The scent of a beauty product will always be a key attractive quality in the eyes of a purchasing consumer. No one wishes to buy a bad smelling product, even if it offers you benefits. This is one of the major reasons several companies formulate artificial lab made attractive fragrances with harmful ingredients such as phthalates, synthetic musks and parabens that can enter your bloodstream and wreak havoc within the body!
So in this article, we will debunk why artificial fragrances are harmful for the body and why we should instead opt for natural alternatives like essential oils!
1. Mimicking or blocking hormones
Phthalates and synthetic musks are endocrine disruptors, which are basically chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormone system.
These mimic estrogen and block the production of testosterone. It targets the hormone receptors and causes issues such as endometriosis.
Other issues that it can create within the body include irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and thyroid dysfunction.
2. Interfering with Hormone Production
Parabens are preservatives that copies estrogen and interrupts hormone production which can lead to PCOD/PCOS and painful conditions like endometriosis in women.
3. Disrupting the endocrine system
The endocrine system controls metabolism, growth of our body and our reproductive health. Perfumes containing EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) can penetrate deep into the bloodstream. These chemicals mess up hormonal shifts and cause weight gain and metabolic disorders. They also lead to an increased risk of hormonal cancers such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. EDCs also lead to thyroid dysfunction.
4. Common endocrine disruptors in fragrances
-
Phthalates- Many brands use this as an agent to make their scents last longer. These hold the risk of causing reproductive harm by impacting fertility.
- Parabens- Parabens are common preservatives used by beauty companies. They mimic the estrogen, which is the primary female sex hormone that is responsible for the proper function of the menstrual cycle ,and growth of female sexual organs. The parabens in the artificial fragrances can mix with the estrogen and disrupt the reproductive and hormonal system of the body.
-
Synthetic Musks- Musk is a very popular note of fragrance all over the world and it emits a very strong, warm and long lasting aroma. Some examples include galaxolide and tonalide. It accumulates in fat cells and disrupts the hormonal signalling.
- Benzophenones( e.g- oxybenzones) - These are UV stabilizers which prevent the scent quality in products from degrading or breaking down due to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This can interrupt with the thyroid function.
So, what should we look for instead if we want to use good quality products and don’t wanna compromise on the fragrance aspect?
-
Essential Oils- These are 100% natural and free from any endocrine disruptors, hence, they don’t interfere with the hormonal balance. rosemary Essential oils are plant based and do not contain any formaldehyde releasing preservatives which can cause respiratory issues and irritation. Some of the loveliest smelling essential oils include lavender, rosemary and tea tree.
- Fragrance free or naturally scented products/ Plant based or IFRA (International Fragrance Association) compliant safe ingredients- IFRA compliant products are gentler on sensitive skin and prevent irritation and migraines. IFRA compliant ingredients follow strict safety guidelines.
Chemical based ingredients contain toxins and allergens, many times even carcinogenic ingredients.
Artificial fragrances do not break down easily and therefore easily accumulate in water sources, harming aquatic life.
With the IFRA certification on a product, you can safely trust the credibility of the product and its fragrance.
- DIY perfumes with organic oils & alcohol free bases- Organic oils offer additional benefits other than natural perfumery, when compared to artificial fragrances. Along with being naturally aromatic and fragrant, they are also anti-inflammatory, calming and stress relieving.
Artificial fragrances can contain a high amount of alcohol in them. Alcohol free bases containing coconut oil, jojoba oil, and witch hazel, leave your skin feeling moisturised and nourished rather than irritated.
The best part about making your own DIY perfume or scent is that it has been made in front of your eyes, so you know what goes into it. Market bought beauty products contain so many hidden chemicals that contain hazardous side effects that we will never know about .
Times have changed now when it comes to consumer purchase behaviour. People have become more mindful of what kind of products they want to use and have become very cautious of the ingredient lists. Fragrance in products is a very debatable area of discussion these days as there is a section of buyers who prefer it, and another section that doesn’t.
If you are someone who likes products with enchanting fragrances, or if you’re someone who buys a product for the fragrance being the sole reason for purchase, then this article is for you. A reminder to always choose pure quality, clean and safe when it comes to your skin, hair and well being!