BOD Really Ripped Abs: What's in My Cologne?

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract/Artist Statement

Humans slather, spray, mist, and cleanse their bodies with personal care products like lotion, hairspray, cologne, and shampoo every day. Our cupboards are stocked full of them, but few of us understand what is in those jars and bottles. We trust that if it’s on the shelf at the store, it’s safe. However, this is not always the case, and many personal care products contain chemicals that are harmful to human and environmental health.

My multi-disciplinary Environmental Studies thesis project combines evidenced-based research, interviews, nonfiction narrative, and science communication to create a book manuscript intended to educate general consumers about the harmful ingredients found in everyday products in their homes. The book project motivates readers to make changes in their own homes and on store shelves.

The chapter I will present focuses on the question: What is “Fragrance?” Although the term “fragrance” is found on the labels of virtually every personal care product, this term can be a catchall for more than 50 chemicals ingredients. This is because of a federal loophole that exempts trade secret ingredients from listing. However, toxic ingredients often hide behind the guise of “fragrance. My presentation will unpack “fragrance” by describing the history of perfume, federal policy, toxicological profiles of key ingredients, and by reading from the manuscript.

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Apr 27th, 2:05 PM Apr 27th, 2:20 PM

BOD Really Ripped Abs: What's in My Cologne?

UC Ballroom, Pod #2

Humans slather, spray, mist, and cleanse their bodies with personal care products like lotion, hairspray, cologne, and shampoo every day. Our cupboards are stocked full of them, but few of us understand what is in those jars and bottles. We trust that if it’s on the shelf at the store, it’s safe. However, this is not always the case, and many personal care products contain chemicals that are harmful to human and environmental health.

My multi-disciplinary Environmental Studies thesis project combines evidenced-based research, interviews, nonfiction narrative, and science communication to create a book manuscript intended to educate general consumers about the harmful ingredients found in everyday products in their homes. The book project motivates readers to make changes in their own homes and on store shelves.

The chapter I will present focuses on the question: What is “Fragrance?” Although the term “fragrance” is found on the labels of virtually every personal care product, this term can be a catchall for more than 50 chemicals ingredients. This is because of a federal loophole that exempts trade secret ingredients from listing. However, toxic ingredients often hide behind the guise of “fragrance. My presentation will unpack “fragrance” by describing the history of perfume, federal policy, toxicological profiles of key ingredients, and by reading from the manuscript.