Fragrance is a combination of organic compounds that produces a distinct smell or odor. It is used in many products as a perfume, including cosmetics, toiletries, household, laundry, air fresheners, candles, and incense products. Fragrances can be derived from natural or synthetic methods, and five classes of compounds make up most fragrance ingredients: alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and lactones. However, most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, and companies are not required to list fragrance ingredients on the product label. Instead, they are grouped under the umbrella words “fragrance,” “perfume,” or “parfum,” among others. Fragrance ingredients may be derived from petroleum or natural raw materials, and they can be toxic chemicals that cause a range of health harms, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the self-regulating global representative body of the fragrance industry, meaning they set their own safety standards and regulations. However, many of these chemicals lack substantial research and safety data, and some have been associated with serious negative health effects. If you’re concerned about the ingredients hiding in your products, there are many beauty brands to choose from that do not use fragrance and disclose every aspect of their product’s ingredients.