Fragrance in Your Products: What You Actually Need to Know

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Understanding fragrance in your daily products

When I first started paying attention, I expected to find fragrance in perfume, air fresheners, and scented candles – those products are designed to smell good, after all. What didnt make sense was noticing fragrance in products where it seemed completely unnecessary: feminine hygiene products, bin liners and even toilet paper.

Here's the thing: under Australian regulations, companies can list "fragrance" or "parfum" without telling you what chemicals are actually in that blend. It's considered a trade secret. What this means practically is that one word could represent dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals – including phthalates, synthetic musks, volatile organic compounds, and other substances linked to health concerns.

The critical thing to understand: these chemical names – phthalates, synthetic musks, VOCs – will never appear on the label. They're all hidden behind 'fragrance' or 'parfum,' leaving you with no way to know what's actually in the product.

Once you understand where fragrance really shows up and what the research says, you can make better choices without overhauling your entire life overnight.

It's in More Products Than You Think

The obvious stuff? Sure – perfume, air fresheners, scented candles, cleaning products. We expect those to contain fragrance because that's their purpose. But fragrance shows up in so many products where it serves no functional purpose at all.

The Bathroom Surprises

Beyond shampoo and body wash, fragrance appears in:

• Products labelled "unscented" (they often contain masking fragrances to cover other ingredient smells)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Hand sanitiser
• Feminine hygiene products – pads, tampons, panty liners
• Baby products – nappy rash cream, baby wipes, baby powder
• Wet wipes of all kinds

Here's something I wish I'd understood earlier: "fragrance-free" and "unscented" aren't the same thing. "Fragrance-free" means no fragrance materials or masking scents were added, while "unscented" means chemicals may have been added to neutralise odours. If you're trying to avoid fragrance chemicals, look specifically for "fragrance-free."

Around Your Home (Beyond the Obvious)

Yes, air fresheners and scented candles contain fragrance – that's their whole point. But fragrance also shows up in everyday items where you wouldn't expect it:

• Laundry detergent and fabric softener – You're wearing these chemicals all day and sleeping in them at night
• Bin liners and garbage bags – Many are scented to "mask odours"
• Toilet paper and tissues – Some brands add fragrance
• Dishwashing liquid – Often fragranced unnecessarily
• Pet products – shampoos and deodorisers often fragranced

Australian research from 2016 found that 20.4% of people reported health problems from air fresheners in public toilets, and 19.7% from being in rooms after they were cleaned with scented products. But what surprised me more was that 12.5% reported health problems from scented laundry products vented outdoors from neighbouring homes.

The Really Unexpected Places

These are the ones that were surpising:

• Children's craft supplies – scented markers, play dough, stickers
• Stationery – scented erasers and gel pens
• Packaging materials – some manufacturers actually scent their packaging
• Some printer paper – certain specialty papers

What the Research Actually Shows

The research on fragrance chemicals has expanded significantly over the past few years. I'm sharing this not to create fear, but because having accurate information helps you make better choices.

Phthalates: The Hidden Hormone Disruptors

These are chemicals that help fragrances last longer, and they're among the most studied fragrance compounds.

Common types: DEP (diethyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), DEHP, and BBP

Where they hide: Perfumes, hair products, nail polish, body lotions that aren't rinsed off, deodorants, feminine hygiene products, and any product listing "fragrance" without specifying "phthalate-free"

What research shows: A 2024 study found phthalates in 78% of cosmetic products tested over five years. Research has linked phthalate exposure to fertility issues, decreased ovarian reserve, pregnancy complications, and neurodevelopmental issues in children. Women consistently show higher phthalate levels than men, primarily due to beauty product use.

A 2025 review found that high molecular weight phthalates – especially those in fragrances – were most consistently associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing fertility treatments. For pregnant women, prenatal exposure has been linked to hormonal changes in developing babies, preterm birth, and altered placental function.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The Respiratory Irritants

These chemicals easily evaporate at room temperature – that's what makes them effective in fragrances, but also what makes them problematic.

Common VOCs: Formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and limonene (which forms allergens when oxidised)

Where they hide: Air fresheners, scented candles, cleaning aerosols, perfumes, hairsprays, and laundry products

What research shows: A 2016 Australian study found that 34.7% of Australians report health problems when exposed to fragranced products, with respiratory difficulties and migraines being most common. About 75% of people with asthma have experienced attacks triggered by perfumes.

VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and breathing difficulties. For people with asthma or COPD, these compounds can be particularly problematic. What's worth knowing is that VOCs continue to off-gas long after you've used a product – that "fresh laundry" smell means VOCs are still being released.

Synthetic Musks: The Persistent Problem

These compounds are designed to last – both on your skin and in the environment.

Common types: Galaxolide (HHCB) and Tonalide (AHTN) are the most widely used

Where they hide: Perfumes, body lotions, shampoos, laundry detergents (especially "long-lasting scent" varieties), and fabric softeners

What research shows: Synthetic musks bioaccumulate in human tissue, including blood and breast milk. A 2024 review confirmed these compounds persist in human tissues and the environment. Studies show they can interfere with natural hormones and decrease thyroid hormone levels.

Perhaps most concerning is research showing synthetic musks can inhibit natural cellular defences against toxins, and this effect can persist long after exposure ends. This means they may enhance the toxic effects of other harmful compounds your body encounters.

The Cancer Connection

California's Proposition 65 lists several phthalates as known carcinogens. The International Fragrance Association's list of 4,000 possible fragrance ingredients includes identified carcinogens like benzophenone, methyleugenol, styrene, and formaldehyde.

Research has shown associations between phthalates and certain cancers, particularly breast and liver cancers. Long-term exposure to fragrance chemicals has also been associated with changes in cardiac function, endocrine system disruption, and increased glucose levels.

The Australian Context

What makes this particularly frustrating is that many Australians are genuinely affected. Research from 2018 found that 6.5% of Australians report medically diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivity, with 91.5% experiencing fragrance sensitivity. That's an estimated 1 million adult Australians directly affected. Among those with chemical sensitivity, 77.5% are prevented from accessing certain places because of fragranced products, and 52.1% lost work days or a job due to fragranced product exposure.

Under current Australian regulations administered by AICIS, companies don't have to disclose what's in their fragrance formulas. While the EU now requires labelling of 81 known fragrance allergens, Australia hasn't adopted similar requirements. Consumer demand is gradually driving change, though – many international brands are reformulating to meet EU standards, which indirectly benefits us.

Making Practical Changes

Over the years, I've learned that you don't need to replace everything at once.

Start With High-Exposure Products

Focus first on what stays on your skin longest. These were my first swaps and made the biggest difference.

• Laundry products – You wear these all day and sleep in them.
• Personal care products that don't rinse off – Moisturisers, deodorants, leave-in hair products

Phase Your Changes

• Month 1: Switch to fragrance-free laundry products
• Month 2: Replace body moisturiser and hand cream
• Month 3: Address hair care products
• Month 4: Try fragrance-free cleaning products

This approach is budget-friendly and less overwhelming.

Australian Fragrance-Free Brands

• Green People Australia – Sensitive, scent-free range
• Beauty and the Bees – 100% fragrance-free using food-grade ingredients
• Aveeno Australia – Fragrance-free moisturisers and cleansers
• Natio – Fragrance-free collection

International brands available here include Weleda (White Mallow range), Ethique, Hurraw!, and Dr Bronner's, ecostore.

Simple DIY Swaps

For laundry: Add half a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. It naturally softens clothes and eliminates odours.

For cleaning: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for an all-purpose cleaner. Bi-carb soda works great for scrubbing. Always spot test an area first.

For air freshening: Open windows, use bowls of activated charcoal to absorb odours, or simmer citrus fruits with cinnamon sticks in water.

What to Look for When Shopping

• Look for "fragrance-free" (not just "unscented")
• Check for "phthalate-free" claims
• Choose brands that fully disclose ingredients
• Consider products with minimal ingredient lists
• Look for ACO organic certification (they won't contain synthetic fragrances)

About Essential Oils

You'll see products using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Worth knowing: "natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe" for everyone. Essential oils are free from synthetic chemicals like phthalates, but they can still cause allergic reactions in some people.

There was concern that lavender and tea tree oils might disrupt hormones, but recent research from 2022 found no evidence these essential oils have endocrine-disrupting activity in humans. For many people, products with pure essential oils or those that are truly fragrance-free represent much safer alternatives.

A Balanced Perspective

Not everyone responds the same way to fragrance chemicals. Some people show no obvious sensitivities, while others experience significant health improvements when they reduce exposure.

This isn't about creating fear or suggesting every trace of fragrance is dangerous. It's about having enough information to make choices that feel right for your situation. Maybe you focus on products that stay on your skin. Perhaps you prioritise your children's products. Or you tackle one category at a time.

What I've noticed over the years is that fragrance-free products often work better and companies have to create products that genuinely perform. Plus, your sense of smell often becomes more sensitive to natural scents – fresh air and real food start to smell more vibrant.

Moving Forward

Even small reductions in your family's fragrance exposure can make a meaningful difference over time. The key is starting somewhere and building momentum at a pace that works for your life and budget.

Which area feels most manageable for you to explore first? Whether it's reading labels more carefully, trying one fragrance-free product, or switching your laundry routine, every step moves you toward a healthier environment.

References

• Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). (2025). Personal care, skincare, make-up and other cosmetic products.
• Karolina, K., et al. (2024). Phthalate esters in cosmetic products and health concerns. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 271, 115982.
• Environmental Health News. (2024). Perfume chemicals tied to hormone disruption and health risks.
• ScienceDirect. (2025). Association between phthalate exposure and reproductive health in patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
• Steinemann, A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 9(8), 861-866.
• ScienceDirect. (2024). Synthetic musks in aquatic environments: A comprehensive review. Environmental Research, 252, 118936.
• The Legal Journal. (2024). Harvard Doctor Warns Perfumes Contain Cancer-Linked Chemicals.
• Steinemann, A. (2018). Prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities in Australia. Preventive Medicine Reports, 10, 191-194.
• Diodovich, C., et al. (2022). Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Potential of Lavender and Tea Tree Oils. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(6 Suppl 1), S16-S24.
• Woohoo Body. (2023). Fragrance-Free vs Unscented: The Science of Fragrances in Cosmetics.