Everyday we are unknowingly using dangerous chemicals on our bodies. For many of us our routines consist of using many toxic scented products and we think nothing of it.

Whether it is lighting a scented candle or spraying some air freshener, a spritz of perfume or lathering up with some scented lotion, we have trained our noses to go towards these chemical odors, what we think are “sweet smells”.

However, the reality is that many of those “sweets smells” are made from nasty toxic chemicals and can cause adverse health problems.

We, as a society, have forgotten what a real flower smells like and have, instead, adapted to the smell of synthetic ones.

Fragrances are used in everything from our personal care products, to our cleaning and laundry products; even in our child and baby care products.

Many of these chemicals enter our bloodstreams when applied to our skins and are even absorbed through our skin from our clothing.

The Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Database has the word “fragrance” listed in over 18,000 personal care products. The word “fragrance” can incorporate numerous chemicals in order to make up the fragrance.

In fact, the ingredient “fragrance” is listed in everything from shampoos, body washes, soaps, children’s products, diapers, wipes, powders, hair products, laundry products, cleaning products, home air fresheners and even feminine hygiene products.

It is impossible to know what chemicals are used to make up any specific “fragrance” because fragrance manufacturers are not required to list their ingredients. Unfortunately, for the consumer, the mix of chemical ingredients are protected by law and considered a trade secret.

In addition to the unlisted chemicals used to create scent, virtually all fragrances are stabilized with phthalates. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Heath and Human Services have labeled some phthalates as “possible carcinogens” which means they may cause cancer in animals and humans.

Other known toxic ingredients that are commonly included in many fragrance products are benzyl alcohol, limonene and linalool. All three are considered possible toxins to the central nervous system.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology there are more then 5000 fragrances used in cosmetics and skin care products.  The American Academy of Dermatology cautions against products that are marked “unscented” as they may contain fragrances to mask a chemical odor.  They suggest seeking products marked “fragrance free” or “without perfume”.