How to avoid fragrance in everyday products
Fragrance is found in many everyday products, from shampoo and cosmetics to laundry detergent and household cleaners. But “fragrance” on an ingredient label can represent a mixture of many different chemicals, and companies are not always required to disclose each one.
Some fragrance mixtures may contain chemicals of concern, including hormone-disrupting phthalates.
The good news is that you can take simple steps to reduce your exposure. The most important one: choose fragrance-free products whenever possible.
1. Choose “fragrance free,” not “unscented”
“Fragrance-free” and “unscented” do not necessarily mean the same thing. Products labeled “unscented” may contain fragrance ingredients used to mask other odors. If you want to avoid fragrance, look for products labeled “fragrance-free.”
2. Check the ingredient list
Look at ingredient labels and avoid products that list:
- Fragrance
- Parfum
- Perfume
Keep in mind that fragrance ingredients are not always individually disclosed, which is why choosing products explicitly labeled fragrance-free can help.
3. Start with products you use most often
You don’t need to replace everything at once. Start with products you use regularly, such as:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and soap
- Lotion and moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Cosmetics
- Perfume, cologne, and body spray
- Laundry detergent
- Household cleaners
As products run out, replace them with fragrance-free options.
4. Skip air fresheners and fragranced household products
Fragrance isn’t limited to personal care products. It is also common in laundry detergent, dishwashing products, household cleaners, air fresheners, and deodorizers.
Instead of using scented products to make your home smell “clean,” address the source of odors and ventilate the space when possible. Choose fragrance-free cleaners and laundry products.
5. Look for the EPA Safer Choice label on cleaning products
The EPA Safer Choice program evaluates the ingredients in certified products against stringent human health and environmental criteria, including requirements for fragrance ingredients.
When shopping for cleaners and other household products, the Safer Choice label can help you identify safer options.
6. Don’t assume “natural” or “clean” fragrance labels are safer
Terms such as “natural,” “plant-based,” or “clean” do not necessarily mean a fragrance is safer. Essential oil-based scents can also contain fragrance chemicals.
If your goal is to reduce fragrance exposure, choosing fragrance-free products is the simplest approach.
7. Ask companies to disclose fragrance ingredients
If a company doesn’t disclose what is in its fragrance, ask. You can also choose products from companies that provide full ingredient transparency.
Consumers shouldn’t have to be fragrance detectives. Companies should disclose all of the ingredients in their products, including fragrance ingredients, and ensure that those ingredients are safe.
Progress is happening
New laws are beginning to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals used in personal care products and cosmetics. States including Washington, Oregon, and Vermont have adopted restrictions on phthalates in these products.
In 2025, the American Medical Association also adopted a policy supporting greater disclosure of fragrance ingredients in personal care products, cosmetics, and drugs.
Until stronger protections are in place everywhere, choosing fragrance-free products is one practical way to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals.