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Learn why these are the best non-toxic & natural air freshener and perfume products on the market!
Freshen up naturally with the best non-toxic fragrances — from clean perfumes and candle alternatives to the perfect natural air freshener.
Are you following our Clean Series? Head over to our clean natural products post to discover more toxic-free swaps!
*I’m neither a scientist nor a doctor. This information is based on my personal experience, research, and opinion. You should always consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen or if you have questions.
Why skip traditional perfumes and home fragrances?
The fragrance industry is largely unregulated in the USA, without any safety standards or ingredient transparency requirements, which means companies may manufacture products using harmful chemicals that could have a negative impact on human health and our environment. 😳
Even worse, if it contains less than a certain percentage of a chemical substance, it can legally be listed under ingredients under what is called “umbrella terms” such as fragrance, parfum, aroma, essential oil blend, and fragrance oil. Many popular air fresheners, wall plug-ins, wax melts, fragrances, and perfumes people grab off store shelves are filled with toxins, carcinogens, and chemicals that may cause very serious health risks.
Here are some chemicals commonly found in traditional fragrances:
- 🛑 Benzyl acetate – affects the central nervous system and causes eye and respiratory irritations.
- 🛑 Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen that can irritate eyes, nose, and throat and is linked to cancers.
- 🛑 Methylene chloride – a chemical that has been banned in the U.S. due to causing cancer BUT it can still be found in many “fragrances” due to inadequate regulation.
- 🛑 Musk ketone – Skin irritant, bioaccumulates in people and disrupts hormone balances.
- 🛑 Phthalates – Can impact your natural hormones and lead to serious health issues such as lower fertility, development issues, and a higher risk of cancer.
- 🛑 Styrene – used for the longevity of fragrances and is linked to cancers and damage to the central nervous system.
- 🛑 Synthetic Fragrances (umbrella terms listed above) – May cause headaches, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems, mucosal irritation, and contact dermatitis. Higher risk of cancer.
*A company may be required to use “fragrance” on their ingredient label even when considered safe, so it’s important to know what a company uses for fragrance to determine safety. If they don’t disclose the information it typically means they contain unsustainable and potentially toxic chemicals.
Below are the BEST non-toxic air freshener & perfume products that are safe for you, your home, & the environment:
- ✅ Homes – Palo Santo
- ✅ Cars – Grow Car Freshener
- ✅ Body – Rainwater Botanicals Perfume Oil
1. Best for Homes: Palo Santo
Luna Sundara Palo Santo – $12.99
How to save: This product is already competitively priced and will last a long time. Subscribe & Save to score up to 15% OFF repeat deliveries.
Did you know that about 99% of candles in the U.S. emit toxins and even microplastics? Whether burning paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) or soy-based candles, they can release harmful pollutants that accumulate in your lungs over time. Plus, soy production is a major driver of deforestation.
A cleaner alternative is Palo Santo, a toxin-free option rich in naturally occurring limonene and α-terpineol terpenes. When burned, it can help regulate the immune system, relieve stress, reduce headaches, and more—without the hidden risks of synthetic candles.
The Palo Santo I sourced is strictly Bursera Graveolens wood, which is not endangered and does not contribute to deforestation worldwide. They use only sustainable and ethically sourced wood from fallen trees in Peru. In fact, their palo santo sticks have even been certified by Peru’s National Forest Service. Palo Santo is 100% biodegradable since it’s one simple ingredient found in nature. Keep in mind that, like candles, Palo Santo should always be used in a well-ventilated space.
Hip Tip: Pair your Palo Santo with a holder to safely burn your sticks. (Mine shown below and above is a candle holder from IKEA).
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Luna Sundara Palo Santo:
- ✅ Only one Earth-derived ingredient
- ✅ 100% Biodegradable
- ✅ Provides numerous health benefits
- ✅ Only non-endangered Bursera Graveolens wood is used
- ✅ Sustainably & ethically sourced from naturally fallen trees in Peru
Want the aesthetic of a candle? Try a clean-burning indoor firepit as an option. It’s not a natural air freshener that will provide a scent, but it can be used to make smores!
2. Best for Cars: Grow Car Freshener
Grow Car Freshener – $12 (regularly $16)
How to save: Shipping is free on orders of $60+. Plus, score a free air freshener with $75+ orders.
Traditional car fresheners are a major source of chemicals and toxins, but not Grow Fragrance car natural air fresheners. They come in various natural scents such as Blondewood, Bamboo, Woodland Sage (shown above), Wildflower Rain, Lavender Blossom, and Hibiscus Tea.
Grow uses only certified 100% plant-based ingredients. While many car fresheners don’t disclose their ingredients—including some that claim to be “clean,” “natural,” and “made with essential oils,” you’ll love Grow’s complete transparency. For the natural air freshener itself, Grow uses 25% recycled pre-consumer waste, and it’s 100% biodegradable, so it’s an environmentally friendly choice, too.
Check out their natural air freshener in a bottle for home use.
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Grow Car Fresheners:
- ✅ 100% Biodegradable
- ✅ Certified 100% plant-based ingredients
- ✅ Certified bio-based ingredients
- ✅ No petroleum-based products
- ✅ Manufactured in the USA
3. Best for Body: Rainwater Botanicals Perfume Oil
Rainwater Botanicals Perfume Oil – $14.20
How to Save: Follow their shop on Etsy to possibly receive a coupon code or follow on Instagram for possible exclusive discounts or flash sales.
Personally, I believe that if you’re looking to live a toxic-free lifestyle, perfume is one of those things you don’t necessarily need to find a swap for. Similar to animals, research has shown that if compatible, humans are naturally attracted to a person’s odor and pheromones. The longer you go without perfume, the more you might realize you love your natural scent and that of your partner. And no…I’m not talking about smelling bad body odor but your clean, natural being.
However, if you are still looking for something that makes you feel a little spruced up, Rainwater Botanicals makes a great toxic-free perfume oil that is body- and planet-safe. They source local organic & sustainable ingredients for their essential oils and naturally derived fragrances from plants, waxes, absolutes, and/or extracts. Organic jojoba oil is the only carrier in their perfume oils, so absolutely no artificial preservatives, and actually offers benefits for your skin. Plus, one dab is all you need, so each bottle will last quite a while, making this such an affordable option!
To recap, here are the top 5 reasons why you should switch to Rainwater Botanicals:
- ✅ Local & sustainable organic ingredients
- ✅ Organic jojoba oil is the only carrier
- ✅ Provides healing benefits (varies depending on the scent)
- ✅ Preservative free
- ✅ Manufactured in the USA
Check out our other clean natural products to swap to!
