They promise “freshness,” but what’s really in that floral cloud you just sprayed? Studies show synthetic air fresheners may pose risks to respiratory health, hormone balance, and more. Here’s what experts and science have to say—and what you can do instead.
You spray. It smells like "Crisp Linen" or "Ocean Mist." But 10 minutes later, your head hurts, your throat's dry, and the scent still lingers… strangely.
While many people use air fresheners to mask unwanted odors, few stop to consider what's actually in them, or how those ingredients may affect indoor air quality and long-term health. Scientific evidence increasingly points to health concerns linked to the chemicals found in conventional fragrance sprays.
Growing awareness of these risks has led many people to explore natural, non-toxic methods for removing odors at the source rather than covering them up.
Fragrance sprays release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, and other hazardous air pollutants. These VOCs don't just smell strong—they irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and are linked to headaches, nausea, and neurological effects like brain fog and migraines.
More concerning? Some common fragrance ingredients are classified as probable or known carcinogens, and others—like phthalates—have been identified as endocrine disruptors. These substances may interfere with hormone function and have been linked to reproductive issues, especially in children, pregnant individuals, and those with existing sensitivities.
And it doesn't stop there. Indoor terpenes (often found in both synthetic and "natural" scented products) can react with ozone to form ultrafine nanoparticles, which penetrate deeply into the lungs and can trigger systemic inflammation, cardiovascular strain, and other long-term issues.
Research found that a significant portion of the population experiences negative symptoms, including coughing, asthma flare-ups, and skin irritation, when exposed to fragranced products, even those labeled "green" or "unscented."
Despite the risks, many manufacturers are not required to disclose the full list of chemicals hidden under the label term "fragrance." In fact, a single fragrance blend can legally contain dozens to hundreds of undisclosed ingredients—many of which are not independently safety-tested.
Products labeled "green" or "unscented" may still contain masking agents or VOCs at levels comparable to conventional sprays.
Experts recommend a few key strategies for tackling household odors without resorting to heavy synthetic sprays:
Brands focused on transparency, such as the plant-based odor specialists at Odor Exorcism, also recommend looking for odor solutions that use neutralizing agents instead of masking fragrances.
"It's 2025 and people still don’t know what’s in their home cleaning products," says Jamie Rodriguez, founder of all-natural odor eliminator Odor Exorcism. "Consumers should look for solutions that actually work without ingredients they can't pronounce or trust."
Modern health-first formulas often rely on ingredients like sodium citrate, which neutralizes odor molecules by balancing pH, and grain alcohol, which targets odor-causing bacteria while promoting fast evaporation. These solutions typically skip synthetic perfumes entirely, opting instead for transparent ingredient lists made with plant-based and essential oil components. They're also designed to be safe for use on bedding, upholstery, rugs, and other common fabric surfaces.
Whether you're sensitive to scents or just trying to create a safer indoor environment, knowing what's in your air freshener is crucial. Long-term exposure to synthetic sprays can contribute to poor indoor air quality and trigger a range of health issues—especially for vulnerable individuals.
Looking for alternatives that eliminate odors instead of hiding them may be a better choice for your home, your health, and your air.
Curious about safer odor solutions backed by science and full ingredient transparency? This report breaks down what to look for in a truly clean spray.
