can may also increase risk of cancer and other health issues (EWG’S GUIDE to ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS 8 Hormone-Altering Chemicals and How to Avoid Them, n.d.)

Let’s talk about skin!

Your skin is your biggest organ, and this is a concern because most of the products are absorbed or inhaled, causing these chemicals to accumulate in your body over time, many people experience allergies like dermatitis and eczema, which can affect different parts of the body (Not so Sexy the Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance, n.d.). 

What can we do?

  • Always read the full list of ingredients, and do not fully rely on products that are labelled as unscented; sometimes they are masking other chemicals (Persellin, 2023)
  • Check out EWG.org they have amazing resources, you can look up what is in the products you are currently using and what ingredients may be concerning.
  • Switch to all-natural alternatives that use ingredients like essential oils and brands that are transparent about the ingredients in their products. You can feel confident when using Clean Kiss Lifestyle products, which include our new intention-based perfumes to help balance your Chakras, and aromatherapy spray. We created 100% natural Canadian small-batch skincare products that are simple and pure for your body.

  • Pay attention to the other scented products that you are exposed to in your home, such as cleaning products, air fresheners, candles, laundry detergent, and more (Persellin, 2023)
  • Avoid the use of indoor air fresheners; instead, try opening up windows; a box of baking soda can help reduce odours; and invest in a HEPA filter; open up your windows to get fresh air circulating. (Your Best Air Freshener Isn’t an Air Freshener, 2011) And try our new aromatherapy sprays: I am Calm (pillow spray) or I am Peace (yoga mat cleaner).

Let's dive in and learn about safer alternatives! What if I told you, you can still have your signature scent but without the nasty chemicals, and some mood enhancing benefits!!

What Is Aromatherapy & What are their Benefits?

Aromatherapy are essential oils that come from aromatic plants; some examples are lavender, rose, and peppermint. They are made from flowers, trees, spices, and fruits and extracted based on the type of plant. They can be rolled on the skin, sprayed on a pillow, or used as a room spray. They have a long history and have been used for thousands of years as a kind of healing. (Aromatherapy: Essential Oils to Support Your Health | NHPC Blog, 2024)

Benefits of Aromatherapy:

  • They have been used for pain relief for hundreds of years
  • Calm & Soothe the mind & body, reducing stress and anxiety
  • They support a better, deeper sleep
  • Anti-microbial capabilities
  • Help digestive discomfort
  • Help with skin conditions: anti-fungal, reduce inflammation
  • Boost immunity

(Aromatherapy: Essential Oils to Support Your Health | NHPC Blog, 2024)

Support Hormones During Menopause:

For example clary sage & peppermint oil may provide some relief with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, lavender can help with relaxation & sleep issues (Jerisha Parker Gordon, 2016).

It can be challenging to remove all of the toxins from your life, but you do have control over the personal products that you choose to use. 

Are you ready to make the switch? I am here to guide you if you have any questions. As a Certified Aesthetics Nutrition Practitioner (CNAP), a Certified Organic Skincare Formulator, and a Holistic Nutritionist (CNP), natural, health-promoting skin care is important. Feel empowered as you start to switch to safer products.

Explore our products today at www.cleankisslifestyle.com.

 

 

AUTHOR: This article was written by Andrea Kadnar, CNP candidate

References:

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils to Support Your Health | NHPC Blog. (2024). Nhpcanada.org.

https://www.nhpcanada.org/NHPC-Blog/Aromatherapy--Essential-Oils-to-Support-Your-Health

Gordon, J. P. (2016, April 15). Can Essential Oils Provide Menopause Relief? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/essential-oils-for-menopause#risks-and-warnings

EWG Skin Deep® | What is FRAGRANCE. (n.d.). EWG. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/702512-FRAGRANCE/

Caress and Steinemann 2009, as cited in (EWG Skin Deep® | What Is FRAGRANCE, n.d.)

EWG’s guide to endocrine disruptors | Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). Www.ewg.org. https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-guide-endocrine-disruptors

EWG’S GUIDE TO ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS 8 hormone-altering chemicals and how to avoid them. (n.d.). https://static.ewg.org/upload/pdf/EWG_Guide_EDC-08.22_C01.pdf

‌Jerisha Parker Gordon. (2016, April 15). Can Essential Oils Provide Menopause Relief? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/essential-oils-for-menopause#outlook

Not So Sexy The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance. (n.d.). https://www.ewg.org/sites/default/files/report/SafeCosmetics_FragranceRpt.pdf

New study suggests environmental chemicals can trigger early puberty in girls. (2024, September 13). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2024/09/new-study-suggests-environmental-chemicals-can-trigger-early-puberty

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2024, February 6). Endocrine Disruptors. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine

Paterni, I., Granchi, C., & Minutolo, F. (2016). Risks and benefits related to alimentary exposure to xenoestrogens. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(16), 3384–3404. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1126547

Persellin, K. (2023, July 25). What is fragrance? | Environmental Working Group. Www.ewg.org. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/07/what-fragrance

Yang, S., Zhang, L., Khan, K., Travers, J., Huang, R., Jovanovic, V. M., Rithvik Veeramachaneni, Srilatha Sakamuru, Tristan, C. A., Davis, E. E., Klumpp-Thomas, C., Witt, K. L., Simeonov, A., Shaw, N. D., & Xia, M. (2024). Identification of Environmental Compounds That May Trigger Early Female Puberty by Activating Human GnRHR and KISS1R. PubMed, 165(10). https://doi.org/10.1210/endocr/bqae103

Your best air freshener isn’t an air freshener. (2011, September 30). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/your-best-air-freshener-isnt-air-freshener

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