Super, Sensitive and Fragrance-Free

Super, Sensitive and Fragrance-Free

Media release

October 9, 2012– In response to customer demand, ecostore has announced four more additions to their fragrance-free range, which now includes Laundry Liquid, Dish Liquid, Hand Wash and Body Wash. There are now 11 products available in the category.

“Fragrances are added to just about every product we use around our homes,” says ecostore founder Malcolm Rands. “Yet fragrance is one of the most common triggers for sensitive people with allergies and most of the time we have no idea what they’re made of because the formulations are top-secret. More and more of our customers have been asking us to increase our fragrance-free line, so it seems to be a problem that more people are having trouble with.”

While it is now mandatory to declare allergen fractions in cosmetics, it is not mandatory in cleaning products and moreover, as Rands explains, disclosure doesn’t dispel the possible health concerns from exposure. “Some fragrances can cause reactions like dizziness, light–headedness and headaches, even nausea. There are more than 4000 different chemicals used to make fragrances and a typical one can use anywhere between 100 to 350 of them.” He adds that several of the chemicals used in fragrances can be toxic and more than 95 per cent of them are made up of synthetic compounds from petroleum. “Chemicals like diethyl phthalate and benzene add fragrance and produce vapour, but they’re also known carcinogens or immunotoxins.”

ecostore uses essential oils and fractions extracted from plants in their products. “Citrus, eucalyptus, lavender and patchouli are more sustainable than synthetic fragrances that come from petrochemicals,” explains Rands. “But even fragrances made from essential oils can cause an allergic reaction for some sensitive people. Which is why we identify any allergens in our products on the label - to help people make an informed decision about whether to use them.”

If you or anyone in your home is sensitive to fragrance, even natural essential oils like ecostore’s, then you might like to try their fragrance-free products. The range is available New Zealand-wide online, www.ecostoredirect.co.nz, and at select supermarkets and health stores.

Further information:
Fractions: There are 26 allergens commonly found in fragrances and essential oils, which affect approximately 3 – 5 per cent of the population. Some of these are natural components of essential oils called fractions. The allergenic properties of fractions naturally came about as a way to repel or attract insects and animals.
For a full list of products in ecostore’s fragrance-free range, see:
http://www.ecostoredirect.co.nz/fragrance-free
To learn more about diethyl phthalate, benzene and other nasty chemicals, see: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/aboutus/Sustainability/scent_free.aspx or refer to the Environmental Working Group’s chemical database
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep
About ecostore
Founded in 1993, ecostore proudly creates cleaning, body care and baby care products that are healthier and safer for people, as well as the planet. ecostore products are sold nationwide and internationally in Australia, United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
ecostore manufactures its products at its ISO 14001, Enviro-Mark®NZ–Diamond, CarboNZero certified facility in Auckland. ecostore was awarded New Zealand’s ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ in 2009 and has been voted by kiwis as leading the way in sustainability in Colmar Brunton’s Better Business, Better World survey for two years running. Their laundry range recently won the coveted Canstar Blue award for overall performance and value.
www.ecostore.co.nz

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