This generation is a savvy one: bit by bit we’re moving away from big companies in the skin care and beauty industries, because we’re learning more about the long lists of chemical ingredients in their products. We’re choosing natural ingredients over synthetic ones that have harmful side effects. Product by product, we’re making better decisions for our health by choosing brands that are safer for our bodies and the environment—and we’re enjoying the benefits of captivating scents and brighter-looking skin while we’re doing it.

1. You don’t know whats in it – it’s a secret!

Very little is known about the compounds used in fragrances. Companies are required to list all the ingredients of cosmetics however, when it comes to perfumes and other scented products manufacturers just have to say “fragrance” but this can be a concoction of up to 250 untested chemicals. And the reason is just so nobody will copy the blend putting our health secondary.

So you can use a nice term like “musky” fragrance which sounds exotic and nice but to make that smell they use a range of chemicals which have been shown to cause hormone disruption.

2. There is evidence that some of these chemicals may be harmful.

Those people sensitive to these “secret” chemicals may experience rashes, hay fever, headaches, asthma, difficulty concentrating etc. The usual response is to take some form of drug to stop the symptoms rather than looking at the cause. It could be your perfume. And that’s not to mention any longer term effects – some of the chemicals have been linked to diabetes and certain types of cancers.

3. Can you believe that you spray on your perfume trusting the ingredients have been tested by someone for safety … they haven’t!

Compulsory testing of chemicals used in fragrances was introduced about 12 years ago in Australia by the (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and assessment scheme) Even that name is scary! However they only test new chemicals and so the 3000 already in use don’t have to be tested!