Like most people, I have grown up using a whole range of body sprays, perfumes and air fresheners. Unfortunately, I had no idea what toxic chemicals I was spraying onto my body as a result. I find that now if I'm exposed to synthetic fragrances at work or a family member sprays something, I'll get a headache or have a sneezing fit.
Researchers have found links to hormone disruption, cancers, thyroid problems and allergies to name a few when testing popular perfumes. These can be caused by toxic ingredients found in some perfumes and sprays, and often listed as 'fragrance' or 'parfum'. The worrying thing is, companies don't actually have to disclose what chemicals are in their 'fragrances', so many people are still buying these products oblivious to the potential health risks.
Obviously I'm not an expert, so I will link further information on the dangers of perfumes below if you want to read more.
It may all seem doom and gloom but it doesn't have to be that way! There are natural alternatives to synthetic fragrances which smell just as good and are longer lasting. It does take some getting used to, but in my opinion it's worth it!
You probably all know by now that I work closely with an online natural beauty shop called LoveLula. Luckily they sell natural perfume alternatives that are made from essential oils and 100% organic and natural grain alcohol. And that's it. No hidden chemicals disguised as fragrance!
Let's have a look at the three natural perfumes that I own. All of the ingredients are 100% organic, 100% natural and approved by the Soil Association. The scents are pretty self explanatory!
Contains Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, 100% Organic & Natural Grain Alcohol
Smells of mint!
Contains Lavendula Angustifolia, 100% Organic & Natural Grain Alcohol
Smells of lavender!
Contains Citrus Nobilis, 100% Organic & Natural Grain Alcohol
And guess what, it smells of mandarins!!
Now lets have a look at the ingredients of a Chanel perfume that I got a couple of years ago before I knew what was in it.
Alcohol, parfum (fragrance), aqua (water), alpha-isomethyl ionone, linalool, citronellol, butylphenyl methylpropional, hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, limonene, feraniol, benzyl benzoate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl salicytate, ci 15985 (yellow 6), ci 17200 (red 33), ci 60730 (violet 2)
I know which one I'd rather be putting on my body...
Further information:
http://mamavation.com/2015/03/toxic-perfume-chemicals.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/toxic-perfumes-and-colognes/
http://www.rodalewellness.com/health/perfume-ingredients
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/five-mustknows-on-the-dan_b_4737654.html
**contains affiliate links
This is really interesting, perfumes are the one thing I haven't considered changing to natural versions but maybe I should!
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