Thousands of chemicals are used in fragrances, but only a few actually cause the majority of irritations or allergies. These include:

• Cinnamic alcohol
• Cinnamic aldehyde
• Eugenol
• Isoeugenol
• Geraniol
• Alpha amyl cinnamic alcohol
• Hydroxycitronellal
• Oak moss absolute

A number of other chemicals are used to manufacture scented products. These chemicals may also produce allergic reactions or irritate the skin or respiratory tract. Common chemicals used in fragrances include:

• Acetone
• Alpha-pinene
• Alpha-terpineol
• Benzyl acetate
• Benzyl alcohol
• Benzaldehyde
• Camphor
• Ethanol
• Ethyl Acetate
• g-Terpinene
• Limonene
• Linalool

Fragrance is found in a wide variety of regularly used products including perfumes, laundry detergents, health products, feminine hygiene products, soap, hair products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner), deodorants, body creams, cosmetics, toothpaste, mouth wash, insecticides, tissues (scented toilet paper), essential oils, incense, candles, deodorizers and even food (e.g., ice cream, chewing gum, baked goods, soft drinks). Any of these products may trigger a response in a person with a sensitivity or allergy to fragrance.

“Unscented,” “natural” and “organic” products are not necessarily free of fragrance. Many of these products contain chemicals to disguise product odors and may trigger a reaction in sensitive people. All products that may contain fragrance should be avoided by sensitive people in order to prevent irritation or allergic reaction.

In some cases, a particular chemical odor may be severely unpleasant and cause a person to think they are experiencing an allergic reaction. There is a strong tie between the sense of smell and emotion. Research indicates that foul odors may make people think their health is impacted when the offending substance is ultimately not harmful. Without an actual physical response to a fragrance that triggers an allergic reaction, the offending odor is likely not damaging, just annoying.