Why Fragrance-Free Cleaning Matters
The clean shouldn’t come with a catch.
If you’ve ever used your cleaner and felt overwhelmed - headachy, sneezy, or just “off” - you’re not imagining it. Fragrance is one of the most common and under-regulated ingredients in household products today. And at Better Than Clean, we believe you deserve transparency, safety, and science-backed peace of mind.
“Fragrance” Is a Black Box.
The word fragrance on an ingredient list can contain dozens - sometimes hundreds - of undisclosed chemicals. That’s because U.S. regulations allow companies to keep fragrance formulations proprietary.
Some of the common hidden ingredients include:
- Phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)
- Synthetic musks (persistent environmental toxins)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (which can worsen indoor air quality)
For people with asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin, these invisible additives can trigger real and immediate symptoms - even in so-called “green” or “natural” products.
The Science Behind Sensitivities.
Studies* show that over 1 in 3 people report fragrance sensitivity, with symptoms such as:
- Headaches or migraines
- Difficulty breathing
- Brain fog or fatigue
- Rashes or hives
- Eye and throat irritation
Even for those without diagnosed conditions, synthetic scents can overstimulate the nervous system. That’s because our sense of smell is directly tied to the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for memory, emotion, and mood regulation.
Fragrance-Free ≠ Scentless.
Let’s be clear: fragrance-free doesn’t mean scentless. It means we don’t add masking agents or synthetic perfumes.
What you'll smell in a Better Than Clean-clean home is… well, clean. Surfaces free from residue. No leftover chemicals. No artificial scent trail.
How to Spot a Truly Fragrance-Free Product.
Look for:
- ✅ “Fragrance-free” - not just “unscented” (which may include masking agents)
- ✅ Full ingredient transparency
- ✅ Certifications like EWG Verified, or USDA Biobased
Why We Formulate Fragrance-Free at Better Than Clean.
At Better Than Clean, we skip fragrance altogether because:
- We protect babies, kids, and pets from hidden endocrine disruptors
- We support homes with asthma, eczema, and autoimmune sensitivities
- We want your air to stay fresh, not perfumed
- We believe clean should feel light, breathable, and safe
When we say fragrance-free, we mean zero perfumes, masking agents, or hidden chemicals. Our products are developed alongside scientists and toxicologists—so nothing sneaks in without a purpose.
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Try our All-Purpose Cleaner or Bath & Daily Shower Spray and experience a clean that’s truly Better Than Clean.
*Steinemann et al. (2018, 2019) – International population study
