Why Strong Synthetic Fragrances in Cleaners Can Be Too Much

And why I sometimes prefer a no-added-fragrance solution

I love botanical scents. Rosemary, eucalyptus, juniper—there are times when I genuinely enjoy bringing those aromas into my surroundings.

But I also believe there are moments when we simply do not need another fragrance around us.

Think about how many scented products can be present in one ordinary day: shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, perfume, hand cream, candles, room sprays—and then household cleaners.

Individually, we may barely notice them. Together, they can become a lot.

And for people who are especially sensitive to fragrances, a strongly scented cleaner can turn a simple task—like wiping fingerprints from eyeglasses or a phone—into an unpleasant experience.

That raises an important question:

Are strong synthetic fragrances in cleaning products actually harmful?

The answer is more nuanced than simply saying “synthetic is bad.”

First, what is “fragrance”?

The word fragrance on a product label can represent a mixture of ingredients formulated to create or mask a scent. Some fragrance ingredients are volatile, meaning they evaporate into the surrounding air where we can smell them.

The American Lung Association notes that fragrances may contain many chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and that fragranced products can affect indoor air quality—particularly for people with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities. (American Lung Association)

This does not mean every synthetic fragrance is dangerous or that every scented product will cause health problems.

What matters is the specific formulation, concentration, amount used, ventilation, frequency of exposure, and individual sensitivity.

The Problem: Cleaning Doesn't Stay on the Surface

When we spray something onto a countertop, mirror, phone, or other surface, we tend to think of the product as remaining there.

But some ingredients don't.

VOCs are chemicals that readily enter the air at room temperature. The EPA explains that cleaning supplies are among the many household products capable of releasing VOCs indoors. Some VOCs can have short- or long-term health effects depending on the chemical and exposure. (US EPA)

And indoor exposure matters because we spend so much of our time inside.

EPA research has found concentrations of a number of common organic pollutants to be higher indoors than outdoors, particularly during and after use of products containing these chemicals. (US EPA)

For some people, strong cleaners may mean:

• eye, nose, or throat irritation;

• headaches;

• coughing or respiratory irritation;

• worsening of asthma symptoms;

• or simply feeling uncomfortable around a lingering fragrance.

The American Lung Association specifically notes that some household and cleaning products can irritate the eyes or throat or cause headaches, while VOCs and other chemicals from cleaning products may contribute to respiratory problems in susceptible people. (American Lung Association)

Stronger Smell Does Not Mean Cleaner

This is probably one of the biggest habits we have learned from years of advertising.

We smell an intense lemon, floral, pine, or “fresh linen” fragrance and subconsciously think:

Ahhh… clean.

But fragrance and cleanliness are two different things.

A scent can make something smell clean without having anything to do with removing fingerprints, oils, dust, or grime.

When I clean my eyeglasses or my iPhone screen, I don't need to perfume the room.

I just want the fingerprints gone.

That distinction became especially important to me when thinking about products we use many times throughout the week.

More Isn't Necessarily Better for Indoor Air

Another interesting part of the story happens after certain fragrance chemicals enter indoor air.

EPA explains that some ingredients associated with pine- or citrus-scented cleaners and fragrances can react with ozone indoors and contribute to the formation of particles and other pollutants, including formaldehyde. (US EPA)

That doesn't mean you should suddenly become afraid of every scented household product.

It simply reminds us that indoor chemistry is more complicated than:

“It smells pleasant, therefore it must be harmless.”

Our homes are little chemical environments. Everything from cooking and furniture to cleaning products and personal-care products contributes something to that environment.

So reducing unnecessary exposure where it is easy to do so makes sense to me.

And “Natural” Doesn't Automatically Mean Safer

This is important—especially coming from someone who loves herbs and botanical products.

Natural fragrance is not automatically harmless either.

The American Lung Association points out that even naturally derived fragrances, including citrus aromas, can participate in indoor-air reactions. (American Lung Association)

Essential oils and botanical aromatic compounds are still chemicals.

Natural chemicals are chemicals.

Synthetic chemicals are chemicals.

The better questions are:

What is in the product? How much are we exposed to? How are we using it? And how does our individual body respond?

That is a much more useful way to think about cleaning products than simply dividing everything into “natural = good” and “synthetic = bad.”

My Solution: Sometimes Choose No Added Fragrance

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This is where my own philosophy at RAGARDEN® becomes very simple.

If I want eucalyptus, rosemary, or juniper as part of an intentional botanical ritual, I can choose that.

But if I simply want to remove a fingerprint from my eyeglasses or clean the smudges from my phone?

I don't necessarily need fragrance at all.

That is why we offer RAGARDEN® Aloe Vera Eyeglasses, iPhone & iPad Cleaner as our no-added-fragrance option.

It isn't about declaring fragrance “bad.”

It is about giving people a choice.

If you are sensitive to fragrances—or simply don't want your eyewear and devices adding another scent to your surroundings—you can choose the quieter option.

Spray.Wipe.Clear again.

No perfume experience required.

A Few Simple Ways to Reduce Unnecessary Fragrance Exposure

You don't need to remove every scented product from your life. Instead, look at where fragrance actually adds something you enjoy—and where it doesn't.

For frequently used cleaners, consider choosing no-added-fragrance or lower-fragrance alternatives when possible. Use only the amount needed, follow the product directions, and ventilate rooms when using products that release noticeable fumes or odors. EPA and the American Lung Association both recommend good ventilation when using household products that can affect indoor air quality. (US EPA)

And pay attention to your own response.

If a cleaner consistently leaves you with irritated eyes, coughing, headaches, or breathing symptoms, stop using it and discuss persistent or significant symptoms with a healthcare professional.

The RAGARDEN® Philosophy

For me, botanical living isn't about filling every room with fragrance.

Sometimes it is rosemary.

Sometimes eucalyptus.

Sometimes juniper.

And sometimes the best botanical reset is almost invisible:

clean glasses, a clear phone screen, and no added fragrance at all.

🌿 RAGARDEN® Aloe Vera Eyeglasses, iPhone & iPad CleanerNo added fragrance. Everyday clarity.

RAGARDEN® — Botanical resets for everyday life.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Fragrance sensitivity and respiratory conditions vary from person to person. If fragrances or cleaning products cause persistent symptoms, consult your healthcare professional.