One of the major reasons I joined Beautycounter was my sensitivity to scented products and all questionable products that have flowers on them. As a pre-teen, my armpits hardened up as a reaction to a deodorant I was using. My pediatrician at the time told me to stop using anything that had a smell, or fragrance. Since then, I’ve stirred away from all scented products. Even if I “wore” perfume, I’d spray the air then walk through it like a waterfall. Read my original post here.
Fragrance is a “trademark secret” term that companies use to market their product which may contain dozens of undisclosed ingredients linked to dermatitis even reproductive disruption. Companies are not legally required to list the chemicals that compose their scents. It’s not surprising that “fragrance” is a top known allergen.
Considering the above, now I know why I keep getting allergic reactions in the form of hives. Doctors tell me to keep avoiding such products and suggest using “fragrance free.” Now I realize it is because the U.S. law allows this to occur. The 1938 Act that regulates the safety of ingredients in the cosmetic industry does not give power to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ask cosmetic companies for safety data or to be recalled. Essentially, each cosmetic company is free to judge if their product to safe to use. It is basically a trial and error when you use products. Not fun if you get an anaphylactic reaction that gets you a $1000 trip to the ER.
The European Union bans 1,400 ingredients from cosmetics. Canada bans 600 ingredients. The U.S. bans 30.
Beautycounter bans 1,500 harmful or questionable ingredients, as seen in our The Never List.
We never formulate our products with synthetic fragrances, instead with essential oils and hints of vanilla, for example.
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Do you have a favorite perfume? Any fragrant hair shampoo/conditioners or body washes? Did you think you’d be doing harm to body just by smelling good? Usually these synthetic fragrances are used with phthalates and synthetic musks that are hormone disruptors. This means that they effect your hormones, your body’s messengers, and can lead to early puberty and imbalances that affect your daily living.
Thinking about making a change? I personally love using Citrus Mimosa Body Wash. I always feel clean, plus it smells so fresh. AND, I use it with the Hydrating Lotion! I smell like a tropical drink. I’ve heard good things about Ambre Blends. Let me know your thoughts below!
