Are VOCs in Your Fragrances? What You Should Know

Fragrances are incredibly popular today. It seems like you can’t go anywhere without smelling an air freshener, a candle, or someone’s perfume. Even most deodorants contain some kind of fragrance because we all want to smell good!

Unfortunately, fragrances don’t have much regulation in the United States, and scientists have found that some of them contain VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Are VOCs in your fragrances? Here’s what you should know.

What Counts as Fragrance?

According to the FDA, which regulates consumer products like perfume and air fresheners, a fragrance is a set of chemicals designed to give something a certain smell. Those chemicals can be naturally occurring or derived from synthetics. Many common household goods contain fragrances, usually listed as “fragrance” on the list of ingredients.

The Fragrance Loophole

Manufacturers use hundreds of chemicals to create certain fragrances, so why don’t you see those chemicals listed on ingredient lists? Well, it’s because of the “fragrance loophole.” Since companies don’t want competitors stealing their signature scents, they lobbied to make “fragrance” a protected trade secret. You don’t have to list the ingredients if something is a trade secret. So, that’s why you often see “fragrance” written in the ingredients with no further explanation.

Fragrance and VOCs

Different types of VOCs can cause health problems like respiratory diseases and even cancer. One example is phthalates, which scientists have connected to reproductive and neurological disorders. They’re also a common ingredient that helps stabilize fragrances. Since manufacturers include phthalates as an element of “fragrance,” companies don’t have to notify consumers that their products contain a known VOC.

Fragrance and You

You should know that VOCs are in most fragrances. However, it’s possible to enjoy candles, air fresheners, and perfume without worrying about VOCs. All you need to do is look for clean brands that use low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients. Thanks to public awareness on this topic, many cosmetic and home goods producers don’t use harmful chemicals. If you work with patients with respiratory problems, you can also warn them about using products with “fragrance” listed in the ingredients.