Fragrance is the term used to describe a combination of chemicals that gives a product its distinctive smell. Perfumes and colognes contain many different ingredients (called fragrance oils) that are derived from natural or synthetic raw materials. In addition to the “scent chemicals” that create the perfume or cologne, these oils usually contain solvents, stabilizers, UV-absorbers and preservatives. The word “fragrance” is also commonly used to refer to a mixture of the many different chemicals used in scented household products such as scented shampoos, body washes, hand soaps and lotions. A single manufactured fragrance may contain tens or hundreds of individual chemical ingredients, all of which are listed on the product’s label under the generic ingredient “fragrance.”
These chemicals are often called skin allergens because they can cause a variety of health problems from headaches and rashes to nausea and respiratory distress. Many of these chemicals are also known to be irritants and carcinogens.
The chemicals in perfumes and colognes are based on raw materials that come from plants, flowers, foods and other natural sources. They are then combined and mixed with a range of synthetic chemicals to make the final product. The chemical mixtures are then tested for safety by the International Fragrance Association and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials to set industry-wide standards.
Today, there are a wide variety of scented products in the marketplace. These include cleaners, air fresheners, scented laundry detergents, fabric softeners, scented bath products and even felt-tip art markers. Most of these products are designed to be sprayed or rubbed onto the skin and evaporate into the air, which is how people get exposed to the chemicals found in these scents.