Toss it Tuesday: Fragrance #tossittuesday

Fragrance

When you decide to make a switch to green(er) products one of the first things you learn is: How to Read a Label

It seems basic, we’ve all been looking at labels all our lives but often the big, scientific words we can’t pronounce stops us from really understanding what’s in them.

When we are talking with someone new to Green Cleaning - the first thing we always teach them to look for is FRAGRANCE.

It is in cleaning products and personal care products ALL THE TIME. Why do we avoid it?

First, a manufacturer can use the term “fragrance” and call it a proprietary blend and not disclose what they’ve really used. It's a way to look like you’ve disclosed ingredients when you really haven’t.  

Second, we advise avoiding any synthetic fragrance where you can. Many are derived from petroleum-based petro-chemicals. They can have phthalates and other ingredients, which are known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens so we always advise you stick with products that are unscented or are scented with essential oils.

Products with Fragrance listed on the label can also trigger asthma and allergies in those affected. You may have even noticed a slight headache from being around someone who’s wearing too much perfume or cologne.

Instead, we look for products that are scented with essential oils. These are naturally sourced (not synthetically made) and have a much safer rating on our favorite place for researching ingredients and their safety: EWG’s Skin Deep Database.

Here’s what Fragrance looks like:  FRAGRANCE RATING: 8

Here’s a look at Lavender essential Oil: LAVENDER OIL RATING: 2

For reference, it's our goal to work with products that are a 3 and lower to keep the potential risks as low as possible. 

Any products or ingredients you're curious about from a safety perspective? Send them to us at hellp@gaianaturalcleaners.com.

~Rachel