Fragrance-Free - Offenders/Alternatives

Last Updated: 08/10/2017

Overview

Below are products categorized by impact that can cause adverse health effects to those with chemical sensitivites. 

Helpful Tips When Looking for Alternative Products

  • Read labels. Look for "fragrance-free" or "perfume or dye-free". Avoid products with fragrance in the ingredient list.
  • Note that "unscented" is not the same as fragrance-free. Unscented products may have a masking fragrance. Check the ingredient list to see if fragrance is listed. 
  • Products that say "for sensitive skin" are likely to be fragrance free. 

Most Offensive Fragranced Chemicals

Strive to minimize the active use of these. They contain particles that disseminate throughout the air and air ducts and can attach to clothing. 

List of Offenders Suggested Alternatives 
Air Fresheners (Spray, Plug-ins, etc.) 

Noodor.  A "passive" air cleanser as no additional particles are released into the air: http://noodor.com.

Plants. A list of air filtering plants: http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/stories/best-air-filtering-houseplants-according-to-nasa.
Scented Candles N/A
Nail Polish application/removal Apply/remove outside the building. 

Highly Offensive Fragranced Chemicals

Seek to minimize the use of these before entering and while in building. These products also disseminate throughout the air and air ducts and can attach to clothing.

List of Offenders Suggested Alternatives 
Body Spray N/A
Cologne N/A
Perfume N/A
Scented after-shave lotions Good guideline: any after-shave lotion labeled "fragrance free".
Scented body/hand lotions

Brands include Dr. Bronner's, Kiss My Face, Aubrey, Tom's of Maine, Desert Essence, Earth Science, Giovanni, many more. 

Good guideline: any body/hand lotion labeled "fragrance free". 

Moderately Offensive Fragranced Chemicals

Aim to discourage the use of these products before entering and while in the building. These products contain particles that disseminate within the vicinity of the individual wearing them and can attach to other individuals' clothing. 

List of Offenders Suggested Alternatives 
Scented drier sheets Best Brands (rated an "A" by EWG) include Seventh Generation. 

Other Good Brands (rated a "B" or "C" by EWG) include Mrs. Meyers, Maddocks. 

Good Guideline: Any drier sheet labeled "fragrance free".
Scented laundry detergents

Best Brands (rated an "A" by EWG) include Seventh Generation, Dr. Bronner's, BioKleen, Planet, Martha Stewart Clean, Sun & Earth Laundry, Imus GTC, Green Shield Organic, Molly's Suds. 

Good Guideline: Any laundry detergent labeled "fragrance free".
Scented fabric softeners Best Brands (rated an "A" by EWG) include Green Shield Organic. 

Other Good Brands (rated a "B" or "C" by EWG) include Ecover, Seventh Generation, Maddocks, Attitude, Purex, Mrs. Meyer's, Sun & Earth, Gain, Whole Foods Market brand, Method, Ology, Dropps. 

Good Guideline: Any fabric softener labeled "fragrance free".

Least Offensive Fragranced Chemicals

We encourage you to use alternative options. These items contain particles that generally stay within arms length of the individual wearing them. 

List of Offenders Suggested Alternatives 
Scented deodorants

Good guideline: any deodorant labeled "fragrance free".
Scented hair care (shampoo and conditioners) Good guideline: any hair care products labeled "fragrance free".
Scented soaps Good guideline: any soaps labeled "fragrance free".