Fragrance-Free (395)

Maybe you recently found yourself dealing with a not-so-pleasant rash due to a new, citrus-scented laundry detergent. Or maybe you’re one of those people who spends a little too much time wondering, “What on earth is that smell?!” Whatever the reason, if you’ve decided to adopt a fragrance-free lifestyle, you might find the experience a little more challenging than you’d anticipated. Why? First, there’s a difference between shopping fragrance-free and shopping unscented products (more on that in a minute). Second, finding brands that truly understand fragrance sensitivities and the misery they can induce—brands that make products free of added scented ingredients—can be a struggle. Here’s a closer look at this sometimes overlooked Thrive Market value and how to keep those unwelcome fragrances out of your home for good.

What Is Fragrance Free?

To understand the definition of “fragrance free,” you have to also understand how the term is different from “unscented.” Fragrance free means that no fragrances, natural or otherwise, have been added to the product. Unscented products, on the other hand, may have additives that are included to mask other smells. So, if you’re looking to steer clear of fragrance additives completely, you’ll want to shop fragrance free.

Benefits of Buying Fragrance Free

If you’re sensitive to additives or chemicals, it’s quite possible you’re also sensitive to fragrances added to many personal care products (an issue experienced by millions of people every day). By shopping fragrance free, you may be able to avoid the headaches, rashes, and breathing issues that can sometimes accompany fragrance sensitivity.

Tips for Shopping Fragrance Free

As mentioned above, the key to shopping fragrance free is knowing that it’s different than shopping unscented products, so be sure to read labels carefully. Here are a few more tips for a fragrance-free household:

• Tackle one area of your life at a time (household products, laundry, personal care, etc.).
• Eliminate fragrances from your car as well as your home by avoiding air fresheners, and open the windows for fresh air as much as possible.
• Clear clothing of fragranced products by soaking them in a washing machine filled with warm water and one cup baking soda overnight and add one cup distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing.

Top Fragrance-Free Brands

Stock up on these scent-free buys.

Seventh Generation

The Burlington, Vermont–based company—which hopes each of its products will have a positive impact for at least seven more generations—launched in 1988 and offers nontoxic, naturally derived, green household and personal care products. Bonus: the packaging is recyclable.

Baby Wipes

When it comes to your little one, you want to make healthy choices. These gentle wipes fit the bill, skipping the harsh ingredients like chlorine and alcohol in favor of a natural, plant-derived formula that includes water and softening aloe.

Molly’s Suds

Molly’s Suds launched in 2008 with a clear mission—to help eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals through nature-based laundry products. Since, the brand has perfected safe, eco-friendly, effective formulas for its detergents and cleansers.

Molly’s Suds Peppermint Laundry Powder

Made with just five nature-based ingredients, this super-concentrated formula eliminates stains and lasts up to 70 loads without any harsh chemicals, toxins, fillers, carcinogens, preservatives, or GMO ingredients.

Planet

Planet is an earth-first brand that’s as dedicated to creating effective and beloved household cleaning products as it is to protecting the environment through eco-friendly formulas and packaging.

Planet, Inc. 2x HE Ultra Laundry Liquid Detergent

Good for up to 32 loads, this super-concentrated detergent is 100 percent biodegradable and free of chemicals, fragrances, and synthetic preservatives.

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