Silent Toxins: How Scented Products Expose Babies to Harmful Chemicals

What smells sweet to you could be harmful to your baby 

Scientific studies show that artificially scented products marketed for babies - even those labelled "green," "natural," or "organic" - release volatile organic compounds (VOCs, chemicals that easily turn into gas and float in the air) and fragrance-related toxins into the air. These small chemicals evaporate easily and can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Some VOCs are classified as potentially hazardous, yet most are not listed on labels or safety sheets.

In one study of 42 fragranced baby products - shampoos, lotions, body washes, creams, and oils - researchers found 684 VOCs, of which 207 were classified as potentially hazardous toxins. Common chemicals included limonene, linalool, alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and acetone, all used to create artificial scents and capable of irritating skin or lungs.

During bathing or lotion application, VOCs and fragrance toxins can be present in the baby's breathing zone, meaning infants inhale these chemicals directly.

Note: Some products have a natural scent from infused herbs or botanicals, but these are not considered artificially scented products and do not emit synthetic toxins.

Why Babies Are More Sensitive 

Babies are not just small adults - their lungs, skin, and immune systems are still developing:

• They breathe faster than adults, inhaling more air and airborne toxins per kilogram of body weight.
• Their skin is thinner, making it easier for fragrance chemicals to be absorbed through touch.

Continuous exposure to multiple scented products can increase total chemical load.

Some fragranced products also contain hidden chemicals such as phthalates (a group of chemicals used to make fragrance last longer) or synthetic musks, suspected endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can interfere with hormones) that may affect development or trigger allergic or respiratory reactions.

Why Artificially Scented Products Are More Than Just a Smell 

Artificially scented products:

• Release VOCs and chemical toxins into the air, which babies inhale.
• Transfer toxins to a baby's skin through contact.
• Are largely undisclosed on labels, so parents often don't know what their baby is exposed to.
• Can form secondary toxins, like formaldehyde, when VOCs react with indoor air.

Practical Guidance for Parents and Caregivers

• Avoid artificially scented products for babies, even those labelled "natural."
• Use fragrance-free or unscented products for sensitive skin.
• Herb-infused products are safer, as they lack synthetic toxins.
• Do not wear perfume or scented lotions when holding or caring for a baby.
• Keep indoor air free of scented products such as air fresheners, candles, or scented laundry items.
• Ventilate rooms, but the safest approach is to reduce or eliminate artificial scents around infants.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are "natural" or "green" labelled baby products automatically safe from these chemicals? (H3)

Not necessarily. Studies show even products marketed as "green," "natural," or "organic" can release VOCs and fragrance-related toxins if they're artificially scented.

How exactly does a baby end up exposed to these chemicals? 

Two ways: inhalation, since VOCs and fragrance toxins can sit in a baby's breathing zone during bathing or lotion application, and skin absorption, which happens more readily because a baby's skin is thinner than an adult's.

Is an herb-infused scent the same risk as an artificial fragrance? 

No. Products with a natural scent from infused herbs or botanicals aren't considered artificially scented and don't emit the same synthetic toxins.

What's the single most useful thing I can do to reduce my baby's exposure? 

Choose fragrance-free or unscented products for your baby's skin, and avoid wearing perfume or scented lotion yourself when you're holding or caring for them.

Bottom Line 

Babies are especially vulnerable to artificial scents and volatile chemicals. Exposure from scented products, even some labelled "natural", is common and largely hidden. These toxins can enter the air and transfer through skin contact, increasing chemical exposure.

For a healthy environment: use fragrance-free or herb-infused products, and avoid scented products when holding or caring for your baby.

A safe, baby-friendly option 

For parents looking for gentle, toxin-free skincare you can trust, consider the It's All Good Nurture range - a collection of products designed specifically for mums and babies, formulated without artificial fragrances or unnecessary synthetic ingredients, and made from wholesome, natural, skin-loving ingredients that support delicate skin during pregnancy, postpartum and infancy.

You can explore the full Nurture range here.