Thinking about a fragrance-free lifestyle? 

Adopting a fragrance-free lifestyle begins with a positive mindset and an openness to change. This journey is more than just swapping out products; it’s about embracing a new way of living that prioritizes health and well-being. It starts with understanding the impact of harmful chemical fragrances and a willingness to adjust your current practices. From there, it involves systematically eliminating problematic products in your beauty, home, and lifestyle, becoming a diligent product ingredient detective, and gradually incorporating fragrance-free alternatives. By committing to consistency, building new habits, and welcoming the journey with kindness, you can create a healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones. 

Here’s how you can embark on this path with confidence and clarity:

Start with Product Awareness

Kick Fragrances to the Curb 

Once you’re in the headspace for change, continue on the journey by focusing on the products currently in your beauty, home, and wellness rotation and isolating those with fragrance. Our goal is not to scare you, but these seemingly benign or pleasantly aromatic, fragrances are lurking in everything from mascaras and lipglosses to detergents and candles, and can contain harmful chemicals (phthalates, parabens, sulfates, synthetic chemicals, paraffin wax, etc.) that pose risks to both your health and the environment. Now that you know these products are toxic, it's time to rid yourself of these substances that are allergy triggers, hormone disrupters, and carcinogens. By eliminating these hidden dangers at home, you're taking some of the best steps towards reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals, safeguarding your health, and protecting our planet.

Opt for “fragrance-free” or “free and clear” options to ensure a safer home and a lower environmental impact. Remember, the fragrance industry’s lack of transparency means that 'natural’ and unscented doesn’t necessarily correlate to fragrance-free, non-toxic, or safe, and that these products could contain a cocktail of synthetic, toxic ingredients that are masking fragrance. Don’t get drawn in by deceptive marketing  – make informed, fragrance-free choices for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Be Your Own Product Detective

Label Extraordinaire

Choosing fragrance-free products is an amazing first step on the journey to living beyond the confines of fragrance. However, due to the lack of FDA regulations around the definitions of “fragrance-free" products, there is still a small chance that products labeled as such could contain a scent. For those without allergies, selecting fragrance-free products is an excellent initial option to reduce hazardous chemical exposure. Learn more about what fragrance-free and unscented really mean in our blog post, Navigating the Labels: Fragrance-Free vs. Unscented Beauty and Home Products. 

However, if you are already experiencing fragrance allergies or sensitization, reviewing product ingredients is essential. If sorting through ingredients feels overwhelming, we understand and have got you covered! We have been diligently testing, smelling, researching, and reviewing fragrance-free beauty and home products. Each recommended product is assessed on its ingredient composition, performance, scent profile, and certifications/ratings from EWG, SkinSafe, and the National Eczema Association, and posted on the beauty section of TheFragranceFree. If you're shopping for products that are fragrance-free and have no scent, we've got you covered!

While several excellent resources exist for checking ingredients and identifying clean, non-toxic products—such as the Clearya and ThinkDirty apps, as well as the EWG's Skin Deep database and the EPA website—these tools often fall short in one crucial area. They do not always provide detailed information on whether products labeled as "fragrance-free" are genuinely free of any scent. This gap is significant for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or allergies, as even products marketed as "fragrance-free" can sometimes contain masking agents or natural extracts that produce a scent. Therefore, while these references are invaluable for identifying potential toxins and harmful chemicals, they do not fully address the needs of those seeking truly scent-free options. At The Fragrance Free, we address this need by thoroughly vetting products to ensure they are truly scent-free, offering our users reliable recommendations that meet their needs for a genuinely fragrance-free lifestyle.

Focus on One Change at a Time

A Prioritized Approach

Don’t overwhelm yourself and break the bank by trying to change everything at once. Start by replacing bottles that are running low, high frequency goods, and ultra-scented products - think shampoos, soaps, lotions, laundry detergents, and candles. Once you’ve tackled these go-to items, expand your efforts to the rest of your home. Evaluate your cleaning agents, hair styling products, dry shampoos, perfumes. Next, take a look at your makeup drawer - believe it or not, many mascaras, lipsticks, and bronzers contain hidden synthetic fragrances, and which could explain those headaches, eczema, and pesky adult acne. 

If you're experiencing allergies, removing products in a step-by-step approach can ensure thoroughness and help identify which products is the route cause. Usually, anything with a fragrance is the likely cause, and while removing these synthetic compounds can provide immediate relief, other allergic symptoms of the skin, hair, and nails can take up to six weeks to show noticeable improvement or resolution.

Commit to Consistency

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Consistency is foundational in adopting a new lifestyle. Transitioning slowly allows you to adapt to your new normal, making it more likely to become a lasting habit. Switching to fragrance-free shampoo might initially feel underwhelming when you step out of the shower. However, as you overcome nose blindness, you'll be amazed at how much you can actually smell and how little you miss the scented experience. You may find yourself noticing the subtle, natural scents around you more vividly.

Build New Habits

Creating new habits for a fragrance-free lifestyle can be a fun and rewarding journey. Once the harmful products are gone, they're gone for good! If you find yourself missing the strong scent of fresh laundry, try a little habit stacking to ease the transition. Brew a fragrant cup of coffee, take a deep inhale of its aroma, and then enjoy your freshly laundered linens. This simple trick can help you integrate new behaviors into your routine, and every little bit makes a difference!

Keep an Open Mind

Remain Curious

Transitioning to a fragrance-free lifestyle may seem unconventional at first, but it's a journey worth taking and one you will not regret. This is an opportunity to learn new things, explore new products, have novel experiences, and engage with diverse communities, so stay open-minded.

Welcome the Journey with Kindness

Focus on the positive changes you’re making and be patient with yourself. Remember, you’re making healthy choices that will provide long-term benefit for you, your loved ones, and the environment. 

Final Thoughts

Taking the initial steps towards a fragrance-free lifestyle is a rewarding journey that starts with a positive mindset and a willingness to change. Once you begin eliminating harmful products, becoming a product detective, and making gradual, consistent changes, you will notice how better you feel once you’ve created a healthier environment for yourself and those around you. Explore more tips and product recommendations on our website, The Fragrance Free, and reach out for additional help on taking the first step towards a cleaner, fragrance-free lifestyle today.