The Toxic Truth About Commercial Perfumes: Why Natural Essential Oils Are Safer

Sorry to scare you BUT... The Toxic Truth About Commercial Perfumes!

When I got poorly, I had no idea the products I was placing on my skin were absorbing into my system (call me an easy person to be marketed to!). After being diagnosed with chronic Migraine with Aura and Richie’s skin cancer diagnosis, we set to work to eliminate toxic living and reduce symptoms while learning what’s better for our health. We needed to help ourselves!

Initially, we were “pill poppers” for pain relief rather than looking at the root causes or exploring natural alternatives. We quickly realized that simple shifts and baby steps toward toxic-free living didn’t cost the earth — just needed new habits. What could we do to remove the harmful chemicals linked to nervous system damage, kidney damage, respiratory failure, ataxia, intestinal inflammation, dizziness, fatigue, and more from commercial perfumes? It’s scary stuff! The good news is, switching to natural perfumes doesn’t have to be costly or complicated.

Here’s some important information to help you get started on a toxic-free lifestyle.

The Problem with Commercial Perfumes

Fragrance companies often avoid listing their ingredients due to lax regulations. Instead, they hide potentially harmful chemicals behind the vague term “fragrance.” This term can legally include over 400 undisclosed chemicals — none of which you can see on the label. While companies argue this protects trade secrets, it comes at the expense of your health.

Fortunately, awareness is growing. Studies reveal many ingredients in commercial fragrances can cause headaches, sinus inflammation, skin itchiness, runny noses, hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and even cancer.

For example, a 1991 EPA report listed toxic chemicals found in synthetic perfumes, including acetone, benzaldehyde (causing nausea and kidney damage), benzyl alcohol (eye and lung irritation), camphor, limonene, linalool (linked to depression and CNS disorders), phthalates, parabens, and more.

How to Avoid Toxic Commercial Perfumes

Avoid mass-market personal care products from large retailers. Most use low-quality, toxic ingredients to cut costs. Unless your favourite product has switched to certified organic, stay clear.

Check your product labels carefully. Avoid anything listing “fragrance” or “perfume” — these are usually chemical cocktails.

Opt for natural, recognisable ingredients scented with organic essential oils.

At B Calm, we offer a pure, organic alternative with our Natural Rollerball Perfumes made with 100% organic essential oils and carrier oils — no long ingredient lists, just plant-powered wellness you can trust.

Swap Your Toxic Perfume for B Calm’s Natural Plant-Powered Alternatives

Switching to natural perfume can boost your health while smelling delicious. Our Breathe Calm Rollerball is sustainably refillable and easy to blend, making it a perfect, affordable alternative to toxic commercial fragrances.

How to use the Breathe Calm Rollerball:
🌹 Add 5ml sweet almond carrier oil (Organic Pure Sweet Almond Carrier Oil can be a substitute) to the rollerball.
🌹 8 drops Lavender essential oil – calming, with Vitamin A to support skin health (Organic Lavender Essential Oil).
🌹 3 drops Frankincense essential oil – promotes focus and gut support (included in the Breathe Calm blend).
🌹 2 drops Orange essential oil – uplifting with a Vitamin C boost (part of the Breathe Calm Oil Set).

Apply to pressure points like wrists, neck, and temples for natural aromatherapy benefits and a fresh, clean scent.

Why Choose B Calm’s Organic Essential Oils?

Our essential oils are undiluted, 100% organic, and vegan, combining health benefits with beautiful aromas:

• Lavender: Pain relief, calming, supports collagen with Vitamin A.

• Frankincense: Aids focus, relaxation, and mood balance.

• Peppermint: Improves circulation, soothes muscles and gut, cools the body.

• Orange: Uplifting, calms anxiety, and helps regulate emotions with Vitamin C.

• Geranium: Balances hormones, enhances serenity.

• Lemon: Antibacterial, cleansing, with an earthy citrus aroma.

• Eucalyptus: Reduces inflammation and supports respiratory health.

• Tea Tree: Natural anti-allergy, boosts immunity, and supports skin and hair health.

• Sweet Almond Carrier Oil: Moisturizes dry, itchy skin and cools inflammation.

Create your own signature scent with our Oil Sets, designed to support your health and well-being:

• Breathe Calm Oil Set

• Live Calm Oil Set

• Rest Calm Oil Set

Tips for Using B Calm Essential Oils for Non-Toxic Living

• Diffuser: Add 5-8 drops to 100ml cool water in your diffuser to create a calming atmosphere. We recommend the exclusive B Calm Vintage Diffuser, designed for elegant, effective diffusion.

• Pillow Spray: A few drops on your pillow help you drift into restful sleep. Our Organic Lavender Mist is perfect for this.

• Quick Aromatherapy: Inhale deeply from the bottle anytime you need a break.

• Inhalation: Use 3-4 drops on a tissue or in a bowl of hot water (asthmatics should consult a clinical aromatherapist).

• Bath & Shower: Add drops to your bath salts or shower steam for relaxing aromatherapy. Our Bath Brew is perfect for this.

• Room Spray & Disinfectant: Mix essential oils with water for natural home cleaning sprays.

For detailed guidance, visit our FAQs or consult a clinical aromatherapist.

Start Your Journey to Toxic-Free Living with B Calm

Join us in saying goodbye to harmful chemicals and hello to natural wellness. Our organic, vegan essential oil blends and refillable rollerballs are designed to fit easily into your daily routine — helping you breathe, live, think, and rest calm.

We’re passionate about sharing this knowledge with our family and community — because everyone deserves to smell naturally delicious and live a healthier life.

Sending healthy wishes,
Richie, Becky, Bella & Betsy x

Please see our faq here and if you unsure always take advise from a clinical aromatherapist for best practise. 

Sending Healthy Wishes and lets smell naturally delicious!

Richie, Becky, Bella and Betsy x

Reference details: Health Line

Read more of the toxic commercial perfumes article here