Your Wellness Deserves Better: Why We Say No to Synthetic Fragrance

When I think about why I started Mantra Bee, my dear friend I met in Southern California immediately comes to mind. We met during a unique time in our lives—her husband was stationed there with the British Air Force, and we bonded over shared passions and experiences. Her story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a drive to take control of her health.

Her struggle with thyroid disease began after the birth of her daughter, a time that should have been filled with joy but was overshadowed by fatigue and frustration. She refused to let her diagnosis define her or rely solely on medications that left her feeling less than herself. Instead, she embarked on a journey of wellness, determined to understand how diet, environmental factors, and everyday products influence our health.

Her passion mirrored mine: the belief that the choices we make—in the products we use, the food we eat, and the environments we create—truly matter. She reinforced in me that I wasn't alone in questioning the status quo, to see beyond the marketing and hype, and to prioritise well-being over profit-driven solutions. Together, we began exploring how synthetic fragrances—hidden in so many of the products we use—impact not just our bodies but our broader world.

Today, I want to talk about one of the most overlooked threats to that care: a single word hiding in plain sight on countless product labels—“fragrance.” Once you start looking for it, you’ll be astounded at how many products contain it.

What Are Synthetic Fragrances?

Synthetic fragrances are artificial scent compounds commonly used in personal care products. “Fragrance” (or “parfum”) sounds innocent, even luxurious. But it’s often a catch-all for hundreds of undisclosed synthetic chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—which means they interfere with your body's natural hormone function.

Among the most common offenders are phthalates and synthetic musks. These chemicals aren’t just skin irritants—they’ve been found in human blood, fat tissue, and even breast milk, with links to infertility, thyroid disruption, and cancer-related pathways (IntechOpen, 2020).

And because they’re considered “trade secrets,” companies aren’t required to list what’s actually inside a fragrance blend.

The Endocrine System and Fragrance

The endocrine system regulates essential body functions like metabolism, growth, and reproduction. It’s particularly sensitive to chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, which mimic or interfere with hormonal activity. Phthalates, commonly found in synthetic fragrances, are among these disruptors.

For my dear friend, understanding how these chemicals affect the thyroid—a critical gland in the endocrine system—was a game-changer. It’s a powerful reminder of how what we surround ourselves with can have such dramatic influence on our internal systems.

What Happens When You Remove Fragrance?

In a 2023 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers explored the effects of eliminating EDC-containing products—like scented lotions, perfumes, shampoos, and deodorants—from women's daily routines for just 28 days.

The results were powerful: participants showed significant changes in breast tissue gene expression—specifically, a reduction in activity in pathways associated with breast cancer.

Let that sink in. Just four weeks of switching to cleaner products made a measurable difference.

This research doesn’t claim synthetic fragrances cause cancer, but it clearly shows how quickly our bodies respond when harmful exposures are removed. Your body is wise and always trying to move toward balance—you just have to give it the right support.

We’re learning more every day about how much power we have over our own gene expression. The choices we make—like what we eat, how we move, and what we put on our skin—can actually switch genes on or off. I find that absolutely fascinating.

What Changes Did We See Personally?

When I first started noticing the word "fragrance" on product labels and made the conscious decision to avoid it, the difference in our household was huge.

Both my husband and daughter have sensitive skin, and we noticed almost immediately that flare-ups became far less frequent. I can’t even walk into traditional fragrance stores anymore—my body reacts with an instant headache, and my husband starts sneezing.

We once had a friend stay with us who used a well-known laundry detergent with an “Ocean Breeze” scent. The smell was so overpowering, I had to leave the house. Ironically, that same friend struggles with autoimmune-related skin issues, and synthetic fragrance is a known trigger for flare-ups.

What We Do Differently at Mantra Bee

When we made the switch to more natural, low-tox living 17 years ago, there weren’t many options out there. That’s one of the reasons I began crafting products for our family and friends.

That journey became the foundation of Mantra Bee.

We believe wellness should be natural, simple, honest, and supportive of your long-term health. That’s why we never use synthetic fragrance in our products.

Instead, we blend with pure essential oils, chosen not just for their beautiful scent, but for their grounding, calming, or uplifting properties.

From our lip balms and soaps to muscle balms and essential oil rollers, every Mantra Bee product is made to nourish your skin without compromising your wellbeing.

Mantra Bee Essential Oil Perfumes

Mantra Bee natural bar soaps

Mantra Bee natural beeswax lipbalms

Self-Care Is an Act of Respect

When you choose to cut synthetic fragrance from your routine, you’re not just avoiding a chemical cocktail—you’re saying: “My health matters.”

And that’s a powerful form of self-respect and self-love.

How to Make the Switch

Transitioning to natural fragrances is easier than you think. One step at a time:

1. Replace heavily scented candles or air fresheners with essential oil diffusers.

2. Choose natural personal care products like soaps, lip balms, and perfumes made with pure essential oils.

3. Read labels carefully—avoid products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” without specifying the source. You will surprise how many products have these hidden toxins.

Start small—maybe with your deodorant, soap, or body oil. Your body will thank you.

Wellness Tip:

Take a moment to check the labels in your bathroom cabinet. If “fragrance” or “parfum” is listed without full ingredient transparency, consider making a switch. Start small—maybe with your deodorant, soap, or body oil. Your body will thank you.

🌿 Explore Mantra Bee’s natural, fragrance-free self-care collection Because smelling great shouldn’t come with a health warning.