The Truth That Changed How I Care for My Family

I’ll never forget the nights with my weeks old baby in my arms, wrapped in a blanket with a humidifier running and the soft hum of the nebulizer beside us.
Another breathing treatment. Another wheezy cough. Another round of questions with no clear answers.

And then my oldest—who kept getting “just a cold,” over and over again. The doctors said it was normal, that some kids are just more prone to it. But in my gut? I knew something deeper was going on. Later we were sent to the allergist who recommended getting her adenoids out. I trusted and thought the doctor knew that is what she needed.

I used to cry and ask:
💔 Why is this happening to them?
💔 Why can’t anyone give me real answers?

And then, years later, I stumbled across something that flipped a switch.
It was a simple reframe:
This isn’t happening to me—it’s happening for me for us!

That’s when I got curious.
I started digging into our home environment… and that’s when I found one of the biggest hidden culprits: fragrance.

The Sneaky Truth About “Fragrance”

You’ve seen it on labels a hundred times. Just one little word: fragrance.

But here’s the truth most people don’t know—fragrance isn’t just one ingredient. It’s a loophole. Companies are allowed to hide dozens (sometimes hundreds!) of synthetic chemicals under that one label without disclosing what they actually are. And many of those chemicals are known to trigger:

– Respiratory issues
– Hormonal imbalances
– Skin irritation
– Headaches
– Mood changes

They’re in candles, dryer sheets, room sprays, baby shampoo, hand soap, body lotion… even “clean” brands sometimes sneak it in. That is why I encourage you to always be an ingredient detective.

And for us? They were making my kids sick—and probably impacting me too, for years.

Health Concerns Linked to Artificial Scents

Here’s what I’ve learned now that I wish I’d known then:

🌬 Asthma & Respiratory Issues: Synthetic fragrance chemicals can irritate the lungs and airways, especially in children. This was a huge piece of the puzzle for my daughter’s breathing treatments.

🤧 Allergies & Skin Sensitivities: Many of the chemicals in fragrance—like phthalates and parabens—are known allergens and can trigger eczema, hives, or sinus issues.

⚖️ Hormone Disruption: Some fragrance ingredients mimic estrogen and throw off hormonal balance, especially concerning for young kids and teens during development.

🧠 Neurological Effects: Artificial scents can affect mood, focus, and even cause headaches or brain fog.

And yet… we’ve been conditioned to love that “fresh laundry smell” or that cozy candle scent, or that chemical clean smell, right?

What to Look for on Labels

If you want to start reducing your family’s exposure, here’s what to scan for on your labels:

🚫 Avoid:
– “Fragrance” or “Parfum”
– “Scented” or “Perfume”
– Anything with “masking fragrance”
– “Essential oil blend” without full ingredient list (unless from a trusted, transparent brand)

✅ Look for:
– “Fragrance-free” (not just “unscented,” which can still include masking chemicals)
– Brands that list every ingredient clearly
– Products scented with pure essential oils (from a reputable source)

Safer Swaps that Still Smell Amazing

Good news? You don’t have to give up cozy smells or fresh vibes in your home. You just need to shift what’s making the scent.

Here are some of my favorite mama-approved swaps:

🕯 Candles:
– Primally Pure candles (safe, clean-burning, made with essential oils)

– Fontana Candle Co. (non-toxic, tested for purity)

🌿 Air Fresheners:
– Diffuse essential oils (lavender, citrus, clove, and eucalyptus are beautiful for home vibes)
–Simmer stovetop herbs like rosemary, lemon, and cinnamon sticks for a natural room scent – Do you have kids that want the car scents? Grow Fragrance is a great SWAP.

🧺 Laundry:
– Wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil (add a few drops of conditioner if you have static)
– Fragrance-free (or scented with essential oils detergent) with a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle

🧼 Personal Care:
– Fragrance-free or EO-scented shampoo, lotion, deodorant (check my Non-Toxic Living Kit for every room!)

You Don’t Have to Do It All Overnight

I’m not here to scare you—I’m here to support you.

This journey doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Every small change adds up. Every swap is a gift to your family’s health. And I’ve created a free guide to make it easier for you:

🎁 Download the FREE Non-Toxic Living Guide – with simple swaps for each room of your home Other FREE SWAPS

And if you want to hear more about our story and why this message matters so deeply to me, listen to the podcast:
🎧 S8 E103: Ditch the Fragrance: Your Family’s Health Deserves Better!

You’ve got this. I’m here for you every step of the way. 💛

Together will can make a difference!