5 Reasons Biome is a Fake Fragrance-Free Zone

August 16, 2025 Tracey Bailey

At Biome, the number one reason we are a 100% Fake Fragrance-Free Zone is because we care — about people’s health, the wellbeing of our team and community, and the environment we all share.

We’re also tired of the dream-washing that dominates the fragrance industry. Marketing campaigns promise that a scent will bring you love, confidence, self care, a tropical holiday, or emotional comfort — as if spraying on a perfume, lighting a candle, or using fabric softener can transform your life! But behind that glossy promise is an industry built on secrecy, petrochemicals, and environmental harm.

That’s why, instead of selling you a fantasy, we choose honesty and transparency. In our stores and online, you’ll only find products that are safe for you and safe for the planet, with no hidden synthetic fragrance. And when you step into a Biome store, you’ll notice something truly beautiful: the absence of that sharp, sickly-sweet chemical haze.

For 20 years, we’ve built Biome to be a safe zone, free from fake fragrances, and here’s why.

1. “Fragrance” can hide hundreds of chemicals

Why it matters: In Australia, companies can legally list “fragrance” or “parfum” without revealing the ingredients inside. That one word could be a mix of dozens—or even hundreds—of petrochemical compounds.

At Biome: Every product we stock lists its full scent ingredients (which are only essential oils), or contains no scent at all.

2. Exposure adds up all day, every day

Why it matters: You might encounter synthetic fragrance in your shampoo, then your deodorant, laundry powder, dish liquid, air freshener, office hand soap, candles, and even your clothes. Each one might seem small, but together they create constant, cumulative exposure.

At Biome: Our products never add to that daily load—so your home can be a place to breathe easier.

3. Health effects you may not expect

Why it matters: Synthetic fragrance chemicals can trigger headaches, allergies, asthma flare-ups, skin irritation, hormone disruption, and more. Many effects build slowly and aren’t linked back to the scent because the reaction can be delayed or subtle. More here about the effects explored by Australian author Kate Grenville.

At Biome: We choose only pure essential oils or unscented products to avoid unnecessary risks.

4. Fragrance pollution is real

Why it matters: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from scented products contribute to indoor air pollution and can linger in the air and on surfaces long after you can smell them. They also enter waterways when you wash scented products down the drain.

At Biome: No synthetic fragrance means fewer petrochemicals in your home, air, and environment.

5. Our stores and office are fragrance-free spaces

Why it matters: Fragrance-free spaces are healthier and more inclusive for people with chemical sensitivities. It also helps us lead by example.

At Biome: We encourage our team not to wear perfume or scented products at work. And of course, we don't bombard our team and customers with heady synthetic smells in our stores.

The difference is amazing—every day, visitors ask, “What’s that beautiful smell?” They’re noticing what’s missing: that sharp, sickly-sweet edge common in most indoor spaces.

A safer, cleaner scent experience

Choosing products that are free from artificial fragrance is about more than avoiding a headache—it’s about reducing your chemical load, protecting your health, and caring for the environment.