In a bid to be a good blogger I have recently been reading a lot of other awesome blogs, and it's been opening my mind to a whole lot of new ideas around the beauty industry. What I want to discuss today is what my blog research has told me about synthetic perfumes and how much harm they can cause us. I recently completed a course in essential oils and have been working to create beautiful scent combinations with my collection of oils and so this struck a chord with me and I wanted to know more. So giving my recently purchased bottle of perfume a wary sideways glance, I decided to delve deeper and find out more.

I’m not sure you’re going to be very happy with what I’ve found out, but I need to share. I’ll do you all a favour and summarise my new lightning bolts of knowledge - in easy to read numbered points, because a lovely friend of mine told me she likes blogs written that way!

1.  You can find synthetic fragrances in so many places you wouldn’t think to look for them. Of course, there’s the obvious – air fresheners, eau de parfum, skincare products, deodorant, but the list continues: washing powder, cleaners, candles, hair care products and even sunscreen
2.  95% of chemicals found in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (yuck)
3. 4 common chemicals found in perfumes are classified as hazardous waste in the US!!!
4. Synthetic fragrances contain substances which have some pretty negative effects on our bodies. I can sympathise here - I avoid most perfumes because of common side effects like headaches, dizziness, asthma, contact dermititis, nausea, fatigue...etc
5. ​​Then there’s the adverse side effects (and this is not cool, not cool at all. Ask the rats used to discover all this): reproductive abnormalities, carcinogenic effects, palpitations, convulsions, gastrointestinal issues, effects on the central nervous systems, gene mutations, and more...yikes
6. Companies do not list the chemicals used in their fragrances because they don’t have to. Manufacturers have been granted ‘trade secret status’. So when you see the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on a label, this could be disguising up to and above 100 ingredients. Guess they’re protected but we aren’t…
7. The safety of many of the components used in fragrances has never been tested
8. And don’t forget – we are affecting the delicate balance of our ecosystem when the chemicals in our fragranced products trickle into our waterways

I think I may have just terrified myself.

I can’t say my family and I are living in a fragrance-free home either. Far from it. In fact, despite choosing what seem to be the most natural options when I purchase the products that I can’t make myself, that sneaky wee word “fragrance” is still found lurking in the list of ingredients. That’s what makes the decision to go chemical free even more frustrating. A conscientious effort to do better is often thwarted by very good “natural” marketing.
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​Some companies seem to try to distract us from their use of fragrances by bandying around popular terms like "organic",  “vegan" and “animal cruelty free” to make us feel reassured about our choices.  And yes, these aspects are important to consumers.  But look closer and you’ll find that these products often contain toxic chemicals under the simple term “fragrance”. Don’t let yourself be fooled.

The process of having a “toxic fragrance free” household isn’t something that can happen all at once, but little changes make all the difference. Here are some helpful hints to get started:

1.  When you go shopping, play a little game of “spot the nasties”. Check labels for hidden toxins under the term “perfumes”, “parfum” and “fragrance”. And that includes "fragrance free" and "unfragranced" products. You may be surprised.
2. Replace your commercial cleaning products with something homemade and natural.  Stock up on these items, well known for their cleaning properties: vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, castile soap (a gentle base to many products including hand and body washes), lemon oil (the greatest essential oil when it comes to cleaning your home), salt (a perfect replacement for abrasive products)
3. Check out this website for some great recipes with common ingredients https://wellnessmama.com/361/natural-cleaning-recipes/. Or just look it up on Pinterest. You’ll find loads of ideas there, and it won’t cost you a fortune to get started.
4. When it comes to skincare, seek out companies that only use essential oils. Beso can guarantee this one. Check out our online store for alternatives to your fragranced products.
5. Use this rule for scented candles too. You might not be able to get exciting flavours like crème brulée or apple spice but your lungs will love you for it
6. Make your own natural perfume balms. Choose some of your favourite essential oils, hold them to your nose together to check they combine well, then add them to this simple base:

• a.       1 part beeswax
• b.       1 part refined coconut oil
• c.       1 part sweet almond oil

You’ll need to melt the waxes and oils together, then add your essential oil blend. Test it on your skin before it sets to check the scent is strong enough, and adjust to suit. Pour your balm into a fancy little tin and apply to pulse points (or anywhere you like – it’s great for your skin too).
If you don’t fancy making your own, check out Beso’s perfumed lotion bar. Quite delicious, if I do say so myself. In fact, try swapping out your synthetic perfumes for many of Beso's naturally fragranced products - body mousses, hair and body oil, face lotion - all gorgeously scented with essential oils. So much better for you!!

Beso is here to help you with your transition to fragrance free – that’s one of my wee company’s key points of difference. If I can’t come up with a scent using essential oils given to us by nature, then it simply doesn’t happen. Rest assured though that Beso products still smell amazing so you don’t have to look far for some great options!
Thanks for reading my rant. I hope it’s been helpful. Let me know what you think in the comments section and feel free to ask me any questions about achieving a fragrance free lifestyle.

Me, 2nd from right with my gorgeous family, who have inspired, supported and encouraged me every step of the way.