Perfume, deodorant & Co: How dangerous are synthetic fragrances really?
Today, I want to explain to you in detail why synthetic perfumes are problematic and what you absolutely should pay attention to. Many of you already know that I am an ABSOLUTE OPPONENT of any synthetic fragrances—from perfume to detergent—but today, before the launch of our No. 1 Perfume Balm and the matching Body Oil, I'd like to explain why everything else is, quite frankly, an attack on our health. And yes, as with so many things, we can't rely on something being "okay" just because it's for sale. I often joke that beauty is a dirty business... But now to the actual topic:
The most important problematic ingredients in all synthetic perfumes (regardless of price)
- Phthalates
- These chemicals are used as fixers to make the fragrance last longer
- They are proven to be hormone-active and can disrupt your hormonal system
- Particularly worrying: They can influence estrogen and testosterone production
- They do not have to be on the list of ingredients, as they can be hidden under the collective term "parfum" or "fragrance", unless they are ECOCERT-certified products or pure essential oils
- Synthetic musk compounds
- Used for a long-lasting, heavy fragrance
- Accumulate in fatty tissue and breast milk
- Can also act as hormone disruptors
- Are suspected of impairing fertility
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
- Are used as preservatives
- Are classified as carcinogenic
- Can cause allergies and skin irritations
- Additional strain on the respiratory tract
Why women are particularly affected:
- The female body is generally more sensitive to hormone-active substances
- During pregnancy, these substances can also affect the fetus
- Many of these chemicals can pass into breast milk
- On average, women use more personal care products than men
- The substances can accumulate in female fatty tissue
The effects on your body:
- Disorders of the hormonal system can lead to cycle disorders
- Possible effects on fertility
- Increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers
- Skin irritations and allergies
- Headaches and migraines
- Respiratory problems
What you can do specifically:
- Read the list of contents carefully
- Avoid all products with "Parfum" or "Fragrance" in the INCI list unless:
- They are ECOCERT certified (then they are 100% natural and strictly controlled)
- Or they are proven to be pure essential oils (these are listed individually, e.g. as "Lavandula Angustifolia Oil")
- Watch out for hidden terms like "aroma" or "flavor"
- Choose only safe alternatives:
- Use only ECOCERT-certified perfumes
- Or rely on pure essential oils that are individually listed in the INCI list
- Completely avoid all synthetic perfumes
- Product selection:
- Choose only ECOCERT-certified brands
- Or manufacturers who offer complete transparency about their natural ingredients (like us, although you can pretty well copy us)
- Avoid all products with synthetic fragrances, regardless of the concentration
Particularly important: consider body care holistically
Synthetic fragrances should ALWAYS be avoided by ALL women because:
- They influence the hormonal system continuously, in every phase of life
- Particularly critical are products such as deodorants that are applied directly to the lymph nodes in the armpits
- The lymphatic vessels transport harmful substances directly into the body
- Body lotion, shower gel and other body care products are also applied over a large area and can be absorbed through the skin
- The effects are insidious and accumulate over the years
Instead:
- Use only natural deodorants with essential oils or ECOCERT certification
- For your entire body care, choose only products with proven natural fragrances
- Pay particular attention to the ingredients of products that stay on the skin for a longer period of time (such as lotions or deodorants)
Long-term benefits of completely avoiding all synthetic fragrances and perfumes:
- Your hormonal system can work naturally and undisturbed
- Your skin is less stressed and can regenerate
- The risk of hormone-dependent diseases is reduced
- Your respiratory tract remains free from chemical pollution
- Your body finds its natural balance again
- The lymphatic system is not burdened with synthetic substances
- Your natural body odor is not masked by artificial fragrances
Good to know: There's a safe, natural alternative for every conventional product. The switch is worth it for your health!
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