For many people, fragrance is pleasant…
For others, it can trigger headaches, breathing difficulties, or neurological symptoms within minutes.

At Urban Wellness, we are committed to creating a space that feels safe, calm, and accessible for everyone who works here and everyone who visits. For this reason, our building maintains a fragrance-free policy. Many people are unaware that synthetic fragrances commonly found in perfumes, body sprays, scented lotions, and laundry products can cause significant health reactions in sensitive individuals. For some people, these exposures are not simply unpleasant - they can be physically and mentally disabling.

WHAT IS FRAGRANCE?

The word “fragrance” or “parfum” listed on product labels does not refer to a single ingredient. It is often a mixture of dozens or even hundreds of chemicals used to create and stabilise a scent. Because fragrance formulas are considered proprietary, companies are often not required to disclose the individual chemicals used in the scent mixture.

Many of these chemicals are classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs easily evaporate into the air and can affect indoor air quality. Studies have shown that fragranced consumer products release VOCs that contribute towards:

  • respiratory irritation

  • headaches and migraines

  • allergic reactions

  • nausea or dizziness

  • irritation of the nervous system

  • fatigue or difficulty concentrating

People with asthma, migraines, chemical sensitivity, peri-menopause, or those undergoing medical treatments can be particularly affected. Even small amounts of fragrance in indoor environments can cause symptoms for some individuals.

Fragrance Lingers in Indoor Spaces

Fragrance chemicals do not disappear quickly once they enter a room, they are designed to stick around! They can cling to clothing, soft furnishings, and indoor air, lingering long after the person wearing them has left the space. In shared environments, this means that one person’s fragrance can continue affecting others for hours or even days. Maintaining a fragrance-free environment helps us preserve clean indoor air for everyone.

Fragrance Sensitivity Is More Common Than Many Realise

Research shows that fragrance sensitivity is widespread. Australian studies have found:

  • 34% of Australians report health problems from fragranced consumer products

  • Nearly 20% of Australians report chemical sensitivity

For these individuals, exposure can trigger significant physical symptoms that make it quite difficult to remain in fragranced environments.

This Is About Inclusion, Respect & Health

We know many people enjoy fragrance in their personal lives, and we are not here to judge personal expression. However, in our shared therapeutic space, the health and comfort of everyone - especially those with documented sensitivities must be our priority.

Our policy is about reducing barriers for:

  • Those with asthma or breathing conditions

  • Those with migraines or neurological sensitivity

  • Those with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or fragrance sensitivity

  • Anyone who wishes to breathe easy in a wellness space

How You Can Help

When visiting Urban Wellness, we kindly ask that you:

  • Avoid wearing perfume, cologne or body sprays

  • Avoid strongly scented lotions or hair products

  • If possible, choose fragrance-free personal care products on the day of your visit

If you accidentally arrive wearing fragrance and are asked politely about it, we sincerely appreciate your cooperation. Your understanding helps us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Supporting Each Other

At Urban Wellness, we are all part of creating a healing environment. Your small act of choosing fragrance-free products has a big impact: it allows others to breathe easier, focus on their wellbeing, and fully enjoy the space. We understand that fragrance is a personal choice, but not everyone enjoys the same scents. Because fragrance can linger long after you leave, we ask that you mindfully support those around you by keeping our space fragrance-free. By respecting this policy, you are helping everyone - staff and guests feel welcome, comfortable, and supported.

Thank you for supporting a space where health and care come first.

References & Further Reading

Steinemann A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health - full article and PDF.

Steinemann, Wheeler & Larcombe (2018). Fragranced consumer products: effects on asthmatic Australians. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health — data on health effects in Australia. Read the Study

Steinemann (2017). Health and societal effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products. Preventive Medicine Reports — Australian prevalence findings.

One in three Australians report health problems from fragranced consumer products — ScienceDaily summary of Australian research.

The Case Against Fragrance - Kate Grenville

A Perfume Alternative? - Kindred Self

One in three people are fragrance sensitive - so why aren't we talking about it? - One Seed