Why “Fragrance” on a Label Should Raise a Red Flag
You’ve probably seen it listed on your favorite lotion, shampoo, or cleaning spray: “Fragrance” or “Parfume (Fragrance).” It seems harmless—maybe even nice. But behind that single word could be dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are linked to health risks. Here’s why that one little word deserves your attention.
“Fragrance” is a Loophole to Hide Chemicals
When manufacturers list “fragrance” on a product, they’re legally allowed to keep the actual ingredients a secret. That’s because fragrances are considered proprietary, or “trade secrets,” under U.S. law. This means companies don’t have to tell you what’s actually in their scent blend.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that some fragranced products contain as many as 24 different chemicals under the umbrella of “fragrance”—and consumers are none the wiser.
Health Hazards Behind the Scent
Many of the undisclosed chemicals in fragrance blends have been linked to serious health concerns. Some of the most common risks include:
Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals like phthalates are often used to make scents last longer—and they’re known to interfere with hormone function, especially concerning for developing children.
Allergic Reactions: Fragrance is a top cause of skin allergies and irritation, especially in children and people with sensitive skin.
Respiratory Issues: Synthetic fragrance ingredients have been linked to asthma, headaches, and sinus problems—even in otherwise healthy individuals.
Environmental Impact: Many synthetic fragrance ingredients are persistent in the environment and toxic to aquatic life.
How to Spot Red Flags on a Label
It’s not always easy to know what’s lurking in your products, but here are a few tips:
Look for “Fragrance” or “Parfum” on the ingredient list. If it doesn’t specify what’s in it, that’s a red flag.
Watch out for “unscented” vs. “fragrance-free.” “Unscented” may still contain masking fragrances, while “fragrance-free” is the safer bet.
Use resources like the EWG’s Skin Deep database to research product safety.
Safer Alternatives to Try
Making the switch doesn’t mean giving up pleasant scents—just choosing smarter options. Look for:
Fragrance-free or clearly labeled essential oils in personal care products.
Plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products that disclose all ingredients, including specific chemicals or oils in their fragrance.
Brands that commit to full ingredient transparency, even with fragrance.
3rd party verification like EWG. When a product is EWG VERIFIED®, it means it meets EWG’s strict, scientific standards for transparency and health.
Final Thought
Fragrance shouldn’t be a mystery. The lack of transparency in scented products means we often don’t know what we’re exposing ourselves and our families to. By learning to recognize hidden hazards and making thoughtful swaps, we can reduce our daily chemical load and create a healthier home—one product at a time.
Want help finding low-tox alternatives?
Explore our Top Swaps Guide for simple swaps and safer product picks.
Sources:
Environmental Working Group. Scented Secrets: Fragrance Ingredients Revealed. https://www.ewg.org/research/scented-secrets
