Dollars & scents

Friday, November 6, 1998

Dollars & scents

Fragrant bath products are

big business now, but buyer beware: some of them may

contain harsh chemicals

By Marilyn King

Daily Bruin Contributor

Peach, Watermelon, Strawberry lemonade, Sun Ripened Raspberry,
Pear and Apple scents all create emotions.

Do these scents make you hungry, or make you want to put lotion
on your legs?

Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, The Body Shop and many
other retail stores sell some form of scented lotions, sprays, gels
and soaps designed to make one smell good.

What is the craze behind these products? There are many reasons
for their popularity.

"You can pamper yourself with them. They’re luxury," said Lisa,
a consultant at Bath and Body Works. The most popular flavor now is
cucumber melon because of its "clean, fresh smell," she said.

When asked about health benefits, Lisa said that the products
often relieve stress. She loved the product so much that she
decided to work at Bath and Body Works.

Jennifer, a sales clerk at The Body Shop said that their
products relieve stress and is a form of pampering oneself. One
popular brand at the store is Oceanus, which is a naturally
smelling scent. She said they also help moisturize and replenish
the skin with nutrients. Smelling good is another reason for their
popularity.

"People like to smell good and like good scents. Bath and Body
Works has all kinds of flavors. My favorite flavor is Sun Ripened
Raspberry," said Ladan Mohtadi, a third-year biology student,

Felicia Hernandez, a fifth-year microbiology student, likes
Pearberry fragrance and that the scent lasts a long time.

"They (the fragrances) are not really strong, they smell good,
and they’re not that expensive," she said.

Alicia Kester, a third-year classical civilization and English
student, does not use Bath and Body Works products, but rather,
prefers products from the Body Shop.

Kester said she believes the reason for the whole aromatherapy
and scent fascination is that they are popular with high school
students and make good gifts ­ but in general, they provide
her with no health benefits.

Many consumers of these products believe that they provide no
substantial health benefits.

"I know of no benefits involving the use of fragrant products,"
said James Barnard, professor of physiological science and
medicine.

Despite their popularity, there are reasons to be cautious when
buying these products.

"Two main reasons for not using these products are that they
contain carcinogens and neurotoxic substances," Barnard said.

Some of the carcinogens include acetone, benzyl alcohol and
ethanol.

In addition, Barnard said that 20 to 30 percent of the general
population is allergic to or dislikes such fragrances.

Recently, Barnard polled his physiological sciences class about
the popularity of fragrant products.

Eighteen percent of the men and 15 percent of the women in the
class disliked the smell of perfume, cologne and other fragrance
products.

When fragrances were first made, they were extracted from
flowers. Today the scents are mostly synthetic, Barnard said.

Instead of paying ridiculous prices for extravagant fragrances,
Barnard suggested using soap and lotions that contain aloe vera, a
naturally occurring substance.

Aside from health concerns, some students cite other reasons for
not using these products.

Maria Garcia, a political science and classical civilization
senior, does not use Bath and Body works products.

Garcia’s reason is simply because the company discontinued her
favorite scent, Tea Rose. She liked the product for its scent and
that it lasted longer than perfume.

"The scents make people feel good and other people notice me,"
she said. "The scent also attracts one to the opposite sex."

Comments, feedback, problems?

© 1998 ASUCLA Communications Board[Home]