Is there anything better than walking into a store and being greeted with a fabulous scent? You might find yourself spending a little extra time browsing and shopping, and you may even want to take that scent home with you. But what if that fragrance ends up being bad for you?

Recently EG’s experts have discussed the dangers of fragrances and how they can be detrimental to one’s health. Still, you may find it difficult to give up your favorite fragrances. That’s why we set out to find essential oil replacements for some beloved scents. Read on for single-oil solutions and boldly creative concoctions.

Why We Say “No” To Fragrance

There are many reasons Edens Garden believes essential oils are the healthier alternative to fragrances. Let’s look at some of those reasons below.

Fragrance

The FDA defines “fragrances” as a combination of chemicals that give a product its distinct scent.

• Synthetic fragrance ingredients may come from petroleum or natural raw materials 
• Typically, fragrances contain chemical components, including solvents, parabens, stabilizers, UV-absorbers, preservatives and dyes
• Artificial fragrance oils are synthetically made

As you can see, fragrances are the result of chemical processes. While they may contain some natural ingredient, they’re usually mixed with artificial ingredients to create the final product.

Phthalates

Used in perfume, room sprays, cleaners and personal care products, the term “fragrance” can also sometimes refer to phthalates.

• Phthalates are synthetic chemicals most frequently used to give plastics more rigidity or flexibility.
• The phthalate diethyl phthalate (DEP) is frequently used in fragrances to help the scent linger.
• Phthalates have been linked to a swath of health concerns such as cancer and obesity.

A report by the Environmental Working Group found that 97% of Americans have some DEP in their system. The chemical has been linked to reproductive damage in men.

Furthermore, the EWG discovered that the average fragrance contains fourteen chemicals not listed on the label. When sprayed or applied, many of these undisclosed fragrance chemicals are inhaled and absorbed through the skin. Over time, the chemical components can accumulate in the body and result in health issues.

Isolates

In cosmetics and fragrances, isolates are often used and referred to as ‘natural fragrance oil.’ Isolates may be added to products because they have basic aromas that are easier to use than essential oils which each have their own, complex aromas. They may also be cheaper than the essential oils they’re obtained from. However, isolates can also have heightened safety precautions, such as being more sensitizing, than their essential oil counterparts. They also are generally less therapeutic and highly processed.

Everyday Fragrance Alternatives

From holiday scents to cologne alternatives, you’ll find an aromatic, natural alternative to whatever your nose is hankering for here. 

Cologne

If you’re a fan of the bitter-sweet, leathery fragrance of some popular colognes like Berdoues or Al Oudh, then Agarwood (Oud) might be right up your alley. While Agarwood is often used as a base ingredient in artificial fragrances, this essential oil can be used as a cologne all on its own. This essential oil is extracted from what is commonly referred to as the “wood of the gods,” so you can rest assured that it’s good. And if you’re looking for an earthy, yet sophisticated blend, look no further than Earth & Wood. 

Cleaning

Dense, complex fragrances aren’t for everyone. Maybe you’re into the citrus-fresh smell of cleaning products. Brands like Pine-Sol might come to mind, triggering the memory of watching Saturday morning cartoons while your parents cleaned the kitchen, post-breakfast. Well, if you’d like to move past the chemical-heavy cleaners but don’t want to give up on the pleasant scent, we recommend Lemon Around The World oil. Sourced from the romantic groves of Argentina, Italy and Spain, Lemon is a marvelously fresh burst of citrus that brings the air — and your memory — to life. Choosing our aptly named Cleaning essential oil blend is always an excellent choice as well. 

Holidays

The holiday season only rolls around once a year, but that doesn’t mean you want to live without its aromas. If you’ve been relying on Yankee Candles (and other brands like it) to take you to holiday heaven, consider trying 100% pure Clove Bud and Douglas Fir essential oil. Diffuse Clove Bud to experience the aromatic joys of freshly baked gingerbread cookies and steaming-hot chai tea lattes. Or, if the alpine cheer of a Christmas tree awakens joy in you, pass on artificial scents of candles and opt for our Douglas Fir essential oil. To kick things up a notch, you could also pick up our seasonal essential oil blends.

Tropical

Speaking of holidays, Coconut CO2 can help you mentally abscond to a tropical island. While other fragrances might transport you there, our Coconut CO2 oil gets you there safely and without artificial ingredients. A tropical, sweet and nutty aroma will permeate the air when you diffuse this beloved, pure essential oil. Also try Beach House – a blend combining Coconut CO2 and other tropical aromas for the ultimate, aromatic getaway. 

Trade Out Your Favorite Artificial Fragrances For These Essential Oil Aromas

Oftentimes we find ourselves in our favorite stores, and sometimes those stores have a highly curated scent to them. Have you fallen head-over-heels for Anthropologie’s signature “Volcano” fragrance? Or maybe Williams-Sonoma’s signature essence? If you’d prefer to enjoy those smells without the artificial ingredients, you’re in luck!

Anthropologie “Volcano”

• 2 Drops Peru Balsam
• 2 Drops Rosemary Spanish
• 2 Drops Tangerine
• 2 Drops Sandalwood Australian
• 1 Drops Lime
  
  

Anthropologie “Spiced Cider”

Courtesy of MostlyLovelyThings

• 6 Drops Orange 
• 3 Drops Nutmeg
• 3 Drops Clove
• 2 Drops Ginger
  
  

Bath And Body Works “Fresh Balsam”

Courtesy of MostlyLovelyThings

• 4 Drops Fir Balsam
• 3 Drops Spruce
• 3 Drops Pine
  
  

Williams-Sonoma’s “Essence”

• 10 Drops Peru Balsam
• 6 Drops of Lemon
• 3 Drops Rosemary
• 4 Drops  Clove
  
  

Yankee Candle Co. “Autumn Woods”

Courtesy of MostlyLovelyThings

• 2 Drops Virginia Cedarwood
• 2 Drops Patchouli
• 2 Drops Bergamot
• 2 Drops Nutmeg
  
  

Sources: 

1. Phthalates. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates 

2. Diethyl Phthalate. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/701957-DIETHYL_PHTHALATE/