When I started dating Daylon, I loved that his bachelor pad always smelled so nice, thanks to a prominent Glade plug-in in his entryway. Once I learned about what was in that air freshener, I promptly unplugged it. This meant that our apartment began smelling like whatever we’d last cooked—wonderful on the rare occasion when I baked an apple crisp, and less awesome after the more common meal of pan-fried salmon and steamed broccoli.
A Brief History of Air Fresheners
The use of household air fresheners, in one form or another, has been around for thousands of years.
Incense, one of the most ancient forms of air fresheners, is burned so that the smoke can mask other, less pleasant odors. Most modern air fresheners employ the same method (masking), but unlike the burning of incense, they disperse masking agents in other ways, and with a far more sophisticated use of chemistry. (By the way, just because we’ve been burning incense for many centuries does not mean it’s a great idea. Burnt airborne particulates, from incense to cigarettes to auto exhaust, are always bad to inhale, no matter the form.)
Since the 1940s, air freshener manufacturers have blended various chemical agents and tinkered with a variety of dispersal techniques in order to market products that don’t involve burning. This might seem like a step in the right direction, but the chemical agents used are often far less benign than you’d hope.
My Top Pick for Best Natural Air Freshener
Moso Natural Air Purifiers are surprisingly effective at reducing indoor odors (in addition to scrubbing VOCs!)$10.00 – $23.00Select options
My Top Pick for Best Natural Air Freshener Room Spray
If you want a natural air freshener that you spray, try Eco-Me’s organic room sprays, which are great for masking odors with pleasant, phthalate-free scents.
Why Modern Air Fresheners Stink
Modern chemistry has shown us that certain chemical agents, when atomized and inhaled, are capable of blocking our smell receptors, thus blunting our ability to detect odor.
Other air fresheners coat our nasal passages with an oily film, and many still just cover up the original odor with better-smelling scents.
A minority of air fresheners actually break down the offensive odor, and even those ones generally contain a heavy dose of chemicals.
What’s Wrong with Conventional Air Fresheners?
A regular run-of-the-mill air freshener will probably contain at least one of the following scary chemicals:
- Phthalates. Synthetic fragrances usually contain phthalates, and most of us know that these are bad—linked with early puberty, autism, obesity, and birth defects. You won’t see “phthalate” on a label; it’ll just say “fragrance” or perhaps “parfum.”
- PEG-40. The Environmental Working Group considers this polymer to be moderately hazardous to human health.
- 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB).1,4-DCB is reasonably anticipated to a human carcinogen, and has been shown to cause kidney and testicular cancer in rats. It also has been shown to cause reduced lung function and increased asthma rates in humans.
Air fresheners may also contain some really gross chemicals that won’t show up on the label. A 2007 study tested 74 air freshening products and measured the concentration of VOCs in the air after use. They reported that a total of more than 350 different chemicals and allergens were detected, including (but not limited to!) benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, and phthalates.
Spray bottles (aerosol) cause additional health risks due to ingredients used as propellants, such as butane and propane.
How to Find a Natural Air Freshener
If you want to truly purify your indoor air, we love Austin air filters.
Rather than masking odors with other, more potent odors, or disabling your sense of smell all together, there are ways to absorb unwanted odors. Sodium carbonate (otherwise known as baking soda) has been safely used as an odor sponge for generations with no known ill effects. There are also ways to employ specific types of charcoal products to scrub unwanted odors from indoor air (learn about these below, under The Good Stuff).
Of course, our modern world is a considerably more toxic place than the one in which our ancestors evolved. This is especially true indoors, where the combination of air-tight homes and toxic agents (such as cleaning products and off-gassing furniture and carpets) is a real health risk, especially when we consider how much of our lives we spend indoors.
But back to commercial air fresheners…The good news is that there are regulations regarding what can and cannot go into them. The bad news is that there are gaping loopholes in these regulations, the most obvious of which is “trade secrets.” This allows companies to refuse to name all the ingredients in an air freshener, and without this disclosure, it becomes very challenging to figure out if your air freshener is toxic just by looking at the label.
We’ve done the research for you here, so read on for which natural air fresheners are truly safe and effective.
The Good Stuff: Natural Air Freshener Brands
Essence of Vali Botanical Mists
Although the term “natural” is somewhat meaningless (after all, arsenic is natural), in this case it refers to the fact that Essence of Vali mists are made entirely from essential botanical oils and distilled water. The dispenser is a pump/spritzer type thingy and uses no propellants. These mists come in 10 different aromas and affordable at $8 a bottle. You can also opt for a diffuser blend, which costs around $12 and can be used in any standard aromatherapy diffuser. You can buy Essence of Vali products from Amazon.
Eco-Me Vitamin-Infused Natural Air Freshener
Eco-Me makes an entirely safe line of cleaning products, and their vitamin-infused air fresheners are no exception. All four formulas are scented only with 100% essential oils and smell fresh and delicious.
$7.75Select options
Aura Cacia Natural Air Freshener
Aura Cacia is another company that is truly committed to product safety as well as sustainability. Their spritzer air freshener is made from essential oils and water and also uses no propellants. You can buy the spray on Amazon for around $7 or get the plug-in room diffuser for $13.
Moso Natural Air Freshener/Purifier
Moso bags contain activated bamboo charcoal, which serves as a filtering agent (as opposed to a masking agent). The great thing about most filtering agents is that they not only remove unwanted odors, but they also scrub the air of some of the nasties that may be floating around your home—things like formaldehyde, ammonia, benzene, chloroform gases, and bacteria/allergens. After a couple of years of use, simply throw the charcoal on your garden–it’s 100% biodegradable. The bags range in size, and will cost between $10 and $20. And because I use these personally, I can attest that they really do work!
$10.00 – $23.00Select options
Sort of Coal Kuro Cube Natural Air Freshener
is another kind of charcoal air filter made from very specific types of wood and wood vinegar. Made in Korea and marketed by a hip Danish company, the Kuro Cube removes odors and toxins from your indoor environment and is biodegradable. Sort of Coal sells a range of purifying coal products, all of which are quite pricey.
I Am Goddess Natural Air Freshener
I Am Goddess’s aromatherapy blend contains nothing concerning, and imparts the room with a pleasantly herbal kind of fragrance.
The Bad Stuff
Glade PlugIns are some of the top selling air fresheners in the United States. SC Johnson moves well over 20 million units of these guys a year, which is scary when you know what’s in them. PlugIn units contain a small heating element, which heats the “scented oils” (not to be confused with actual essential oils), and causes them to disperse into the air. Using the trade secret loophole, Glade will not release their entire ingredient list, but we know that PlugIns have parabens and phthalates, which is enough to earn them a Bad Stuff designation.
Lysol Neutra Air Sanitizer revokes a a feeling of cleanliness and safety, thanks to the use of the word “sanitizer.” Not so much. Besides including the pesticide dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, this product comes in an aerosol can and uses butane and propane as propellants. It’s not good to breathe any of these volatile gasses, and don’t light a match around them. Or better yet, light a match and use that as your air freshener! Lysol Neutra also contains trace levels of phthalates. Lysol earns extra demerits for the “New Moms” section of their website, where they promote cleaning and disinfecting with Lysol products!
Ozium Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer has the highest parts per million phthalate count (360 ppm) of any of the air fresheners we looked at. (Walgreens recently lost this honor when pulled some of their air fresheners from the shelves, some of which had an unbelievable phthalate load of 7,300 ppm!). If you’re interested in seeing the phthalate count of other air fresheners, the NRDC provides a useful breakdown.
Febreze is one of the only air fresheners that actually neutralizes odors (in addition to masking them with a big burst of fragrance). Think this makes Febreze Good Stuff? Nope. EWG examined the air pollution created by Febreze Air Effects (Hawaiian Aloha) and found 89 air contaminants, including ones associated with cancer, asthma, and reproductive and nervous system toxicity.
The Sneaky Stuff
Caldrea Linen and Room Spray is advertised as follows: “This versatile essential oil spray is safely used to create a signature scent everywhere or anywhere.” “Safe” is a stretch, considering that among the ingredients are benzisothiazolinone, which irritates skin and is linked to cancer, and methylisothiazolinone, which carries with it immune system and allergy concerns.
Mrs. Meyers Air Freshener claims to be earth friendly, but contains synthetic fragrance, and Mrs. Meyers doesn’t divulge what specific chemicals make up the scent. On top of that, this product contains PEG-40, which is neither natural nor non-toxic.
You’ll find Citrus Magic air fresheners in most health food stores. The most recent study I found (which is from 2007) showed that Citrus Magic contained trace amounts of phthalates. I have not been able to confirm whether or not this has been remedied. The label of their solid air freshener still just reads: “fragrance.”
Make Your Own Natural Air Fresheners
- Gimme the Good Stuff readers tend to be more inclined to tackle DIY projects than we are. For those folks, here’s a list of cool (and amusing!) alternative natural air freshener ideas.
- Sometimes I will make the effort to simmer spices on the stovetop—clove and orange peels, for instance, lend a really nice aroma to my apartment. Just be sure to keep enough water in the pot so that your homemade potpourri doesn’t burn.
- You can also burn a fragrant, natural candle. Sunbeam beeswax candles earn Good Stuff approval.
Want to know more? Here are great resources on…
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Purple Frog Patches says
We too are passionate about what the other artificial air fresheners can be doing to not just the environment but to our health!! we created a first to market product that we would like featured on your website maybe even on this post {smiles}
have a look let us know what you think;
The Purple Frog Patches Guys.
Emily says
What about scentsy and essential oil diffusers? Are these bad?
Maia James says
I can’t find anywhere on the Scentsy site that lists their ingredients–do you have access to this?
Debbie Cornelius says
From a health perspective, Scentzy is just horrible, I research and help find alternatives for people with Asthma and breathing issues, I’m sorry to say you are adding dangerous chemicals to the air when you use Scentzy and most scented candles!!!
Debra Taevs says
We’re researching Freshwave Gel air freshener. They claim to be environmentally safe, but contain Acrylamide/Potassium Acrylate Copolymer, which is/are listed as possible carcinogens and neurotoxins.
Have you looked into these products?
Thank you.
Maia James says
I haven’t looked into them, but definitely sounds like Sneaky Stuff!
Kerry says
A friend of mine wanted me to be a part of her Scentsy party – I kindly declined because I know that they are made with petroleum- based waxes – no matter if it is “food grade” or not, petrol is gasoline, hence the fumes it puts off when burnt. They also are fragranced with artificial fragrances.
I instead chose to make my own candles and wax melts with supplies I found on Amazon.com that were more than affordable. I know exactly what is in them – soy, a little beeswax to slow the burning process down some, and natural essential oils. I made them for Christmas gifts and everyone loved them! Their homes and mine are not polluted by the off-gassing of petroleum and manufactured scents anymore!
stephen mcmanus says
What about burning matches? They seem to do a great job of deodorizing. I know there are chemicals on a match head, but are they toxic or harmful?
Viree says
obnoxious smell of sulpur or something in matches. I get sick on that smell.
stacy says
Can you tell me which of the Moso Natural Freshner you liked. Charcoal, Natural? I am putting it in the basement of our new home. It is a tried and true musty basement.
Want to make sure I use the right stuff.
Maia James says
All Moso bags function the same–so it’s just a matter of which color you prefer. In my home, we have natural ones.
Kathy says
Nice article. We also have to know that many essential oils ‘s have chemicals in them that make some of us sick. It would be nice if it wasn’t so hard to find truly pure products.As a chemically sensitive person, these toxins change our lives in extreme ways for the worse.
Sophia says
How about Indoor herbs? has anyone had luck with growing herbs for some indoor fresheness.
Calvin Newsome Jr says
What about Air Wick? I don’t see much about them in this or other research articles. Glade is always talked about but Air Wick has a major part of the market as well.
Maia James says
Air Wick is Bad Stuff in my opinion.
Philip Schwartz says
Has anyone done research into Citrus Magic from Beaumont Products? It lists its ingredients as limonene and essential oils, period.
Maia James says
We will add to our list for investigations!
Taneesha De says
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BUT JASMINE FRAGRANCE AIR FRESHENER???
Taneesha De says
What about Odonil and aer air freshners??? Are they safe for our health??? Don’t they have any ill effects??? Please reply to my question… What I am seeing is really very much shocking about air fresheners!!! I just did not have any idea about these shocking ill effects of them
Maia James says
I am sorry but I am not familiar with these brands; I will add to our list for a future investigation, though!
JOHANN says
INSUFFLATION!
It should trouble anyone with bronchitis or reactive asthma, which at any moment could be everyone. Have you ever sneezed or coughed when inhaling ‘pure air’? Those with allergies can attest to immune sensitivities, when pure air contains pollens, etc.. Ever stuck in gridlock and have to inhale car, bus, and truck/diesel exhaust? Ever stuck in a room/office with newly installed furniture, floor covering, rugs, etc., and wall painting? These scenarios expose us to plenty of toxins. Why expose ourselves to scented commercial products? Especially when the manufacturer hide contents from each other and unfortunately us. They declare Proprietary processes and ingredients and the government you elected/choose allows it. I wonder if the same scenarios exist in Europe? European countries have a reputation for responding to their citizen complaints and demands. If it is forbidden to manufacture and sell/use in European countries we should question and demand to be informed what and why our government doesn’t do the same to protect us. Funny thing, on the way to unnecessary suffering, we eventually realize that air is something we ‘ingest’ into our lungs and body. If Oxygen can pass through the membranes of the lungs, into the blood stream, so can chemical molecules. Logic shoves us to inevitable conclusions that gases and chemicals do enter our tissues of the brain and other organs. You can bet the food and drink manufacturers wouldn’t be allowed to put air freshener ingredients into their products because humans and other animals ingest them. Why allow them to expose us to ingesting them through our lungs and nasal membranes? Breath, air is another passageway into our internal organs. Many medical therapies add medicine to the air inhaled to transfer them more effectively to the tissues. We know that smoking drugs, like, nicotine, marijuana, crack, cocaine and opiods can get the effective dose through the lungs to the brain almost instantaneously. Some medications like Insulin have been experimented to enter the body via the lungs. please refer to, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insufflation_(medicine) ,this is a simplified introduction to the concept I attempt to describe above.
Becky says
I just found this site and want to order (just missed Black Friday specials!!! Dang.). I am not quite sure how to place these. I want one in the bathroom because my husband goes in there in the morning and sneezes his head off. I also want one in the kitchen for the trash bin. Can I place a small one in the bottom of the bin – under the trash bag? Just not quite sure what sizes to buy. Thank you. This is a great site.
Lauren says
What about essential oil diffusers? Do you think that is safe and if so which room do you recommend having it in? Thank you!
Maia James says
I just don’t know enough out essential oils (or diffusers) to be able to weigh in on this. Anything I suggest would just be a guess! Sorry! This is on my list for a future investigation.
Megan Sisko says
My house seems to smell like diapers all the time so i like the idea of baking soda to absorb the bad smells. But I also like to add good smells. Thats why I got an AirMoji. Its saf for the kids and less hassle than wax warmers.
Mike Allister says
All-Natural plugin refills. A bit more than store bought I assume natural content cost more
https://scentfill.com/collections/all-natural
John says
Hi Mike,
It’s a great idea but I’m not entirely convinced that their oils are free from phthalates and other harmful chemistry. They use the word natural. I realize that “Natural” is an essential marketing term, but it is a meaningless term from a toxins perspective. Plutonium is “natural”, as are poison Ivy and Grizzly bears. I don’t want any of those things in my home..or my lungs! 🙂
Thanks for the tip. I’m going to look into them. I hope they are “Good Stuff”.
diane says
i need cleaning supplies that are non toxic…please tell where they are sold….
John says
Hi Diane,
You can get a wide array of nontoxic cleaning supplies here:
https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/category/for-my-home/cleaning-laundry/
Thanks
Marty says
Instead of using these toxic air fresheners how about cleaning your house, open windows turn on the overhead fan when cooking.
Sima says
What about industrial sized odor eaters? I work in a school that is musty and smelly. I put up a few “Damp-Rid” bags and that sucks up water and does help the smell a bit.
I did buy one of those timed sprayer things, but it is potent “Bad Stuff.” What do you suggest?
Thanks for this!
Clare says
Really informative and has helped me to further clarify the lifestyle overhaul I’m aspiring to – never will these things be in my house! Thankyou!
Samantha says
Would the Moso bags be safe for a nursery?
Kat says
Do you know if the aromatherapy oils that are put into glass jars with rattan diffuser sticks are harmful? My some has asthma and I want the house to smell good but I also don’t want to risk that. I assumed these are safe, but can you confirm?
Mariella Sajkowski says
I’ve come across a product called ScentFill that claim they are nontoxic and Work with greocery store plug in diffuser (all the popular brands). Is this stuff really non-toxic? TIA
Abby says
Im assuming its without question that Bath and Body Works wall plug ins are bad. Since nothing is actually burning, could you explain what is harmful about them? I know they are bad, I just would like a little info so I can explain to my skeptical family.
Kathleen Hart says
From what I am reading most essential oils are toxic.
Chloe says
Hello,
Thank you for your article!
What about air filtering devices such as air filterer with HEPA filters? Would they be worth investing?
Thank you,
Vaidehi Deo says
I am in search for something to replace wallflowers from yankee or bath and body works.
What are your comments for essential oil diffusers (non heat, non water) from https://organicaromas.com/ this company.
They are not cheap so I wanted to be sure before I make a purchase like that.
Kyla says
Young Living is a trusted essential oil company that has pure oils with no fillers, solvents or chemicals. They do numerous tests and have a seed to seal guarantee. The company is a lifestyle company that cares about health and wellness and what goes in and on our bodies. They have safe and clean products like vitamins, baby line, kids line, makeup, oils, fitness, skincare, personal products, sunscreen, insect repellent and so much more!! It is an amazing company where we help people ditch and switch to safer and teach them about health and wellness. 🙂