9 ways to reduce artificial fragrances

And one natural scent males should never use

Day 3 of 30

Picture this: It’s 7:30 a.m. on a crisp weekday morning. I’ve already been up for at least an hour—freshly showered, fully glammed with makeup, and headed out the door for school. My mornings weren’t complete without the ritual: a shower, a generous layer of lotion, and a head-to-toe misting of body spray in my favorite matching scent. Japanese Cherry Blossom was my signature, though I did switch it up from time to time.

Looking back, it’s painful to think about how many endocrine disruptors I was unknowingly layering onto my skin every single day. Artificial fragrances aren’t just a harmless luxury—they can trigger allergies and sensitivities, irritate the respiratory system, disrupt hormones, affect fertility, and in some cases, even contribute to cancer risks.

Now that I know better, I do better.

That said, cutting down on artificial fragrance wasn’t easy for me. I’ve always loved a good candle! But choosing health and wellness doesn’t have to mean giving up the joy of good smells, we just learn to accept that over the top scents and smelling good are two different things.

Here are 9 simple ways to reduce your exposure to artificial fragrances—and what to use instead.

1. Switch to Fragrance-Free Personal Care Products

Reduce: Artificially scented shampoos, lotions, deodorants, body washes

Instead: Choose products labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” (not just “natural”). Look for brands with minimal ingredients or certified organic options.

Attitude is a great brand that covers all of your personal care product needs. Here is a great bodywash with naturally sourced scents

2. Avoid Scented Laundry Products

Reduce: Dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and heavily scented detergents

Instead: Use fragrance-free or hypoallergenic detergents. Try wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) if you want a light scent.

I’ve already mentioned these Tru Earth Laundry Sheets in another post but theyre so good I’m adding it again.

3. Ditch Air Fresheners

Reduce: Plug-ins, sprays, and scented gels

Instead: Use natural alternatives like:

• Simmering potpourri (citrus peels + herbs)

• Baking soda bowls to absorb odors

• Diffusing essential oils (in moderation and with proper ventilation. Please research what oils are safe for your household by taking pets and children into consideration)

  
  

4. Use Natural Cleaning Products

Reduce: Strongly scented household cleaners and disinfectants

Instead: Make your own cleaners with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and castile soap. Or buy from eco-conscious brands that use essential oils or no added scents.

This Branch Basics all purpose cleaner concentrate does it all and is from another trustworthy brand!

5. Choose Natural Candles

Reduce: Paraffin candles with synthetic fragrances

Instead: Use beeswax or soy candles scented only with essential oils—or skip candles altogether for better air quality.

I try not to use candles much at all but sometimes you just need the extra smells! I chose to buy some high quality beeswax to put in my wax warmers from once upon a time and mix with my favorite essential oil. If anyone has a candle recommendation I would love to look into it!

6. Skip Scented Trash Bags and Toilet Paper

Reduce: Products that contain unnecessary artificial scents

Instead: Buy unscented versions of these items—many major brands now offer fragrance-free options.

7. Limit Use of Perfumes and Colognes

Reduce: Daily use of synthetic fragrances applied directly to skin

Instead: Try natural roll-on perfumes with essential oils or hydrosols, or use a dab of coconut oil infused with herbs or citrus zest.

8. Read Labels Carefully

Reduce: Products with hidden fragrance terms like “parfum,” “fragrance,” or “aroma”

Instead: Choose transparent brands that fully disclose their ingredient lists

9. Ventilate and Deodorize Naturally

Reduce: Relying on synthetic odor cover-ups

Instead: Open windows, keep houseplants like snake plants or and use charcoal or baking soda deodorizers to keep air fresh. Clean smells better than anything store bought anyway.

And for the natural scent that young males should never use-Lavender.

I have two boys and there are so many things marketed towards tired moms that promise to get your child sleeping through the night. They all have one ingredient in common, lavender. I came across an article stating that lavender wasn’t good for young males as it disrupts their hormones by producing estrogen. I brought it up to our pediatrician and she said children in general shouldn’t use lavender. I haven’t found much supporting evidence that it is as harmful for girls though.

As always it is extremely important to do your own research, that’s why you’re here right? Thanks for spending some time with me today. Keep making choices that nourish your body and soul—one small step at a time.

I’m glad you’re here,

Ashlee