If you want to cut down on the amount of harmful chemicals you come into daily contact with then buying products made with naturally derived ingredients or even fragrance-free is a smart way to shop.
Many cleaning and personal care products contain artificial scents made with chemicals that irritate the skin, cause headaches, and trigger asthma symptoms.
While fragrance-free can be a preferred choice for some people including babies with their delicate skin and lungs, if you do prefer a subtle fragrance, then make sure you choose products that use natural ingredients.
Here at Bower, all our products are naturally derived, and mostly fragranced with essential oils. We also have plenty of fragrance-free products for household chores, including fragrance-free washing-up liquid, fragrance-free laundry liquid and fragrance-free fabric conditioner, as well as daily essentials for all the family such gentle fragrance-free body wash and fragrance-free hand wash.
Here are five reasons why going fragrance-free could be better for you.
1. Less skin irritation
One of the most common issues associated with heavily fragranced products is skin irritation. The chemicals used to create artificial scents can cause allergic reactions, leading to rashes, redness, itching and even blisters. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin, eczema or psoriasis.
Fragrance-free body wash is a great alternative to artificially scented shower gel, as it cleanses your skin without the risk of irritating it, leaving you feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead.
2. Lower risk of respiratory issues
The scent from heavily perfumed laundry detergents can often cause respiratory problems. The VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in fragranced products are released into the air, which can then trigger asthma or other respiratory conditions.
By switching to a fragrance-free laundry detergent you help minimise these risks. Remember, the fragrance-free products clean up just as effectively as perfumed products but without releasing harmful VOCs into your home or irritating your skin. If you like a subtle scent, try to opt for scented products made with naturally-derived ingredients.
3. Less exposure to endocrine disruptors
Many fragranced products contain phthalates – chemicals used to make scents last longer. However, research has shown that phthalates can disrupt hormone function in both humans and animals.
Endocrine disruptors like phthalates can lead to a variety of health problems including reproductive issues, developmental problems in children, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Going fragrance-free with your products can help reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.
4. Prevention of migraines and nausea
If you are prone to migraines, strong scents will often trigger a headache or feelings of nausea. This is because the olfactory system (the part of your brain that processes smells) is directly linked to the parts of the brain that control nausea and headaches.
If you find yourself feeling unwell after using heavily fragranced products, consider switching to more subtle scents, naturally-derived or non-perfumed alternatives, such as fragrance-free handwash. These products will still get the job done without making you feel poorly, leaving you confident to use them several times a day.
5. Better for the environment
Finally, going fragrance-free is not only better for you but it’s also good for the environment. The mass production and use of purely synthetic fragrances introduces harmful chemicals into our waterways, which in turns harms wildlife when they are washed down drains or disposed of improperly.
By choosing a fragrance-free or naturally scented body wash, laundry detergent or hand wash, you are making a choice that benefits both your health and the health of our planet.
And, remember if you do fancy using a fragranced product, then there are plenty of fragrance-free and naturally derived options for you on the Bower website whether you’re doing dishes, the laundry, or taking a shower or bath.