Toxic (synthetic) fragrance and why you should avoid it.



I remember being an 18year old heading off to purchase my very first 'perfume' in a duty free shop…that bottle lasted me 2 years and by then (thank goodness) I had landed in the world of natural medicine and beauty. I was educated early on in the importance of pure aromas, I became fascinated with aromatherapy and held tight a trusty collection of over 30 oils and as they say in the classics, the rest was history.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t avoiding perfume because I thought they were harmful, I was avoiding them because they gave me headaches and increased my asthma so intuitively I just knew they must not be good for me.

Fast forward to 2020 and the beauty industry is well aware of the potentially harmful side effects of these toxins. Synthetic fragrance is in everything around us. Perfume, hair care, skincare, air fresheners and cleaning products. The air around us is literally swimming in microscopic toxic chemicals.

A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences noted that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, and include many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. A 2001 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that synthetic fragrances were often shown to contain hormone disruptors linked to abnormal cell reproduction.

Up until about eight years ago this conversation was not being widely discussed. There are now many scientific studies, all showing health problems related to artificial fragrance. Phthalates are a major concern in this area so for more information on Phthalates read here:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate

Why do businesses keep using these toxic substances?

Firstly it comes down to money, it is cheaper to use artificial fragrance, and sadly with the current laws, they do not need to disclose what chemicals have gone into making that 'secret' one of a kind aroma.

Secondly, artificial fragrances last longer, they stick to your skin, they stick to the air and they stick to your clothes.

There are 3 main pathways these chemicals enter your system:

• skin absorption (body moisturizer, face creams)
• ingestion (food and water)
• inhalation (polluted air, spraying perfume and deodorant around the room)

Why are plant based pure aroma’s so much better?

• they do not contain harmful chemicals that are potential carcinogens, hormone disruptors and allergens
• pure plant aromas are part of the ancient art of aromatherapy, these extracted oils can:
  • evoke a sense of calm
  • uplift and energise
  • enhance focus

Every Organic Nation product has its own unique aroma, crafted by us for its connection to the product.

• citrus foaming milk cleanser uses a citrus oil blend, which are naturally uplifting and cleansing.
• detoxifying clay whip is infused with Niaouli and Frankincense for their antiseptic and healing properties, while providing a fresh earthy slightly woody aroma.
• superactive7 serum has an aroma blend of over 7 essential oil, 2 of these are neroli and ylang ylang, are part of that blend bringing a sweet, spicy slightly citrus aroma.

Next time you take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma of your favourite moisturiser, serum or mist, ask yourself 'am I inhaling pure plant aromas that support my well-being, or am I taking in toxic chemicals?'

Be kind to yourself and be kind to the planet.

Revolutionary skincare #loveon

References:

1. Anne Steinemann (2017) Fragranced consumer products: effects on asthmatics
2. Amy Westervelt (2015) Phthalates are everywhere, and the health risks are worrying. How bad are they really?

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