Many perfumes contain undisclosed chemical blends hidden under the word “fragrance”. Some have even been linked to hormone disruption and sensitivities like headaches or nausea. Choosing natural, transparent alternatives made with essential oils can help reduce exposure and support both your health and the planet.

Key Takeaways

• “Fragrance” can legally hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals
• Some ingredients have been linked to hormone disruption and sensitivities
• Natural perfumes use essential oils and prioritise ingredient transparency
• You may need to reapply natural scents, but you avoid hidden additives

So… what’s the deal with “fragrance” in perfumes?

As a teenager, I was obsessed with scents, from cheap perfumes to exotic Tahiti deodorants. I'd reapply multiple times daily because it made me feel 'clean'.

However, during pregnancy, my favourite fragrances triggered nausea and gave me headaches. I was intrigued (as a scent-obsessed human), so I started to research why they were making me feel sick, and what I learned honestly changed the way I look at fragrance forever.

Fragrance can be made up of a mix of up to or more than 3,500 chemicals. These include carcinogens, chemicals that the EU explicitly prohibits, and endocrine disruptors which mimic human hormones. These endocrine disruptors worry researchers as even tiny doses can considerably affect the wearer.

The word “fragrance” on a label might sound harmless, but it can actually represent a cocktail of different chemicals. And here’s the catch… companies don’t have to tell you what’s inside. Yep. It’s legally protected as a “trade secret”.

The bottom line is that fragrances are highly toxic, which is why you'll never see then at Go For Zero. All our products are made with a safe dose of essential oils only. We choose nature over cheap, artificial chemicals. 

Why don’t brands have to disclose fragrance ingredients?

In most cases, ingredient lists are there to help us make informed choices. But fragrance sits in a bit of a grey area. Despite the Consumer Goods Information Standard requiring cosmetic product manufacturers to list their ingredients on labels, fragrance remains an exception.

Because scent formulas are considered proprietary, brands can group everything under one simple word: fragrance or parfum.That means you could be applying dozens (or even hundreds) of chemical ingredients to your skin without ever knowing what they are. Not exactly empowering, right?To make matters worse, the fragrance industry regulates itself, so safety testing is not required before being sold to consumers. That stinks!

Natural vs. synthetic perfumes: what's the difference?

Natural perfumes have been around for thousands of years. Think botanicals, resins, spices and essential oils. Simple, recognisable ingredients.Synthetic perfumes came much later in the mid-19th century, thanks to advances in chemistry. 

With lower production costs, synthetic fragrances are often less expensive than their natural counterparts, and their long-lasting scents have made them increasingly popular. However, they are now the subject of discussions concerning safety and ingredient disclosure, and as such, synthetic perfumes have come under increased scrutiny.

What ingredients are often hiding in fragrance?

Like most people, I believed that fragrances were safe and made things 'smell clean'. However, fragrance products contain a mixture of chemicals used for odour production, solvent and fluidiser, perfume stabiliser, preservative, antiperspirant, and denaturing agent. Let's deep dive into three pollutants found in perfume, their roles, and their impact on our health.

It is important to note that this blog is based on research conducted by the National Library of Medicine (NHI). This research aims to gain a better understanding of whether certain ingredients in products can have an impact on our health and to increase our knowledge about cosmetic chemicals and their potential harm. It's important to note that research can only show associations, as studies cannot expose people to potentially toxic chemicals. More research needs to be carried out to differentiate between phthalates.

1. Phthalates

• Phthalates are often referred to as "everywhere chemicals" because they are so common.
• They are used to make plastics more flexible, and fragrances last longer. Some examples of phthalates include butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
• Phthalates are found in perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, soaps, nail polish, cosmetics, plastic packaging, vinyl flooring, raincoats, and some plastic children's toys, among many other places.
• Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is especially prevalent in both men's and women's perfumes as well as beauty and personal care products, as it is used to enhance fragrance.
• Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with normal hormone production. They've been linked to several reproductive and developmental effects, such as early onset puberty for girls, reduced sperm count, harm to the developing brain, and reduced fatal growth. Other studies show a link between phthalates and endometriosis and premature delivery in women. 

Because regulations don't require listing individual chemicals in fragrances, it's difficult to know if phthalates are used in products.

2. Parabens

• Parabens are popular artificial preservatives. They inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that can spoil the fragrance and reduce shelf life.
• Methyl paraben (MP), butyl paraben (BP), ethyl paraben (EP), and propyl paraben (PP) are used in cosmetics, perfumes, deodorants, body care products, and many other products. They are especially prevalent in products with a high water content, such as shampoos and conditioners.
• Parabens have been found in human breast tumours, so they may play a role in increasing the incidence of breast cancer. Exposure to parabens can seriously damage sperm DNA and male reproductive health. Exposure to parabens during pregnancy can lead to dysfunction of the thyroid gland and weight gain of the infant, especially the male infant at birth. Finally, a significant association between high concentrations of parabens and shorter menstrual periods was found.
• Parabens have been shown to have more severe effects in young children than in adults because protective mechanisms such as a competent immune system are not yet developed in children, and exposure to chemicals in the early stages of development can disrupt normal patterns of growth. 

3. Triclosan

• Triclosan is an antimicrobial substance widely used in antibacterial hand soaps and banned by the FDA in 2016. However, it is still used today in some compounds such as fragrances, toothpaste, mouthwash, and acne cream.
• Studies have shown that triclosan can disrupt the normal functioning of hormone systems in a manner that may promote breast and ovarian cancers and interfere with metabolism. More research needs to be done to fully understand the impact of triclosan on our health.

Finally, research shows that women are more likely than men to suffer from the effects of using fragrance products. One study found that of 33.1% of the population who reported adverse health effects, 64.0% were female, and 36.0% were male.

Why do fragrances trigger headaches or nausea?

If you’ve ever walked past someone and instantly felt overwhelmed by their perfume, you’re not imagining it.

Synthetic fragrances contain volatile compounds that irritate the respiratory system or trigger sensitivities. For some people, that shows up as headaches, dizziness, or nausea.Hormonal changes (like pregnancy) can make you even more sensitive, which is exactly what I experienced.

Are natural perfumes actually better?

“Better” can mean different things to different people.But if you’re looking for ingredient transparency, products without synthetic additives and want to love a low-toxlifestyle…then natural perfumes are a really great place to start.

At Go For Zero, we believe that taking care of your health should never be a compromise.That's why we do the research for you and only stock natural, safe perfumes that are proudly made in Australia with 100% natural ingredients. No hidden “fragrance” blends. No guesswork.Just ingredients you can actually recognise. 

Here are our favourite natural perfume brands:

1. Viva La Body

Viva La Body creates bold, plastic-free solid perfumes made in Australia using 100% natural plant-based ingredients and essential oils (yay)! No synthetic fragrance or hidden blends, just simple, transparent scent that works with your body. Compact and easy to reapply, they’re designed for everyday use without the waste.

  

2. Stray Willow

Stray Willow is a female-founded Aussie brand creating eco-friendly, toxin-free natural perfumes. Their essential oil blends are vegan, palm-oil free, and packaged with zero waste in mind.

3. Eco Modern Essentials 

Eco Modern Essentials is a Gold Coast, female-led Australian brand creating 100% pure essential oils and blended aromatherapy products to support natural, holistic living. 

Their essential oils can also be used to create your own personalised fragrance, by blending scents that match your mood, energy, or even the season. You can even use them to create room sprays, cleaning products and more! Check out some of our favourite essential oil DIY creations here. 

Do natural perfumes last all day?

Short answer: not usually.Because natural perfumes don’t use synthetic fixatives like phthalates, they tend to fade faster. Most people reapply every 3 to 4 hours.

But honestly? It becomes a bit of a ritual. Like reapplying lip balm.The natural perfumes that we stock are designed to be compact and travel-friendly, so you can easily reapply them during the day. 

A better way to smell good

This isn’t about fear or perfection.It’s about knowing what’s in your products and choosing what feels right for you.If you’ve ever felt off after using fragrance, your body might be trying to tell you something. And that’s worth listening to.

And the good news? There are beautiful, natural alternatives out there that smell just as good… without the mystery.

With love, 
Ellie xo

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FAQs

1. What does “fragrance” mean on an ingredient list?

It’s a catch-all term that can include dozens or even hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.

2. Are synthetic perfumes harmful?

Some ingredients used in synthetic fragrances have been linked to health concerns, but research is ongoing. Many people choose to limit exposure as a precaution.

3. Why do perfumes give me headaches?

Fragrances can contain volatile compounds that trigger sensitivities, especially in people prone to migraines or allergies.

4. Are natural perfumes safer?

They’re generally more transparent and avoid synthetic additives, which many people prefer for a low-tox lifestyle.

5. How can I choose a safer perfume?

Look for brands that fully disclose ingredients and avoid the terms “fragrance” or “parfum”.