Hello-Hellooo! I know I’ve mentioned it before, but our company’s name “Zapah” comes from my native Russian language and translates as “AROMA.” Thus, “Zapah Naturals” means “Natural Aroma.” We always use only natural, and whenever possible, organic ingredients: olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cacao butter, jojoba oil, dried herbs and flowers, and of course essential oils. These give our handmade products not only divine scents but also healing benefits—you’ve probably heard that smelling lavender can help relax the mind and body and even aid certain skin issues.
However, some first-time customers tell us they cannot use scented products due to headaches, rashes, allergies, or other reactions. Often, this happens because these products contain synthetic fragrances, which can cause numerous health problems. According to the National Academy of Sciences, about 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are petroleum-derived. These include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene, and many other toxic chemicals linked to cancer, central nervous system disorders, and allergic reactions. Unfortunately, these toxic ingredients still appear in everyday products, often labeled simply as “fragrance.”
If you are allergic to a specific essential oil, you can avoid it. For these cases, we created unscented products: soaps, lotions, body scrubs, and even dog products, all made from carefully-selected natural ingredients without added essential oils.
Why Not Use Synthetic Scents
Synthetic scents, labeled as “fragrance,” are an undefined mix of ingredients that can include carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxins. There are at least 3,000 potential ingredients used in fragrances, and the FDA does not require companies to disclose them. Why do companies still use these scents? The answer is simple: cost. Synthetic fragrances are cheap and make products smell appealing, but their health risks far outweigh the pleasure of a temporary scent.
A study [1] found that 34 percent of people exposed to synthetic fragrances experienced adverse health effects. The most common symptoms included respiratory problems (18%), mucosal irritation (16%), migraine headaches (15%), skin issues (10%), asthma attacks (8%), neurological problems (7%), cognitive issues (5%), gastrointestinal issues (5%), cardiovascular problems (4%), immune system problems (4%), and musculoskeletal issues (3%). These numbers highlight the hidden dangers of synthetic scents.
Babies and Pets
Babies and pets are particularly sensitive to synthetic fragrances and even some essential oils. That’s why Zapah created a special “Baby Soap,” made with organic shea butter and unscented. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe for use on the face and body.
Dogs also require care with scents. Our “Woof!” bar soap is unscented, made from olive and coconut oils that naturally nourish skin and coat. We also offer “Woof!” Paw and Skin Balm for dry or cracked paws, pressure points, or dry noses—unscented and safe if licked off.
Ways to Avoid Synthetic Scents
Many of our clients choose Zapah products for their natural aroma alone. A bar of “Flower Lover” or “Lemon-Eucalyptus” on a desk or a herbal bath bag in the car brings the scent of nature into daily life. Toss synthetic fragrances aside and enjoy the true essence of nature—or Zapah Naturals!
XOXO,
Yulia
References:
[1] https://draxe.com/health/dangers-synthetic-scents/
