If you’ve been on a clean beauty journey for more than 10 minutes, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Avoid anything with ‘fragrance’ on the label.” And while that’s a great starting point, the truth is a little more nuanced.
At Root + Clay, we believe in making better choices, not perfect ones. That’s why we still use some fragrance in select products—but only after doing our research and choosing safer, non-toxic options.
Why “Fragrance” Gets a Bad Reputation
The word “fragrance” on an ingredient label can legally represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and even long-term health risks.
The biggest red flags?
Phthalates
Parabens
Synthetic musks
Undisclosed preservatives
That’s why most clean beauty brands (including us) are cautious.
Why We Still Use Fragrance — Carefully
Let’s be honest: not everyone loves the smell of essential oils.
Some people get headaches. Some just miss the familiar scent of “clean laundry” or “warm vanilla.” I get it—I’m one of them.
That’s why we offer two types of home and body products:
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Essential oil–based: great for those sensitive to synthetic scents
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Phthalate-free, paraben-free fragrance: for people who want a more traditional scent experience without the toxins
How We Choose Safer Fragrances
Here’s what we look for when adding fragrance to any product:
Phthalate-free
Paraben-free
No known carcinogens or endocrine disruptors
IFRA-compliant (International Fragrance Association)
Transparency from the supplier
We only work with fragrance suppliers who provide full documentation and safety data. If we wouldn’t use it on our own families, we won’t put it in our products.
What About Essential Oils?
We love essential oils—and use them in many of our formulas. But they’re not always the right choice:
- Some essential oils can irritate sensitive skin
- They can be overpowering in scent
- They can interact with sun exposure or certain skin types
Fragrance oils, when chosen carefully, can offer a more consistent, hypoallergenic scent for those who need an alternative.
It’s About Balance, Not Extremes
You don’t have to be 100% fragrance-free to live a healthier lifestyle.
At Root + Clay, we’re here to help you meet in the middle—with products that are safer, thoughtful, and designed for real life.