Fragrance products are composed of a wide range of natural and synthetic compounds, and the determination of their ingredients is a difficult task. Most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, and companies are not required to disclose the individual fragrance elements as the fragrance “blend” is considered proprietary information. Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials. In addition to “scent” chemicals that create the fragrance, perfumes and colognes also contain solvents, stabilizers, UV-absorbers, preservatives, and dyes. These additives are frequently, but not always, listed on product labels. In contrast, the chemical components in fragrance itself are protected as trade secrets and described on the label only as “fragrance” or “parfum”.

While fragrance products are widely used, some fragrance chemicals are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the self-regulating global representative body of the fragrance industry, meaning they set their own safety standards and regulations. Fragrance products are not inherently bad, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with their use and to choose products from brands that do not use fragrance and disclose every aspect of their product’s ingredients.