Living well starts with the air we breathe and the scents we invite into our spaces. At Bound to Journal, we share how small, science-informed changes—paired with journaling and aromatherapy—can support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Here are three practical steps to reduce fragrance exposure and invite calmer, clearer, and more vibrant days.
What is Fragrance?
Fragrance is a term that includes over 3,000 chemicals. Up to 95% of those chemicals are derived from petroleum. If you see “fragrance” listed among the ingredients, the product contains chemicals known to be carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and neurotoxins. Short-term issues can include irritation of the skin, lungs (coughing and wheezing), headaches, nausea, vomiting, and irritability. Long-term exposure to these toxins includes cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and reproductive complications.
Trade secrets are what companies use to protect Grandma’s secret recipe for fried chicken or chocolate chip cookies. We get that. But when it comes to fragrance, it’s also a term that allows companies to avoid disclosing ingredients that would send red flags to anyone reading labels.
Step 1: Read labels — start with what’s closest
What to do:
- Before you begin, keep your journal handy. Use it to record where you’re finding the not-so-great chemicals, ideas for safer options, what you plan to do, and questions you still want to ask.
- Pick up the products you use most often and read the label.
- If you see the word “Fragrance” (Perfume or Parfum), consider replacing or removing the product.
- Do a room-by-room sweep: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and workspace.
Why it matters:
Fragrance can conceal hundreds of chemicals that irritate the airways, skin, and brain—especially with routine use. Reading labels helps you identify items that may compromise comfort, sleep, focus, and mood.
This is where your journaling becomes a powerful ally: note patterns, triggers, and improvements over time.
What to do next (quick plan):
- Create a room-by-room mini-audit: Maybe tackle one room per day to keep it manageable. Set aside 10–15 minutes to assess and note products to replace.
- Make a short list of safer alternatives you already own or can DIY.
- Check out the additional blog resources below.
Step 2: Remove & replace — safely and simply
What to do:
- Replace gradually at your own pace. You don’t have to do it all at once. We started by researching safe cleaning options, including simple, low-price point options like hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, Castile soap, and Thieves Household Cleaner. We began making our own colognes and perfumes from essential oils (amazing!), and I switched to using a safe, higher-than-European-standard makeup called VRAI. Once we learned how to understand labels and see through greenwashing tactics, a deceptive marketing strategy of words and images (more on greenwashing in a separate post).
- Disposal tip: Check your local recycling or hazardous-waste center for guidance on safe disposal of old products.
- DIY options: Craft linen and room sprays, surface cleaners, hand soaps, and personal care items using simple, fragrance-free or essential-oil–diluted formulas. DIY options are often affordable, customizable, and safer for people and pets. *See links to posts with DIY options at the end of this post.
Why DIY helps:
- You control ingredients, scents (or lack of them), and concentration.
- DIY routine scan becomes a calming, mindful journaling practice—experiment, record outcomes, and reflect on changes in mood, energy, and sleep. Share the DIY experience with a friend or family member to share the fun and products. Spreading the experience makes it easier to sustain and fosters a shared commitment to healthier homes.
Step 3: Vote with your dollars — shop with intention
What to do:
- Before purchasing, verify information from multiple reputable sources.
- Shop with a clear brief: safer, fragrance-free, and sustainability-minded products.
- Communicate your needs to store owners: you’re looking for products that support safety and wellness for your family.
Why this matters:
Smart shopping reduces exposure to questionable additives and helps you align purchases with your wellness goals—physical comfort, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Seed to Seal® is more than a label
Scent from Seed to Seal® products is designed to be safe and effective—not just a nice scent. If you’re using or advocating for safe products, you’re prioritizing transparency and safety for your household. Read more about what Seed to Seal® includes here.
Practical safety notes to Journal: Ingredients to Watch
While you’re labeling your products, keep an eye out for concerning ingredients.
Common culprits to avoid include: aluminum, ceteareth-20, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, PABA, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, talc, and urea.
If you see these, consider replacing or disposing of the item according to local guidelines. We will expand on these culprits to avoid in another post, but start familiarizing yourself with their names, write them in your journal, and keep a 'cheat sheet' with you as you're reading labels on your next shopping trip.
If you enjoyed this post, you'll love these:
- How To Choose an Essential Oils Company: 3 Strict Standards We Follow!
- DIY Ouch Relief Roller Ball Recipe
- DIY: Seasonal Relief Roller Ball
- Linen Spray DIY: "You're Still the One!"
- Thieves Household Cleaner: Your Year-Round Solution for Safe, Natural Cleaning
Share your fragrance-free journey
We’d love to hear from you!
- Do you have questions about or experience or more DIY recipes?
- How are you simplifying and refining your home’s fragrance?
- What changes have you made, and how have they affected your daily wellness?
Your stories inspire us and help shape new content and solutions. Share your questions with us.
Your input influences our upcoming blog posts and classes.
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