The True Cost of Wellness: Home Fragrance Edition

Alicia McKenzie
Apr 1, 2024
4 min read

This post contains affiliate links.

Stop and Smell the (Non-Toxic) Roses

There's nothing quite like walking into a home that smells crisp, clean and inviting. A subtle fragrance has a way of making a space feel warm and welcoming, like someone just did a Joanna Gaines-level refresh. But let's be honest, most of us have fallen victim to artificially Over-Scented homes from using too many plugins, aerosol sprays, and headache-inducing candles over the years.

While traditional home fragrance products seem like an easy way to combat odors, their toxic ingredients are increasingly being called into question. Many contain a mystery concoction of synthetic chemicals, hidden under that innocent little "fragrance" label, that could be messing with your hormones and overall health. Definitely not here for that.

The Danger of Old-School Home Fragrance

While labeling regulations allow conventional air freshener brands to simply list "fragrance" as an ingredient, this one word can represent a cocktail of hundreds of different chemicals. Many of these fragrance compounds are derived from petroleum products and have been linked to a plethora of negative health effects, including:

There has to be a better way to keep your ascetically-pleasing home smelling like a million bucks without exposing yourself to worrisome endocrine disruptors and potential carcinogens, right? But alas, I have a few solutions for you!

Cleaner Home Fragrance Solutions

Enter the Pura (no this is not a sponsored post). This tech-savvy diffuser is giving stale, tired plugins an upscale essential oil makeover - and it's about thyme, am I right? The Pura uses only 100% pure botanical ingredients to craft lush, long-lasting scents that are completely free of toxic synthetics like phthalates and formaldehyde. Just Mother Nature's finest renewable aromas to keep your home smelling like a high-vibe Eden.

But the Pura's plant-based potency isn't the only reason it's a breath of fresh air compared to traditional air fresheners. This design-forward device is also insanely user-friendly and efficient at dispersing fragrance. Using their mobile app, because there is literally an app for everything these days, you can customize each detail from scent intensity to misting intervals with just a few taps. The Pura's cold air diffusion system will then get to seamlessly spritzing your signature aroma throughout your space - no harsh chemical bursts or battery-powered burnout.

You can even set the Pura to diffuse on an automated schedule so your home smells glorious every time you walk through the door. Mine works from the hours of 10-4 when my kids are in school and it makes me so happy. Long gone are the days of having to repurchase those little plugin things that turn brown in a few weeks. Anyone else feeling nostalgic? Just me? Coolcoolcool.

Home Fragrance Cost Comparisons

Each of the Pura's high-capacity refill bottles pack enough pure essential oil concentrate to keep your whole domicile smelling like an expensive spa for months on end. Sure, the device itself costs $45-75 upfront, but a year's worth of refills averages under $100 total - less than half the price of a single luxury candle that will be gone in 60 burns!

Compare that to constantly churning through $5-10 plugin refills and spray cans designed to fade out quickly. Most conventional home fragrance brands are little more than pricey toxic air - not the type of wellness investment you want to keep making, especially if you have young kids or fragrance sensitivities.

While you're paying a little more upfront, consider it an investment in creating an everyday oasis using only pure, ethically-sourced plant essences - not a revolving door of wasteful, hormone-harming products. You cannot put a price on ridding your home of unnecessary toxins that could have a negative effect on a whole host of things. I, personally, like to prioritize my toxins.

Of course, Pura isn't the only non-toxic home fragrance game in town these days. Some other fresh alternatives include:

Herb Sachets & Simmering Spices: If you've ever been to a Williams Sonoma during the holidays, you totally get this suggestion. This old-school trick uses herbs, peels, and warming spices like cinnamon to naturally scent the home without any artificial fragrances. Just bundle the botanicals in breathable sachets or simmer on the stove for mouthwatering aromas.

Fragrance-Free Cleaning Concentrates: Brands like Aunt Fannie's, one of my favorite vinegar cleansers, harness the power of essential oils and other plant-based ingredients to deliver fresh, long-lasting scents without any harsh synthetics or overpowering aromas. Perfect for a light, natural clean.

Clean Candle Companies: More and more candle crafters are ditching the paraffin wax and lead wicks in favor of non-toxic alternatives like soy, beeswax, and cotton wicks. Brands like Voluspa use only 100% pure essential oil blends and sustainable plant waxes for an eco-luxe fragrance experience without any carcinogens or hormone disruptors.

Bottom Line: Splurge or Save?

Splurge. Toss those dated plugins, aerosol sprays, and dirty candles and elevate your sacred space with these cleaner alternatives. This cutting-edge diffuser puts the "wow" back in home aromas and wellness without any toxic sacrifices. Smells like an amazing solution to me!

XO,