Fragrance refers to the combination of chemicals that give perfumes and colognes their distinct scents. Many perfumes and colognes contain a mixture of natural oils and synthetic aromatic compounds. The chemicals in fragrances are often derived from petroleum or natural raw materials. Many of these chemicals are also used in scented household products such as fabric softeners and dryer sheets, air fresheners, shampoos, soaps and detergents. Manufacturers are not required to disclose all of the fragrance ingredients on their product labels, and some have been linked to a range of health harms including allergies, asthma, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and cancer.
A fragrance can consist of a blend of more than 3,500 chemicals. The International Fragrance Association and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials set voluntary standards for the chemicals that are listed as fragrance in the “fragrance” component of a product’s label. Using the free Clearya app, consumers can easily identify which fragrance chemicals are toxic and find non-toxic alternatives.
As a result of these growing consumer concerns about the chemicals in fragrances, consumers are shifting toward buying products with fewer scent ingredients. Many are opting for natural perfumes and colognes, or purchasing refills instead of new bottles. This helps reduce waste, encourages reuse and moves away from the disposable culture of our throw-away society. Fragrance companies are also embracing the idea of a perfume subscription service. They offer consumers the opportunity to try many different scents and find their signature scent without the need to invest in a large bottle.