Synthetic fragrances are not only unhealthy for us, but they also harm the environment. Just because a product smells like flowers or leaves a refreshing citrus scent does not mean it cleans well, and strong fragrances are added to products simply to mask the strong chemical smell. Join CYCLE on a journey into the world of fragrances to find out why they are used, what the risks are and how to avoid them.
What is that smell?
When we talk about smell, we simply mean the aroma that different things give off, such as a flower, a perfume or even a cleaning product. However, our noses can easily fool us!
Fragrances can be natural or artificial. But when you see fragrances listed among the ingredients of cleaning products, most of the time you think of an artificial version.
Why are fragrances added to cleaning products?
To give the product a pleasant smell. Fragrances make certain products smell pleasant, and some products are even bought specifically because of their scent.
You've probably noticed that most detergents, rinsing agents and air purifiers are categorised according to different scents.
They can be floral, citrusy or "ocean fresh".
To mask unpleasant odours. Many cleaning products are made from chemicals that smell awful. To these, strong fragrances are added to mask the chemical fumes. Often a product sold as 'unscented' will have fragrances in it, but these only help to mask the bad smell of the product so that we don't smell anything.
What are the differences between artificial and natural fragrances?
You've probably all noticed that nature is full of fragrances, well yes, natural fragrances come from such natural sources. These are essential oils, which are essentially extracts of the scent of certain flowers, plants or fruits.
Artificial fragrances are man-made chemical compounds that attempt to replicate naturally occurring scents. Esters, terpenes and lactones can mimic the smell of rose (geranyl acetate), lemon (limonene) or peach (gamma-decalactone) in the right composition. Other chemicals can imitate the scent of vanilla (vanillin) or grass (hexanal).
Why avoid artificial fragrances?
Artificial fragrances are obviously not as pleasant to the nose as those from natural sources, but they also have a number of side effects that make them worth avoiding:
They can cause irritation and allergies. Some people are sensitive to artificial fragrances and may develop skin problems.
May contain parabens. And parabens are dangerous substances, they can disrupt our hormone balance, cause skin irritation and, according to some research, they can accumulate in our skin.
They may contain phthalates. Some research has found that these chemicals can be carcinogenic, cause birth defects, respiratory and hormonal problems, and even burns.
They are not sustainable. Phthalates are harmful not only to health but also to the environment. They pollute the air and water, they are dangerous for us and for nature.
They can cause health problems. In addition to those listed above, artificial fragrances can contribute to many diseases. They can cause asthma, headaches, mucous membrane irritation, chest tightness and diarrhoea in babies.
CYCLE detergents and natural fragrances
Understanding the harmful effects of artificial fragrances on our health, we have developed CYCLE natural cleaning products, which use essential oils from purely natural sources. With natural fragrances: lavender, lemon, mint or lemongrass. CYCLE is designed to provide a refreshing and relaxing cleaning experience.
For example, lavender oil, one of nature's treasures, not only provides a calming scent, but also has properties that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Meanwhile, lemon oil, known for its vibrant scent and natural antibacterial properties, will leave your home smelling revitalising and clean.
Discover the magic of natural aromas while creating a healthier home environment with CYCLE natural cleaning products.
