What’s Really in Febreze? A Fact-Check on Viral Claims

Viral posts on Facebook and other platforms claim Febreze contains undisclosed toxic chemicals and can cause serious long-term health effects. We reviewed the evidence. We found the claim to be misleading.

Social Media Posts

Social media posts suggest that Febreze and other commercial air fresheners contain hidden toxic chemicals that are not listed on the label and may cause lung damage, hormone disruption, and long-term health risks and we should avoid from air fresheners. We decided to fact check it.

FB | Archived

Fact Check

Do Febreze and similar sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents, or preservatives that are not disclosed on the label?

Febreze’s label and website list familiar ingredients – e.g. water, alcohol, odor-binding cyclodextrin, solvents (like PEG-60 castor oil), surfactants and a preservative (benzisothiazolinone). Febreze also notes it uses inert nitrogen gas instead of flammable VOC propellants, and explicitly states it contains no formaldehyde, phthalates, benzene or other notorious toxins. 

However, like most scented products, Febreze lists “fragrance” as a single ingredient, which can legally contain multiple undisclosed compounds in the U.S. 

The U.S. does not require individual fragrance ingredients to be listed, while EU rules mandate disclosure of certain allergens but not full fragrance formulas. Read here and here

Independent studies on scented consumer products (not specific to Febreze) show that fragrance mixtures can release VOCs commonly used in perfumery, such as terpenes like limonene and pinene. Some of these VOCs may act as irritants or sensitizers, especially for people with asthma or chemical sensitivities. These studies do not analyze Febreze products directly but illustrate that many fragranced consumer products can emit VOCs under normal use.

Is there scientific evidence linking these ingredients to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, or hormone disruption?

Scientific studies and the U.S. EPA notes state that fragranced consumer products can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with asthma or chemical sensitivities. Surveys have found that a portion of the population reports symptoms such as headaches, coughing, or breathing discomfort when exposed to scented products. These responses are consistent with the known irritant properties of certain VOCs used in fragrances.

Are long-term health effects from indoor exposure to air fresheners comparable to cigarette smoke, as the post suggests?

Some fragrance ingredients have been studied for potential endocrine or irritant effects and     can affect hormone balance, but current evidence does not indicate that normal household use of air fresheners results in exposures comparable to cigarette smoke. Indoor VOC levels come from many sources, making it difficult to attribute long-term health outcomes to a single product.

Can Febreze worsen asthma or affect children and pets more severely?

Some individuals—including children, people with asthma, and certain pets—may be more sensitive to fragranced products. Read here.  Manufacturers recommend avoiding use around animals known to be sensitive, particularly birds. Febreze itself cautions: “It is not recommended to use Febreze around pets with sensitivities to scented products … like birds.” Ensuring good ventilation can reduce the likelihood of irritation for both humans and pets. 

Is switching to essential oils a safer and science-backed alternative for scenting indoor spaces?

Essential oils are often presented as natural alternatives, but they also contain VOCs and can cause irritation for sensitive individuals or certain pets. The American Lung Assoc. explains that diffusing oils also emits volatile organic compounds that can irritate the lungs, cause allergic reactions or worsen asthma. Experts instead recommend, the safest approaches to freshening indoor air generally include ventilation and reducing sources of odor.

Conclusion

Air fresheners do contain VOCs and solvents (mostly hidden under the term “fragrance”), but Febreze’s published formula shows it avoids certain high-risk ingredients. Scientific studies confirm that exposure to scented products can irritate airways and worsen symptoms in people with asthma/allergy. However, there is no evidence that normal household use of Febreze is equivalent to smoking cigarettes or causes widespread cancer. The viral claims exaggerate the risks: multiple experts note it’s not possible to tie one spray in a home to long-term smoking-level harm. Lastly, “natural” alternatives (essential oils) carry their own hazards and should be used with caution. The safest approach to fresh indoor air is cleanliness and airflow, not heavy scenting.