Fresh & Safe: Our Top 3 Non-Toxic Fragrances for Home and Body
Learn why these are the best non-toxic & natural air freshener and perfume products on the market!
Freshen up naturally with the best non-toxic fragrances — from clean perfumes and candle alternatives to the perfect natural air freshener.
Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Why skip traditional perfumes and home fragrances?
The fragrance industry in the U.S. is largely unregulated, with no requirement for full ingredient transparency. This allows brands to hide potentially harmful chemicals under vague “umbrella terms” like fragrance, parfum, aroma, or essential oil blend. As a result, many common air fresheners, plug-ins, wax melts, and perfumes can contain toxins and carcinogens that pose serious risks to both human health and the environment. 😳
Here are some chemicals commonly found in traditional fragrances:
- 🛑 Benzyl acetate – affects the central nervous system and causes eye and respiratory irritation.
- 🛑 Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and is linked to cancers.
- 🛑 Methylene chloride – a chemical that has been banned in the U.S. due to causing cancer, BUT it can still be found in many “fragrances” due to inadequate regulation.
- 🛑 Musk ketone – Skin irritant, bioaccumulates in people, and disrupts hormone balances.
- 🛑 Phthalates – Can impact your natural hormones and lead to serious health issues such as lower fertility, developmental issues, and a higher risk of cancer.
- 🛑 Styrene – used for the longevity of fragrances and is linked to cancers and damage to the central nervous system.
- 🛑 Synthetic Fragrances (umbrella terms listed above) – May cause headaches, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems, mucosal irritation, and contact dermatitis. Higher risk of cancer.
*Even when a fragrance is considered safe, brands may still list it simply as “fragrance.” That’s why transparency matters. If a company won’t disclose what’s inside, it often signals the use of unsustainable or potentially toxic chemicals.
Below are the BEST non-toxic air freshener & perfume products that are safe for you, your home, & the environment:
- ✅ Homes – Palo Santo
- ✅ Cars – Grow Car Freshener
- ✅ Body – Rainwater Botanicals Perfume Oil
1. Best for Homes: Palo Santo
Luna Sundara Palo Santo $11.69 w/ S&S
Most candles in the U.S. release toxins and microplastics, and even soy-based options can contribute to pollution and deforestation. Luna Sundara Palo Santo is a clean, single-ingredient alternative: ethically and sustainably sourced from naturally fallen Bursera Graveolens wood in Peru, it’s non-endangered, biodegradable, and naturally rich in compounds that may support relaxation, stress relief, and overall wellness. Always burn it in a well-ventilated space.
Hip Tip: Pair your Palo Santo with a holder to safely burn your sticks. (Mine, shown in the photos, is from IKEA).
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Luna Sundara Palo Santo:
- ✅ Only one Earth-derived ingredient
- ✅ 100% Biodegradable
- ✅ Provides numerous health benefits
- ✅ Only non-endangered Bursera Graveolens wood is used
- ✅ Sustainably & ethically sourced from naturally fallen trees in Peru
2. Best for Cars: Grow Car Freshener
Grow Car Freshener $16 (reg. $20)
*Or buy a 4-Pack and pay $14.50 each.
Traditional car fresheners are a major source of chemicals and toxins, but Grow Fragrance car fresheners use only certified 100% plant-based ingredients. While many car fresheners don’t disclose their ingredients, including some that claim to be “clean,” “natural,” and “made with essential oils,” you’ll love Grow’s complete transparency. For the natural air freshener itself, Grow uses 25% recycled pre-consumer waste, and it’s 100% biodegradable, so it’s an environmentally friendly choice, too.
*Available in scents Pacific Driftwood, Vanilla Peppermint, Blondewood, Midnight Orchid, Golden Grove, and Woodland Sage (shown above).
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Grow Car Fresheners:
- ✅ 100% Biodegradable
- ✅ Certified 100% plant-based ingredients
- ✅ Certified bio-based ingredients
- ✅ No petroleum-based products
- ✅ Manufactured in the USA
3. Best for Body: Rainwater Botanicals Perfume Oil
Rainwater Botanicals Perfume Oil $14.20+
Personally, I believe that if you’re looking to live a toxic-free lifestyle, perfume is one of those things you don’t necessarily need to find a swap for. Similar to animals, research has shown that if compatible, humans are naturally attracted to a person’s odor and pheromones. The longer you go without perfume, the more you might realize you love your natural scent and that of your partner.
But if you still want a light, uplifting fragrance, Rainwater Botanicals offers a clean, safe option. Their perfume oils use only local, sustainable, organic ingredients with jojoba oil as the sole carrier, contain no artificial preservatives, and provide gentle skin benefits. A little goes a long way, making each bottle last and keeping it an affordable choice.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Rainwater Botanicals:
- ✅ Local & sustainable organic ingredients
- ✅ Organic jojoba oil is the only carrier
- ✅ Provides healing benefits (varies depending on the scent)
- ✅ Preservative-free
- ✅ Manufactured in the USA
Check out our other clean natural products to swap to!
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