Fragrance is a term used to describe a combination of chemicals that give each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. However, the chemical components in fragrance itself are protected as trade secrets and are not disclosed on product labels. This means that dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of chemicals can hide under the one word "fragrance" on the product labels of beauty and personal care products. While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.

Here are some details about fragrance ingredients:

Positive:

• Fragrance can make products smell good.

Negative:

• Fragrance chemicals can become major sensitizers and cause severe, irreversible allergies.
• Most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed on product labels.
• Some fragrance ingredients are linked to serious health problems.

Ingredients or materials:

• 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.
• There are about 4,000 chemicals currently used to scent products, but you wont find any of them listed on a label.
• Fragrance formulations are considered a "trade secret" and therefore protected from disclosure.

It is important to note that some companies are taking steps to disclose fragrance ingredients in their products. If you are concerned about the ingredients hiding in your products, there are many beauty brands to choose from that do not use fragrance and disclose every aspect of their products ingredients.