(PARTIAL) LIST OF PRODUCTS FOR CHEMICALLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE AND THEIR ALLIES/FRIENDS

originally compiled by Diana Lion (rev. 9/08), additions from Peggy Munson and other revisions by EBMC as indicated (04/09)

The products listed below are tolerated by many chemically sensitive people (though please note that individual tolerances vary) and are available in some local stores, such as food coops, Farmers’ markets, natural foods stores, some drugstores and community stores, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, online distributors (listed at end of article), etc.

Please note that many products are made by manufacturers who also make scented products. Be sure to buy the unscented or fragrance-free variety!

Many products are mistakenly marked “unscented” or “fragrance-free” for a variety of reasons (beyond the scope of this list to explain). It is important to test each product with your nose (if you have a good sense of smell and are not chemically sensitive yourself) or ask a friend with a good sense of smell. That will be a better determinant of whether a product is scent-free than anything a manufacturer writes on packaging.

Products specifically for African Americans and people of African descent are included on this list. Although there aren't a wide range of these products, no doubt there will be more products available, as demand increases. Please look online for more sources. (Also see the category For African Americans & People of African Descent -- 4/09 EBMC)

An excellent all-around product for use in washing body, hair, laundry and housecleaning is Dr Bronner's Organic Pure-Castille Liquid Soap - Unscented. It's very concentrated and only a small amount is used by diluting it in water. This is the soap used at EBMC. (4/09 EBMC)

Finally, don’t be afraid to trust your naturally occurring pheromones rather than using added-on scents!

My favourite products in various categories are marked with an asterisk.

Quick links:


FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS & PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT (4/09 EBMC)
Fragrance free and low fragrance personal products (and where to get them in the East Bay)

DEODORANTS

HAIR CARE

LOTIONS/MOISTURIZERS

MISCELLANEOUS HAIR/SKIN

MAKEUP

Brands that include some fragrance-free options: Zuzu Luxe, Burt's Bees, Ecco Bella, Zia, Gabriel Color, Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC), No Miss (4/09 PM-EBMC)

SHAVING PRODUCTS

SHOWER GELS / BATH SALTS, etc.

SOAP (BAR)

SOAP (LIQUID)

SUNSCREEN

INSECT REPELLENT

HOUSECLEANING PRODUCTS

LAUNDRY DETERGENT

FABRIC SOFTENER

BLEACH (or ALTERNATIVE)

(SOME) ONLINE DISTRIBUTORS

OTHER RESOURCES

Chemical Injury Information Network (CIIN)
Support/advocacy organization dealing with Chemical Injury
www.ciin.org

Princess Tiger Lily
Resources for MCS, CFIDS, fibromyalgia groups worldwide; making your workplace fragrance-free; links between MCS and Gulf War syndrome; etc.
www.princesstigerlily.com/mcs/mcs_by_area.html

Buying Fragrance Free Products
excellent info by Peggy Munson
www.peggymunson.com/mcs/products.html