FRAGRANCE
FRAGRANCE
The skin is the largest organ in the body, and over 60% of what you put on it is absorbed into your bloodstream, other organs and even cells. Don’t think that what you spray on your skin won’t have an impact on your health. Fragrance and perfume enter your body via your olfactory system (through your nose, into your lungs, bloodstream and brain) where they bypass protective systems and can have immediate impacts on your body.
The fragrance that we want to avoid is called synthetic fragrance. It can either be aromas that don’t exist in nature or may be created to be nature identical (using the same chemical formula or atomical structure as the natural extract). Synthetic aromas are known to have many side effects on health such as common allergies like asthma, hives, dermatitis and wheezing, to hormone disruption, metabolic disease and thyroid problems, birth defects and the potential for triggering cancer cells to develop.
Research has established that fragrances in skincare products are among the most common causes of sensitising and other negative skin reactions.
Why is it added?
Because most people like it when their skincare products smell nice.
Some research shows that fragrances can satisfy emotional needs and communicate ideas such as cleanliness and freshness.
Cosmetic companies understand the power of a pleasingly fragranced product and how that impacts a consumer’s buying decision and their experience of using the product at home. The often strong scent helps cover up the product’s less than pleasing normal smell. While many essential oils and fragrant plant extracts do have beneficial properties for skin, their volatility as they release their aroma is not always good for skin and can cause irritation for some people. They need to be therapeutic grade essential oils which in most personal care products they are not. Cheap oils are often extracted in a cheap way using methods such as alcohol or petroleum. What makes your nose happy doesn’t necessarily make your skin happy. (Think rose moisturiser for $4)
1. Fragrance/parfum/ Eau de toilette: If you see this ingredient question what is it? Look up FAQ’s or websites for more info. Some companies out there are trying to do better, so consider the company and what they stand for, before completely writing it off.
2. Fragrance is an unregulated umbrella term & has been proven to have up to 3163 materials used in fragrant compounds. Companies DO NOT have to disclose the ingredients.
3. Often now you will see plants listed in Latin or botanical names for example, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender oil). This means they are using that specific species of essential oil in their product. This is the preferred choice of fragrance or choose fragrance free.
Fragrance can be found not just in your skin care, perfume or cosmetics. It can be hidden in household cleaning products, washing powders, incense, fabric softeners, scented candles, Texta pens, wall plug-ins, car washing cleaning products, Reed diffusers and even rubbish bin liners.
Check your ingredients always and if it contains fragrance consider tossing it or buying a different product next time. If you need help swapping out fragrance in your life, I’m more than happy to help.
