Why We Created A Fragrance-Free Hand Soap

In recent years, there has been a shift in our understanding of what exactly is IN our everyday personal care and home products. 

As a society, we've begun to question the potential of hidden ingredients and confusing labels, seeking transparency and cleaner alternatives for our daily routines. As awareness continues to rise, one aspect of our products (and something we’ve always been very passionate about) is gaining attention: fragrance.

Synthetic fragrances have long been associated with cleanliness and luxury. From perfumed lotions to scented shampoos, they have played a role in what we consider hygienic and high-quality. 

However, beneath the allure of scents lies a growing concern of what synthetic fragrance actually is, and how it affects our health. 

More and more people are discovering that the very products designed to enhance their daily routines may actually be causing health issues. The rise in awareness of synthetic fragrance and their potential harm has led to a demand for alternatives that are not only safe, but effective and gentle as well. 

Hand soap is specifically important because we use hand soap every single day, multiple times a day, and they sit next to every sink in our homes. 

Why Synthetic Fragranced Hand Soaps Are Harmful 

Luxury hand soaps elevate sinks and bathrooms, and “premium” hand soaps often are known for their strong synthetic fragrance that entices us to have them in our homes. Because who wouldn’t want to smell nice after washing their hands?! 

However, the synthetic chemicals used in these popular scents may be contributing to unwanted health concerns. The word “fragrance” or “parfum" on an ingredient label can contain hundreds of synthetic chemicals, most of which are not tested for safety. (1). 

In a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group 72% of fragranced products contained phthalates (2). Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals used to make plastics more durable and are in many personal care products on the market currently, especially those with synthetic fragrance. 

Additionally, up to 95% of the synthetic chemicals used to make fragrance recipes are derived from petrochemicals.(3)

Both phthalates and petrochemicals are considered:

1. Obesogens: Phthalates have been linked to metabolic syndrome causing impaired glucose control and “insulin resistance” based on markers like fasting blood glucose, insulin, and Hb1Ac. While insulin resistance is most often associated with Type-2 Diabetes, it also can contribute to pre-diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and systemic inflammation (4).
2. Neurotoxins: Synthetic chemicals in fragrance can lead to various neurological dysfunction including lower IQs, ADD/ADHD, and mood disorders.(5_, _6) They also can contribute to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkisons, and Multiple Sclerosis. 
3. Carcinogens: The National Academy of Sciences, working with an expert panel, stated that there may be cancer-causing chemicals in synthetic fragrance recipes.(7) 
4. Asthmagens & Allergens: These synthetic chemicals contribute to decreased respiratory function, increasing the risk of triggering asthma. They also can contain known allergens, causing allergic reactions such as hives, itchy eyes and nose, swelling, etc. (8)
5. Endocrine Disruptors: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are environmental toxins that mimic your natural hormones, but without the benefits. EDCs can affect the ovaries, adrenals, thyroid, and other glands—causing your hormones to go completely out of whack and with a myriad of unpleasant symptoms to follow. Because of this, phthalates have been linked to lowered sperm counts, low testosterone, damage to sperm, genital defects, and early puberty. (9)

Sadly, because of secrecy and a lack of transparency in labeling, there is really no way for a consumer to make informed decisions about synthetic fragranced products. (10) 

To make matters even worse for the unsuspecting public, many products labeled as “unscented” are actually the synthetic fragranced product with the addition of another masking synthetic fragrance! (11)

The Need For A Healthier Alternative

Although all of this sounds scary, the world is moving in a positive direction – we are seeing so many more fragrance-free body products, skincare, and makeup on the market as consumers are making educated decisions about what they put on and around their body!

While some companies are making fragrance-free a priority, we have noticed the lack of fragrance-free, but still luxurious, hand soap on the market. So, we set out to create something that encompasses our commitment to helping you create a healthy home while still being a beautiful product to display! 

Did you know… The average person washes their hands 5-10x a day? This motivated us to make a hand soap with only the safest ingredients that promote your health, not hinder it. And because synthetic fragrance chemicals can disrupt our hormones and wreak havoc on our health, we are committed to being naturally fragrance-free always.

We believe this is an exciting opportunity to switch out a product that could be exposing people to toxins multiple times a day in their own homes. By removing sources of synthetic fragrance in your household and making human-safe swaps, you can dramatically improve your health and wellbeing.

The Benefits Of Our Fragrance-Free Hand Soap 

We formulated this hand soap with the most sensitive in mind, adding ingredients we know and trust to nourish your skin without triggering everyday health concerns like allergies, asthma, eczema or headaches. 

It cleanses your hands while moisturizing, leaving them clean and soft to the touch. 

We added 3 ingredients specifically to leave your hands feeling luxurious after washing

1. Chamomile’s gentle nature cleanses without stripping your hands, and its antioxidants protect your skin’s barrier.
2. Aloe Vera is a moisture magnet, keeping your skin well-hydrated and supple while also booting anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Meadowfoam Oil is nourishing and protective, sealing in moisture while delivering soft and smooth skin. 

Utilizing these high-quality, healthy ingredients not typically found in hand soaps, our hope is for more companies to follow suit, prioritizing human health and increasing ingredient accessibility. 

Why compromise on your health when you can have the best of both worlds? Choose fragrance-free. Your health and hands will thank you for it!

At Branch Basics, we've always been at the forefront of the fragrance-free revolution. Our commitment to offering fragrance-free options in all our products is rooted in our dedication to providing healthier choices for our customers.

We have seen time and time again just how much synthetic fragrance can affect the body. Friends, family members, and even strangers have told us how their headaches, allergies, eczema, etc. all disappeared after removing synthetic fragrance from their life. It’s a simple task that instantly improves our indoor air quality and health! 

Swap This For That - For Your Health! 

We’re here to empower you to continue (or start!) your journey towards making informed choices that support your health, not hinder it. 

When you opt for a fragrance-free hand soap, you're actively choosing to prioritize your health. 

Take the leap and make the switch to our new Hand Soap, designed to be gentle and luxurious, while also ensuring safety, even for the most sensitive skin. 

Fragrance-free is not a fleeting trend; it's a movement toward a healthier approach to personal care. By embracing fragrance-free products, you're contributing to the growing demand for safer choices, prompting the expansion of the market.

Interested in diving deeper? Check out our comprehensive Toss the Toxins Course, featuring over 12 detailed videos. Let us guide you step by step toward creating a healthier, human-safe home environment.