The Complete Guide to Fragrance: Understanding the Hidden Chemicals in Your Daily Products

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Understanding fragrance chemicals in everyday products

I've been paying attention to fragrance chemicals for well over a decade now, and it's genuinely changed how I look at the products I bring into my home. When I first started, I expected to find fragrance in perfume, air fresheners, and scented candles – those products are designed to smell good, after all. What caught me completely off guard was finding "fragrance" or "parfum" listed on products where scent seemed to serve no purpose at all: feminine hygiene products, nappy rash cream, bin liners, even toilet paper.

That innocent-looking word can represent anywhere from dozens to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Under current Australian regulations, companies don't have to tell you what's in their fragrance formulas – it's a trade secret loophole that's been protecting the industry for decades. What this means practically is we're exposing ourselves and our families to chemicals we can't even identify on a label.

If you've ever wondered what's really creating those "ocean breeze" or "spring meadow" scents, this guide will walk you through why it matters and what you can actually do about it.

The Trade Secret Loophole: What They Don't Have to Tell You

Here's something that genuinely surprised me when I learned about it: in Australia, under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019 administered by AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme), companies can simply list "fragrance" or "parfum" without revealing the specific chemicals used to create that scent. The fragrance industry maintains these formulations are "trade secrets" – proprietary information that gives them competitive advantage.

This means that single word on your shampoo bottle could contain any combination of up to 4,000 different chemicals. These can include phthalates (chemicals that help scents last longer), synthetic musks (compounds that mimic natural animal scents), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, parabens, and other substances that have raised serious health concerns.

Here's what makes this particularly deceptive: you will never see the words 'phthalates,' 'synthetic musks,' 'formaldehyde,' or any of these specific chemical names listed on the label – they're all legally hidden behind that single word 'fragrance' or 'parfum,' which means you have absolutely no way to know what you're actually being exposed to.

What makes this even more frustrating is that modern reverse engineering technology can analyse and recreate competitor fragrances with incredible precision. So the "trade secret" argument doesn't really hold up anymore – but the loophole remains, leaving us without full information about what we're putting on our skin and breathing into our homes.

Understanding the Scale: Where Fragrance Actually Hides

One of the most eye-opening realisations for me was just how pervasive fragrance chemicals are. It's not just in products designed to smell good – it's in products where fragrance serves no functional purpose at all.

Personal Care Products: Beyond the Obvious

The Expected: Perfume, cologne, body spray, scented body wash, fragranced shampoo and conditioner, scented deodorant, aftershave

Where It Surprised Me:
Your morning routine likely involves multiple fragrance exposures you might not have considered:

• Products labelled "unscented" – These often contain masking fragrances to cover the smell of other ingredients
• Sunscreen – Especially facial formulas marketed as "light" or "invisible"
• Lip balm and chapstick – Even unflavoured varieties may contain fragrance
• Hand sanitiser – Both gel and spray varieties
• Shaving cream and aftershave balm – Even "sensitive skin" formulas
• Moisturisers and hand creams – Including many dermatologist-recommended brands
• Makeup products – Foundation, powder, blush often contain fragrance

The Really Unexpected:

• Feminine hygiene products – Pads, tampons, panty liners, intimate washes
• Baby products – Nappy rash cream, baby wipes, baby powder, baby lotion
• Nappy disposal bags and systems
• Wet wipes of all kinds – Face wipes, makeup remover wipes, antibacterial wipes

Here's a distinction I wish I'd understood earlier: "fragrance-free" means no fragrance materials or masking scents have been added, while "unscented" means the product may contain chemicals that neutralise or mask odours. If you're trying to avoid fragrance chemicals, look specifically for "fragrance-free."

Home and Cleaning Products: The Daily Exposure

The Expected: Air fresheners (plug-ins, sprays, automatic dispensers), scented candles, incense, room sprays, carpet fresheners

Where Exposure Really Adds Up:
This is where fragrance exposure accumulates because these products either leave residues on surfaces you touch constantly or continuously release chemicals into the air:

• Laundry detergent and fabric softener – You're wearing these chemicals all day and sleeping in them at night
• Dryer sheets – Leave fragrance residue on all your clothing and linens
• All-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, kitchen sprays
• Dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent
• Floor cleaners and furniture polish

The Completely Unnecessary:

• Bin liners and garbage bags – Many are scented to "mask odours"
• Toilet paper – Some brands add fragrance
• Tissues and paper towels – Scented varieties
• Nappy sacks

Australian research from 2016 found that 20.4% of people reported health problems from air fresheners in public toilets, 19.7% from being in a room after it was cleaned with scented products, and 12.5% from scented laundry products vented outdoors from neighbouring homes.

The Really Unexpected Places

These are the ones that genuinely caught me off guard over the years:

• Pet products – Shampoos, deodorisers, litter additives, even some pet toys
• Children's products – Scented markers, play dough, stickers, scented erasers
• Stationery – Gel pens, notebooks (some have scented paper)
• Packaging materials – Some manufacturers scent their packaging
• Craft supplies – Glues, paints, modelling clay

Workplace and Public Spaces

You have less control here, but it's worth being aware:

• Office cleaning products used after hours
• Air fresheners in bathrooms and common areas
• Hand soap and hand sanitiser in shared facilities
• Healthcare facilities (despite increasing fragrance-free awareness)
• Hotels (room sprays, laundry detergents, bathroom products)
• Airplanes (cabin cleaning products, bathroom supplies)
• Gyms (cleaning products, locker room sprays)

Research from 2018 found that among Australians with multiple chemical sensitivity, 77.5% are prevented from accessing places because of fragranced products, and 52.1% lost work days or a job in the past year due to fragranced product exposure in the workplace. That's 6.5% of Australians reporting medically diagnosed MCS, with 91.5% experiencing fragrance sensitivity – an estimated 1 million adult Australians directly affected.

The Health Concerns: What Research Shows

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

Phthalates: The Hormone Disruptors

Phthalates are among the most concerning chemicals in fragrances. These compounds interfere with our body's natural hormone production.

What They Are:
The most common phthalates in fragrances include:

• DEP (Diethyl phthalate) – the most prevalent in personal care products
• DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) – used to help fragrances last longer
• DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) – linked to reproductive issues
• BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate) – another fragrance fixative

Where They Hide:
Phthalates are particularly prevalent in:

• Perfumes and colognes
• Hair sprays and styling products
• Nail polish and nail care products
• Body lotions and creams that aren't rinsed off
• Deodorants and antiperspirants
• Any product listing "fragrance" without specifying "phthalate-free"

Why They're Concerning:
Research published in 2024 found that women consistently show higher phthalate levels than men, primarily due to beauty product use. A 2024 study in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found phthalate esters in 78% of cosmetic products tested over five years, with concentrations that raised health concerns.

Studies have linked phthalate exposure to:

• Fertility issues and premature ovarian failure
• Decreased ovarian reserve
• Pregnancy complications
• Insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease
• Neurodevelopmental issues in children

A 2025 systematic review found that high molecular weight phthalates – especially those commonly used in fragrances – were most consistently associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing fertility treatments.

For pregnant women, the concerns extend beyond their own health. Prenatal phthalate exposure has been linked to hormonal changes in developing babies, preterm birth, and altered placental function. Some research even suggests these effects may be passed to subsequent generations.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The Respiratory Irritants

VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, which is exactly what makes them effective in fragrances – you can smell them because they're becoming airborne.

What They Are:
Common VOCs in fragranced products include:

• Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde – known carcinogens
• Benzene – classified as a human carcinogen
• Toluene – affects the nervous system
• Limonene – when oxidised, can cause skin sensitisation
• Alpha-pinene and beta-pinene – can form formaldehyde when exposed to ozone

Where They Hide:

• Air fresheners and aerosol sprays
• Scented candles and incense
• Cleaning products (especially aerosols)
• Perfumes and body sprays
• Laundry products
• Personal care products that create aerosols (hairsprays, deodorants)

Why They're Concerning:
A 2016 Australian study found that 34.7% of Australians report health problems when exposed to fragranced products, with respiratory difficulties and migraine headaches being the most common complaints. About 75% of people with asthma have experienced attacks triggered by perfumes.

VOCs can cause:

• Eye, nose and throat irritation
• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea
• Breathing difficulties
• Worsening of asthma and COPD symptoms
• Long-term exposure has been linked to liver, kidney, and nervous system damage

For people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, VOC exposure from fragranced products can be particularly problematic. What's concerning is that VOCs continue to off-gas long after you've used a product – that "fresh laundry" smell means VOCs are still being released from your clothes.

Synthetic Musks: The Persistent Bioaccumulators

Synthetic musks deserve special attention because they're designed to last – both on your skin and in the environment.

What They Are:
The main synthetic musks include:

• Galaxolide (HHCB) – the most widely used
• Tonalide (AHTN) – second most common
• Musk ketone (MK) – older generation, being phased out
• Musk xylene (MX) – older generation, restricted in EU

Where They Hide:

• Perfumes and colognes (especially long-lasting formulas)
• Body lotions and creams
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Laundry detergents (particularly "long-lasting scent" varieties)
• Fabric softeners
• Air fresheners

Why They're Concerning:
Research has found that synthetic musks bioaccumulate in human tissue, including blood and breast milk. A 2024 review in ScienceDirect confirmed that these compounds persist in human tissues and the environment.

Studies have shown that polycyclic musks can exhibit:

• Anti-oestrogenic effects (blocking natural oestrogen)
• Anti-androgenic activity (interfering with testosterone)
• Anti-progestagenic effects (disrupting progesterone)

Animal studies have demonstrated that synthetic musks can decrease thyroid hormone levels and cause behavioural changes even at concentrations close to those in the ambient environment.

Perhaps most concerning is research showing that 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 our bodies encounter.

Cancer Links and Long-Term Health Effects

The connection between fragrance chemicals and cancer is complex and still being studied.

Known Carcinogens in Fragrances:
California's Proposition 65 lists several phthalates as known carcinogens and reproductive toxins. The International Fragrance Association's published list of 4,000 possible fragrance ingredients includes chemicals identified as carcinogens:

• Benzophenone – possible human carcinogen
• Methyleugenol – reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen
• Styrene – possibly carcinogenic to humans
• Formaldehyde – known human carcinogen (forms when some fragrances break down)

Where They Hide:
These carcinogenic compounds can be found in:

• Perfumes and colognes
• Hair care products
• Cosmetics with fragrance
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products
• Scented candles

Research Findings:
Research has shown associations between phthalates and certain cancers, particularly breast and liver cancers. Some fragrance products have been found to contain beta-myrcene, benzophenone, naphthalene, and DEHP – all chemicals linked to cancer.

Beyond cancer, long-term exposure to fragrance chemicals has been associated with:

• Changes in cardiac function
• Disruption to the endocrine system
• Increased glucose levels similar to those in people with type 2 diabetes
• Possible exacerbation of dementia symptoms

Fragrance Allergens: The Sensitisation Risk

The European Union recently updated its regulations to require individual labelling of 81 known fragrance allergens when present above certain thresholds. This recognises that fragrance chemicals are frequent causes of allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitivities.

Common Fragrance Allergens:

• Limonene – found in citrus scents
• Linalool – found in lavender and floral scents
• Geraniol – found in rose and geranium
• Citral – found in lemongrass and citrus
• Eugenol – found in clove and cinnamon
• Coumarin – found in tonka bean and sweet grass

What's important to understand is that sensitisation can develop over time. You might use a product for years without problems, then suddenly develop a reaction. Some research has shown that compounds like geraniol, cinnamyl alcohol, and α-terpinene can form allergenic compounds through oxidation, both on the skin and when exposed to air.

Australian Regulations: Where We Stand

Understanding the regulatory landscape helps explain why fragrance chemicals remain such a grey area.

Current Framework

AICIS oversees the assessment and regulation of chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019. Any business importing or manufacturing industrial chemicals must register with AICIS and categorise their chemical introductions based on risk levels.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulates cosmetic labelling and advertising standards under Australian Consumer Law. However, current regulations don't require full disclosure of fragrance ingredients. While amendments in 2024 and 2025 have established new stipulations for more comprehensive ingredient disclosure, the fragrance industry maintains significant exemptions.

What This Means for You

In practice, Australian consumers have limited information about fragrance ingredients. Ingredients must be listed using their International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names, but "fragrance" or "parfum" remains a catch-all term that can hide multiple undisclosed chemicals.

Colourants and fragrances used in cosmetics must be approved and listed in the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS), but this doesn't require individual disclosure on product labels.

International Comparison: The EU's Approach

The European Union has taken a more stringent approach. EU Regulation 2023/1545, which came into force in 2023, requires individual labelling of 81 fragrance allergens when their concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Products already on the EU market must comply by July 2028.

While Australia hasn't adopted similar requirements, consumer demand for transparency is gradually driving changes. Many international brands selling in Australia are reformulating to meet EU standards, which indirectly benefits Australian consumers.

IFRA Standards

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) sets voluntary safety standards for the fragrance industry. These include prohibition standards (banning certain hazardous ingredients), restriction standards (limiting usage levels), and specification standards (setting purity requirements).

While IFRA standards are mandatory for members (representing roughly 80% of the market), they're voluntary for non-members. Many Australian brands require their suppliers to provide IFRA certificates of compliance. However, IFRA standards still allow the use of many chemicals of concern, and they don't require full ingredient disclosure to consumers.

Safer Alternatives: Making the Switch

Here's what I've learned over the years: you don't have to replace everything overnight, and you don't need to aim for perfection.

Understanding Natural vs. Synthetic Fragrances

When looking for alternatives, you'll encounter products using essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. It's worth understanding that "natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe" for everyone.

Essential oils are complex mixtures extracted from plants through mechanical pressing or distillation. They can offer therapeutic benefits and are free from synthetic chemicals like phthalates. However, they can still cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities in some people.

There was concern that certain essential oils like lavender and tea tree might have hormone-disrupting effects, but recent research from 2022 published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found no evidence that these essential oils have endocrine-disrupting activity in humans.

That said, some essential oils can form allergenic compounds through oxidation. If you have sensitive skin or existing allergies, you may react to essential oils even if you're avoiding synthetic fragrances.

For many people, products scented with pure essential oils or those that are truly fragrance-free represent much safer alternatives. The key is choosing products from transparent brands that clearly disclose their formulations.

Truly Fragrance-Free Products

For those with sensitivities or who want to eliminate fragrance exposure altogether, fragrance-free products are the safest choice.

Australian brands offering fragrance-free options:

• Green People Australia – Sensitive, scent-free range for sensitive skin and scalp
• Beauty and the Bees – 100% fragrance-free natural products using food-grade ingredients like Leatherwood beeswax, honey, and olive oil
• Aveeno Australia – Fragrance-free moisturisers, cleansers, and body washes for sensitive and dry skin
• Natio – Fragrance-free collection with minimal, gentle formulations
• Biodroga – Perfume-free skincare formulated to nourish without artificial fragrances

International brands available in Australia:

• ecostore
• Weleda (White Mallow range)
• Ethique
• Hurraw!
• Dr Bronner's

DIY Alternatives That Actually Work

A few simple swaps can significantly reduce your fragrance exposure:

For Laundry: Add half a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle instead of fabric softener. It naturally softens clothes and eliminates odours without leaving chemical residues.

For Cleaning: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for an effective all-purpose cleaner. Add a few drops of pure essential oil if you want a light scent. Bi-carb soda works wonderfully for scrubbing and deodorising. Always spot test on surfaces first.

For Air Freshening:

• Open windows for fresh air circulation
• Place bowls of activated charcoal around your home to absorb odours naturally
• Simmer sliced citrus fruits, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in a pot of water
• Use a diffuser with pure essential oils (if you tolerate them)

For Personal Scent: If you enjoy wearing fragrance but want to avoid synthetic chemicals, make your own natural perfume:

• Use a small roll-on glass bottle
• Add 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oils
• Fill with carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil

Popular blends: lavender and rose geranium for relaxation, grapefruit and lemon for energy, or frankincense and cedarwood for balance.

What to Look for When Shopping

Read labels carefully: In Australia, look for products specifically marked "fragrance-free" rather than just "unscented." Check the ingredients list – if you see "fragrance," "parfum," "natural fragrance," or "essential oil blend" without further specification, that's a sign of hidden ingredients.

Seek transparency: Choose brands that fully disclose their ingredients, including breaking down what's in their fragrance blends.

Look for certifications: Products certified organic (ACO certified in Australia) must meet strict standards. While they may contain essential oils, they won't contain synthetic fragrance chemicals.

Consider minimal ingredient formulations: Products with fewer total ingredients give you fewer potential triggers.

Look for "phthalate-free" claims: Many brands now advertise this – look for it on labels.

Your Practical Action Plan

Sustainable change happens gradually. Here's how to approach reducing your fragrance exposure:

Start With Your Highest Exposure Products

Focus first on products that stay on your skin longest or that you use most frequently:

• Laundry detergent – You wear these chemicals all day and sleep in them at night
• Personal care products that don't get rinsed off – Moisturisers, deodorants, leave-in hair products
• Products used in your bedroom – Where you spend 8+ hours breathing them in

Phase Your Changes

• Month 1: Switch to fragrance-free laundry products
• Month 2: Replace body moisturiser and hand cream
• Month 3: Try fragrance-free cleaning products
• Month 4: Address hair care products
• Ongoing: Replace other items as they run out

This is much more budget-friendly and less overwhelming.

Keep Track of Changes

Consider keeping a simple journal noting when you switch products and any changes you notice. Some people report improvements in headaches, skin conditions, respiratory symptoms, or sleep quality after reducing fragrance exposure – but these changes can be subtle.

Advocate for Fragrance-Free Spaces

If fragrances at work, school, or other public places affect you, know that you have rights. While Australia doesn't have specific fragrance-free legislation, the Disability Discrimination Act may apply if fragrance exposure causes health effects that substantially limit your ability to work or access services.

You can:

• Speak with your employer about fragrance-free workplace policies
• Request accommodations under occupational health and safety provisions
• Choose healthcare providers, gyms, and service providers with fragrance-free policies
• Support businesses that maintain fragrance-free environments

A Balanced Perspective

Not everyone will have the same response to fragrance chemicals. Some people show no obvious sensitivities, while others experience significant health improvements when they reduce their 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 decide to focus only on products that stay on your skin. Perhaps you prioritise eliminating synthetic fragrances from your children's products. Or you might choose to tackle one category at a time.

What I've noticed over the years is that many people find fragrance-free products actually work better. Without synthetic fragrances masking poor formulations, companies have to create products that genuinely perform well. Plus, your sense of smell often becomes more sensitive to natural scents – fresh air, flowers, and real food start to smell more vibrant when you're not constantly overwhelmed by artificial fragrances.

Moving Forward

Even small reductions in your family's exposure to synthetic fragrance chemicals 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, switching your laundry routine, or simply opening windows more often, every step moves you toward a healthier indoor environment.

References

• Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS). (2025). Personal care, skincare, make-up and other cosmetic products. https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/personal-care-skincare-make-and-other-cosmetic-products
• Environmental Health News. (2024). Perfume chemicals tied to hormone disruption and health risks. https://www.ehn.org/perfume-chemicals-tied-to-hormone-disruption
• Karolina, K., et al. (2024). Phthalate esters in cosmetic products and health concerns. A five-year survey. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 271, 115982.
• Van Der Burg, B., et al. (2007). Endocrine effects of polycyclic musks: do we smell a rat? International Journal of Andrology, 31(2), 188-193.
• Tavakoli, O., et al. (2022). Evaluation of pollutants in perfumes, colognes and health hazards of regular exposure. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering, 20(1), 519-528.
• PubMed. (2023). Adverse thyroid hormone and behavioral alterations in zebrafish larvae following exposure to synthetic musk compounds. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36868414/
• ScienceDirect. (2024). Synthetic musks in aquatic environments: A comprehensive review. Environmental Research, 252, 118936.
• Critical Catalyst. (2022). EU updates the requirements on fragrance allergen labelling in cosmetic products. https://criticalcatalyst.com/eu-updates-the-requirements-on-fragrance-allergen-labelling-in-cosmetic-products/
• Endocrine Society. (2023). Prenatal exposure to phthalates may impact future fertility differently in males and females. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2023/endo-2023-press-bunnell
• ScienceDirect. (2025). Association between phthalate exposure and reproductive health in patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890623825001194
• Environmental Health Perspectives. (2005). A Whiff of Danger: Synthetic Musks May Encourage Toxic Bioaccumulation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1253742/
• The Legal Journal. (2024). Harvard Doctor Warns Perfumes Contain Cancer-Linked Chemicals. https://thelegaljournal.com/2024/12/11/forever-chemicals-in-perfumes-and-colognes-linked-to-cancer-and-infertility/
• National Library of Medicine. (2021). Ubiquity, Hazardous Effects, and Risk Assessment of Fragrance Allergens. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7825391/
• 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. https://www.woohoobody.com.au/blogs/news/fragrance-free-vs-unscented-cosmetics
• Steinemann, A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 9(8), 861-866.
• Steinemann, A. (2016). Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 45-47.
• Steinemann, A. (2018). Prevalence and effects of multiple chemical sensitivities in Australia. Preventive Medicine Reports, 10, 191-194.