07/12/2026
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Many of the perfumes and scented products we use every day such as air fresheners, scented candles, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, cleaning products, and heavily fragranced personal care items contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can contribute to poor indoor air quality and may trigger headaches, dizziness, nausea, respiratory irritation, fatigue, and brain fog in some people. While anyone can be affected by prolonged exposure to these chemicals, people living with fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses are often much more sensitive and may experience increased pain, fatigue, headaches, and symptom flare ups. Choosing fragrance free or naturally scented products whenever possible can help create a healthier environment for everyone while reducing unnecessary exposure to potentially irritating chemicals.
In today’s world, there are so many wonderful, clean, and healthier alternatives available that smell amazing without relying on heavy synthetic fragrances. Every small change you make is an investment in your health and the health of those around you. Choose differently. Choose healthier. Choose YOU!
In my opinion, these are some of the ingredients worth avoiding whenever possible when choosing personal care products, perfumes, laundry products, and household cleaners:
• Fragrance (Parfum)
• Phthalates (such as Diethyl Phthalate/DEP)
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Bronopol)
• Triclosan
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben)
• Benzalkonium Chloride
• Ammonia
• Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Artificial dyes (FD&C colors)
I always encourage people to read labels and make informed choices. We can’t avoid everything, but every healthier choice we make is a step toward reducing our overall chemical exposure. In today’s world, there are so many wonderful, cleaner alternatives available. Choose differently. Choose healthier. Choose YOU!