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Fragrance Ingredients

Fragrance Ingredients & Disclosure

The Issue:
Thousands of synthetic chemicals are used to create modern day fragrances for our products, and some of these chemicals have been linked to health impacts ranging from eye and skin irritation to hormone imbalance and increased risk of breast cancer. Furthermore, these ingredients are kept secret—the vast majority of manufacturers currently are not disclosing fragrance ingredients on websites or on the product label.

The bottom line: Toxic chemicals should not be in fragrance and fragrance ingredients should be disclosed so people can choose to avoid chemicals of concern and protect their health.

Toxic Fragrance Secrets Exposed!

California’s Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Right to Know Act (SB 312), is the first law in the nation to require disclosure of fragrance and flavor ingredients in cosmetic and professional salon products. This is a big deal; research shows that third of all fragrance chemicals currently in use have been flagged as toxic or potentially toxic by scientists around the world.

Learn more.

Avoiding Toxic Chemicals in Fragrance

Millions of people are affected by fragrance, suffering rashes or breathing problems unnecessarily with limited ability to prevent or avoid their symptoms. Check out these resources to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Resources

what is fragrance

Get the Facts on Fragrance

What is fragrance? Why is it a problem? How can fragrance harm our bodies and environment? Who is disproportionately impacted by fragrance exposures? Where is fragrance hiding and who is in charge of its safety? Get the facts on fragrance and solutions and recommendations to protect your health. Click here.

INFOGRAPHIC: Facts on Fragrance

WVE’s “Facts on Fragrance” fact sheet in an easy to share flyer and infographic. Help start a conversation about fragrance safety and health impacts with neighbors, co-workers, school boards, etc. by sharing these resources. Click here.

 

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fragrance lab

Report – Unpacking the Fragrance Industry: Policy Failures, the Trade Secret Myth and Public Health

The safety of fragrance chemicals is not determined, monitored or safe-guarded by any governmental agency globally in any comprehensive fashion. Instead, the fragrance industry has been trusted to self-regulate and to establish its own safety guidelines. Learn more about the fox watching the hen house.

Skull and Crossbones Fragrance Chemicals

How well is the fragrance industry managing the toxicity of fragrance ingredients?

Manufacturers of fragranced products are largely counting on the fragrance industry to supply them with safe fragrances. But is the fragrance industry avoiding making decisions on the most problematic fragrance chemicals by focusing efforts on the less problematic chemicals first? (SPOILER ALERT: Sure looks that way.) Read more.

 

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toxic ingredients in cleaning products

Alternatives to Fragranced Cleaning Products

Common fragrance ingredients used in cleaning products, such as phthalates, synthetic musks, and allergens, have been linked to health impacts ranging from eye and skin irritation to hormone disruption, increased risk of breast cancer, and reproductive and developmental harm. Learn more & find safer alternatives.

SPOTLIGHT: Galaxolide

Galaxolide is a synthetic musk, and is a commonly used fragrance ingredient in household products. This chemical is highly toxic to aquatic life. Galaxolide pollution is a growing problem to the Great Lakes region. In addition, studies show this fragrance chemical may interfere with hormones and other chemical signals in our bodies. Learn more.

 

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Harmed by Fragrance? Share Your Story.

There are many people whose health has been impacted by fragrance ingredients. Are you one of them?

 Submit your story – click here.

air fresheners and asthma

LEARN

– REPORT: Unpacking the Fragrance Industry: Policy Failures, the Trade Secret Myth and Public Health

  • Fragrance Chemicals of Concern
    Present on the IFRA List
  • GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals List
    Translator Scores for Fragrance Chemicals
  • Fact Sheet – fragrance industry report summary

– REPORT: What’s That Smell? Chemicals of Concern Commonly Found in Fragrance Used in Cleaning Products

– REPORT: Secret Scents: How Hidden Fragrance Allergens Harm Public Health

– INFOGRAPHIC: Fragrance allergens

Articles

– Fragrance, the New Second Hand Smoke
– Toxic Chemicals Found in Fragrance
– 5 Ways to Take on Fragrance in Period Care Products

Media

– Cars Aren’t the Only Thing Polluting Our Air: California Signs Toxic Fragrance Disclosure into Law >>

– New Data Reveals One-Third of All Fragrance Chemicals Linked to Human, Environmental Harm >>

– Public Health Victory, Procter and Gamble Will Disclose Fragrance Ingredients >>

– Amid Calls from Scientists, Health Professionals and Women Nationwide, SC Johnson Announces it will Eliminate Harmful Galaxolide >>

ACT
Take the Fragrance-Free Pledge! Until we have 100% full fragrance disclosure, until we know those ingredients are safe, take control of your health and choose fragrance-free when available.

Take the Pledge!

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