I admit, I used to use synthetic fragrances regularly. I sprayed them around my house and on my furniture to help them “smell better” and I plugged them in the wall outlets to keep a constant scent in my home. I had no idea that I was harming my health and my pets health as well!
The dangers of synthetic scents aren’t always evident, but we have the science to prove that everyone, regardless of age or health, needs to make avoiding fake fragrances a major priority.
A National Academy of Sciences points out some vital facts: About 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Unfortunately, 30 years later, toxic ingredients continue turn up in products we use and breathe in on a daily basis. Some of the worst toxic ingredients used in lotions, shampoos, laundry detergents, cleaning products and so much more include synthetic scents, often listed as on labels as the elusive “fragrance.” And many on the list are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, compounds that tinker with hormonal health that can trigger weight gain and even set you up for diseases decades down the line.
Avoiding the dangers of synthetic scents is crucial. It’s something I need you to share with your family and friends. When a company puts “fragrance” on the label, don’t be tricked. This is a catch-all term actually can stand for thousands of different ingredients (literally, at least 3,000). And when you use a product containing “fragrance” or “parfum,” all of those mysterious ingredients are absorbed right into your bloodstream. These ingredients are predominantly made from chemicals and are just outright toxic for your health in so many ways.
What Are Synthetic Scents?
Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals and environmental toxicants. These artificial scents can can be found in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as air fresheners, cleaning materials and laundry detergents. According to the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics, hair products are especially problematic. More than 95 percent of shampoos, conditioners and styling products contain fragrance as an ingredient. I’m sure you’ll agree that we all want our hair to smell good, but we could do without the use of toxic ingredients.
Research conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name brand fragrance products. But it doesn’t stop there — none of these chemicals were actually listed on the label.
In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that could possibly be used to form a product’s scent. That’s according to the online “Transparency List” put out by the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group. I encourage to take a look at the following list, derived from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, to see just how many fragrance chemicals we’re possibly exposed to every day.
Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Synthetic scents can be an extremely cheap way to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent, doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
Using essential oils is a safe and natural way to create scents for body care products and for your home. It is very important to use certified pure essential oils such as doTERRA or you could end up falling back into the category of “synthetic” scents. Most “essential oils” that you purchase in the store is not pure and it hides behind the label stating “100% pure or therapeutic grade.” When these oils are tested in an independent testing facility, they are not the pure essential oil you are looking for. To learn more about why you should choose doTERRA you can click here.
Are you attracted to the idea of taking better care of yourself and feeling empowered with natural solutions at your fingertips at home? I am sure you have been hearing people talking about essential oils and maybe you have considered incorporating them into your own life but:
*You don’t know where to start
*You don’t know which ones to use
*You don’t know how to use them
Sound like you? Or maybe you already use essential oils but you are looking for a therapeutic grade of essential oils to tackle your family’s health concerns. Either way, I am here to help you! Steps to get started:
- Click on this link for a free e-book
- Watch my intro to Essential Oil Video
- Join my Public Education Group
- Choose a starter kit
- Get started!
I’d love to welcome you to my community of active essential oil members and to personally guide you on your journey. I offer optional phone consultations to go over your oils and how to use them for your needs. Or we can chat over email if you prefer. Either way, I want to help empower you to use your oils confidently and effectively!
Email Me – April@Essentialoilprincess.com
