Why You Need to Ditch Your Car Air Freshener Now
Ever got into an Uber and been overpowered by the artificial smell of the car air freshener? Chances are if you answered yes, you’ve embraced a more natural lifestyle and stopped putting these in your own car!
That "new car smell" or fruity fresh scent might seem harmless, but most car air fresheners are packed with toxic endocrine disrupting chemicals that can harm your families health. Let’s dive into why you need to ditch them ASAP!
loaded with harmful VOCs
Many air fresheners release VOCs like benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, which can cause headaches, dizziness, and long-term health issues.
artificial fragrances = hidden allergens
“Fragrance” on the label often means a mix of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, many of which have been linked to hormone disruption, allergies, and respiratory issues.
endocrine disruptors & hormone imbalance ⚠️
A common ingredient class in fragrance called phthalates can interfere with hormones, potentially affecting metabolism, fertility, and overall well-being.
can trigger allergies & asthma
Those with asthma, allergies, or sensitive respiratory systems may experience wheezing, headaches, or irritation.
commonly contains BHT and acetaldehyde 🚘💀
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can potentially damage the liver and kidneys, can mimic the effects of oestrogen and inhibit male sex hormones. Synthetic Acetaldehyde is connected to allergies, asthma, cancer and skin and respiratory irritation, plus it may cause problems to our reproductive systems.
An important note on oils
Not all oils are created equally. In fact approximately 85% of the oil on the market is adulterated with synthetic markers, diluted or contaminated with heavy metals.
tips for how to identify a quality oil
Oil must have the full botanical name of the plant eg. Lavandula angustifolia for lavender.
Look for third-party testing
Certifications like GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) analysis to confirm purity + authenticity (make sure the brand is transparent and shows you these test reports!).
Look for how they’re sourced and where. Ensure they’re ethically and sustainably sourced.
AVOID:
avoid suspiciously low prices (suggests diluted or synthetic oils)
avoid labels that say "fragrance oil" or "aromatherapy oil" (again indicative of synthetic ingredients)
NEVER buy off Amazon/Temu or at Kmart
NEVER buy oils if not in amber glass
low-tox alternatives for a fresh car
Essential Oil Diffuser: Options in post for passive and portable diffusers.
Baking Soda in a Jar: Absorbs odors naturally, you can also add oils to this.
Activated Charcoal Bags: Trap toxins and neutralise bad smells. Buy 100% charcoal NOT scented ones!
Homemade Air Freshener: Mix water, witch hazel, and pure essential oils in a spray bottle.
links to car diffusers and safe oils
The oils that I use and love that tick ALL my boxes for sustainability, ethical sourcing, purity and transparency are linked below.
🚫 Say goodbye to toxic car air fresheners and switch to safer, cleaner alternatives for a fresh ride without the health risks! 🌿💚
