Posted by Bare Necessities
on May 20, 2026
What do a dermatologist and a marine biologist have in common? At first glance, not much, one studies skin, the other studies seas. But ask either of them about poorly regulated synthetic fragrance chemicals, and you'll hear the same growing concern: we need to pay closer attention to what's in our products.
The science backs this up. Research published in a large European population study found that fragrance contact allergy, driven primarily by certain synthetic fragrance chemicals affected a significant portion of the general population, with allergic contact dermatitis strongly associated with scented cosmetic products. Meanwhile, a study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that polycyclic musk fragrances, common in personal care products, were detected in the blubber of finless porpoises sampled from Japanese coastal waters, with evidence of transplacental transfer to fetuses, indicating these chemicals accumulate in marine life much like persistent organochlorines such as PCBs. And a 2023 review in the Journal of Xenobiotics confirmed that certain synthetic fragrances in personal care products are linked to hormonal imbalance, allergic reactions, and skin irritation, with specific synthetic musks and phthalates identified as known endocrine disruptors.
At Bare Necessities, we've believed in ingredient transparency from day one. And increasingly, scientific research is reinforcing the importance of lower-impact, clearly labelled formulation choices.
SHOP BARE NECESSITIES PLANT-BASED SOLID DEODORANTS
What's Actually in "Fragrance"?
When you see the word fragrance on a label, it sounds harmless, even pleasant. But that single word can legally mask a cocktail of hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Certain phthalates, synthetic musks, and petrochemical-derived compounds can be included within fragrance blends, with little obligation for brands to disclose exactly what's there.
Dermatologists have long flagged this. Fragrance, particularly certain fragrance allergens, is among the most common triggers of cosmetic-related contact dermatitis, allergic reactions, and skin sensitisation. It's worth noting that this applies to both synthetic and natural fragrance ingredients; the issue isn't simply one versus the other, but transparency, concentration, and how well ingredients are tested and regulated.
The Ocean Doesn't Want It Either
Marine biologists have a different concern, but an equally urgent one. Certain synthetic musks used in conventional fragrances are persistent chemicals, they don't break down easily. They wash off your body, travel through waterways, and accumulate in marine ecosystems, disrupting aquatic life and entering the food chain.
What touches your skin eventually touches the world.
This is exactly why we chose differently. Our solid deodorants are scented using essential oils and botanical extracts, carefully selected with a focus on natural ingredients, transparency, and IFRA-compliant safety standards, so you always know what you're putting on your body and why.
Certain essential oils, like neroli and citrus, have traditionally been valued for their aromatic and skin-supporting properties. But our commitment goes beyond the ingredients themselves, it's about choosing formulations that are biodegradable, lower in persistent pollutants, and honest about what they contain.
One Simple Rule
If you wouldn't want it on your skin or in the ocean, it doesn't go in our deodorant. Explore Bare Necessities natural, gender-neutral, and pregnancy safe deodorants now!
Check what matches your vibe!
Making the switch isn't about giving something up. It's about choosing better, for your body, and for the world it lives in.
