Fragrance Oils: Are They Toxic? Understanding the Risks

Despite their pleasing aromas and ability to mimic the scents of natural materials, fragrance oils are anything but pleasant. In fact, they can be dangerous due to their toxic ingredients.

Definition

• Fragrance oils come mainly from petroleum products.

  Fragrance oils are synthetic versions of essential oils and are used in place of them. While essential oils are natural secretions from plants that are free of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, fragrance oils mainly come from petroleum products. Both fragrance oils and essential oils are used in aromatherapy and in soaps, cosmetics, candles and other products

Ingredients Linked to Health Issues

• Benzene, toluene and formaldehyde are among the petroleum products used to make fragrance oils. Many of these petroleum products have been linked to cancer, nervous system disorders and birth defects.

Other Effects

• Some of the petroleum products used in fragrance oils can cause allergic reactions and thyroid disorders as well as skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Fragrance oil use also may lead to respiratory problems. Long-term environmental effects are under study.