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FRAGRANCE

If you’ve ever caught a strong whiff of someone’s fragrance and felt instantly dizzy or unwell, know that you’re not alone. The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with you, however, there is a lot wrong with the fragrance industry. Today’s conventional perfumes are far from the early days of simple oils and elements.

Fragrances are a sensual staple in our day to day lives. Smelling good is a decadent confidence booster & mood enhancer. We’re sharing why we need to hold the fragrance industry to a higher standard & our top swaps for doing so!

Is Your Fragrance Toxic?

While we highlight the toxins often hidden in some mainstream fragrances, we are equally excited to share our favorite nontoxic fragrance options that allow you to indulge safely and luxuriously from a more holistic perspective.

Why Conventional Fragrances are Problematic:

Though the industry has made a lot of improvements in recent years thanks to the work of clean consumer groups like EWG, the industry still has a long way to go. The term "fragrance" is still often used as a loophole, concealing undisclosed ingredients due to exemptions in The Federal Fair Packaging & Labeling Act (FPLA) of 1973. This means that a single scent could contain anywhere from 50 to 300 distinct chemicals… and over 1,200 of the "known" chemicals have been flagged as harmful, with some labeled carcinogenic.

Common Toxic Fragrance Ingredients:

Phthalates in Fragrances

Used in fragrances to help scents last longer and adhere to the skin, phthalates act as solvents and stabilizers. However, they are known to be a huge culprit in hormone disruption, especially testosterone which is of extreme concern to those who are pregnant. Phthalates can lead to developmental disorders in the womb. Phthalates are also linked to the hormonal disorder, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), which can cause a multitude of different symptoms, including acne, infertility, and excess facial hair, among others.

Musk Ketone

Another widely common hormone disrupter, this is a synthetic musk that wreaks havoc on the endocrine & biological processes, resulting in potential ovarian disease and other gynecologic risks (3).

Benzyl Acetate

A toxic ingredient recognized for its sweet scent. It’s a multipurpose chemical used as a solvent in resins, plastics, oils, lacquers & polishes. Also known as a carcinogen (3).

Synthetic Dyes

Often used in fragrance formulations to enhance visual appeal, synthetic dyes can be absorbed through the skin and inhaled, posing potential risks such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even carcinogenic effects. Some dyes have been found to accumulate in the body over time, leading to long-term health concerns.²

Allergens in Fragrances

From both a scientific and consumer trust perspective, transparency is one of the strongest points of natural fragrances. Skin irritation and fragrance allergies are real concerns— around 60% of Americans experience a skin disorder related to allergies. Many conventional fragrances contain hidden allergens, making it difficult for consumers to identify what may be causing reactions.

Secondary Pollutants in Fragrance:

One of the lesser-known issues with conventional fragrances is the formation of secondary pollutants—harmful byproducts that arise when fragrance ingredients interact with other chemicals in the air or on the skin. Most fragrance safety assessments only examine individual ingredients rather than how they react in real-world conditions.

When applied to the skin, fragrances mix with natural oils, skincare products, and environmental pollutants, creating new chemical compounds that may have unknown carcinogenic or toxic properties. Some studies suggest that these interactions can produce formaldehyde, benzene, and acetaldehyde, all of which have been linked to respiratory issues, hormone disruption, and even cancer.

This is why opting for clean, well-researched fragrance formulations—free from unnecessary synthetics and toxins—can help reduce potential risks while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of scent.

Does nontoxic fragrance matter?

Clearly, many of these ingredients and chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns. Studies have classified some of the ingredients used in fragrances as hormone disruptors and neurotoxins, and some have even been linked to reproductive malformation and cancer. Like most cosmetic products, perfumes are typically applied directly to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream. It’s important to be mindful of the impact this can have on your entire system and take a precautionary approach.

Here at Citrine, we don’t just curate products with extreme diligence—we also aim to spread awareness about the potential dangers of unregulated products that aren’t making a conscious shift to cleaner, healthier alternatives. The first step is education and awareness. From there, you can make choices that promote your wellbeing.

For those seasoned in natural beauty, this may be a gentle reminder to steer clear of products that aren’t considered clean. For those just dipping their toes into this world, let this be the impactful awakening that reminds you to honor your body and wellbeing. While we must always choose what brings us joy, we invite you to consider how you harness joy from your sense of smell in everyday life.

Enough of the reality riffing—let’s get into the resolutions. We absolutely love scent, and we’re all about smelling divine and indulging in the sensual experience of fragrance. It’s ironic that we live in a world flooded with toxins when fragrance originally came from nature. Synthetics now attempt to replicate the delicacy of what is found in Mother Nature.

We’re grateful to carry fragrance products that are safe, clean, and created by companies that source the highest-quality ingredients—whether directly from nature or through non-toxic formulations. Fragrances are inherently natural, so it only makes sense to choose products that honor the true essence of scent. Scent is a powerful tool we can use to enhance our aura, confidence, mood, and overall wellbeing.

OUR FAVORITE NONTOXIC FRAGRANCES

Meet Heretic: Where Sensual & Luxurious Meets Clean, Botanical Elegance

We’re proud to carry Heretic Parfum, our most beloved natural and clean fragrance brand. Heretic crafts bold, sensual scents using plant-based ingredients, free from synthetics and harmful toxins. Each fragrance is designed to work with your body chemistry, creating a scent that’s unique to you. From fresh florals to deep, intoxicating notes, Heretic offers fragrances that are both seductive and safe.

Why We Love Heretic:

100% Natural Ingredients: Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harmful chemicals.

Artisan Craftsmanship: Each fragrance is handcrafted in small batches for unparalleled quality.

Multi-Sensory Experience: Beyond perfumes, Heretic offers luxurious candles that elevate any space with their clean burning, nontoxic formulas.

Are Candles Toxic?: Conventional candles can release toxins like paraffin wax byproducts, synthetic fragrance chemicals, and even lead from wicks. Heretic’s candles, however, are made with natural coconut waxes and lead-free wicks, ensuring you can breathe deeply without worry.