New research reveals that a loophole in labeling laws allows synthetic fragrance companies to avoid disclosing their ingredients because they are considered trade secrets. In other words, a fragrance company may be more concerned about protecting their product formula than protecting their consumers. Synthetic fragrances typically contain multiple petrochemicals not listed on labels.

More than 30% of Americans are sensitive to synthetic fragrances and experience headaches, wheezing or asthma when exposed to them in the air.  Even non-sensitive people are at risk – perhaps more so – since they are unaware of it when being bombarded and overwhelmed with toxins.  They may not experience outer symptoms like coughing and sneezing, but their cells still must deal with the influx of synthetic elements.

At least four of the common chemicals in synthetically perfumed products act as hormone disruptors, interfering with thyroid or mimicking estrogen. Diethyl phthalate, found in high levels in several popular fragrances for men, has been linked to sperm damage and infertility.  Unfortunately, even if a product is labeled “fragrance-free,” it may still contain a ‘masking’ fragrance  – chemicals specifically used to cover the odor of other chemicals.