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What’s Really Inside Your Room Freshener? A Deep Dive into Aerosol Sprays

Posted on June 16 2025, By: Pavan Jakka

Have you ever stopped to think about what's actually inside the aerosol room freshener you frequently use in your home? Sure, it smells pleasant and feels refreshing, but have you considered what you're breathing in?

Let's unpack the truth behind aerosol sprays and understand exactly what you're introducing into your indoor air.

Understanding Aerosol Room Fresheners

Aerosol room fresheners come in pressurized cans filled with a mixture of fragrance, solvents, and gases. When you press the nozzle, the gas pushes the fragrance solution out, creating that familiar fine mist.

Sounds harmless, right? Well, let's dig a little deeper.

Ingredients Inside an Aerosol Spray

Here's a clear breakdown of the typical ingredients found in aerosol sprays:

Ingredient Purpose Percentage (Approx.)
Propellant Gas Pushes fragrance out (e.g., LPG, butane) 30–60%
Solvent (Alcohol) Helps fragrance disperse evenly 20–30%
Water Dilutes solution 10–20%
Fragrance Oils Provides the scent 1–5%
Additives Preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers <1%


Important note:
More than half of what you're spraying could be just gas, not fragrance!

The Truth About Propellant Gases

Common gases used as propellants include:

  • LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) – Commonly used for cooking and heating.
  • Butane/Isobutane/Propane – Found in lighters, camping stoves, and more.

While these gases disperse quickly, they pose certain concerns:

  • Flammable Risks: Can ignite if sprayed near flames or heat sources.
  • Health Concerns: May cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, or allergic reactions with regular exposure.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Contributes to indoor air pollution, affecting overall air quality in your home.

Hidden Chemicals You Should Know About

Many aerosol fresheners include chemicals that manufacturers often don't disclose clearly:

  • Phthalates: Added to prolong fragrance, these can disrupt hormones and cause respiratory irritation.
  • Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens are known endocrine disruptors and can cause irritation for sensitive individuals.

Manufacturers typically label these ingredients simply as “fragrance,” making them hard to spot.

Regulations: Why is this Allowed?

In regions like the US and EU, aerosol sprays have strict guidelines controlling ingredient use and labeling. However, in many countries, including India, these regulations are less stringent, allowing potentially harmful ingredients to remain undisclosed and unregulated.

Why Brands Continue Using Aerosol

Aerosol sprays are popular with brands because:

  • They're cost-effective to produce in bulk.
  • They have long shelf lives and easy distribution.
  • Consumers enjoy the instant burst of fragrance.

Unfortunately, consumer health and environmental concerns often take a backseat.

Choosing Safer Alternatives

Thankfully, safer alternatives like non-aerosol, alcohol-based pump sprays exist. That's one of the key reasons we created Tatva Room Freshener — a thoughtful response to this gap in the market.

With Tatva:

  • No Propellant Gases: Meaning fewer health risks and reduced flammability.
  • Transparent Ingredients: Always phthalate-free and paraben-free.
  • Inspired by Rituals: Rooted in temple-inspired calm and everyday mindfulness.
  • 100% Liquid: Every ml is a blend of alcohol and curated fragrance — no hidden gases.

Tatva is not just a product. It's a return to intentional living, where even the air we breathe is treated with care.

How You Can Make a Difference

As consumers, you have the power to make informed choices:

  • Always read product labels and ingredient lists.
  • Choose products clearly labeled "phthalate-free," "paraben-free," and "gas-free."
  • Opt for non-aerosol, eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible.
  • Spread awareness among your family and friends.

Final Thoughts

Your home should be a safe and healthy environment. By understanding what's inside aerosol sprays, you can make better choices for your health and your family's well-being.

Tatva was created with this mission in mind — to offer you a cleaner, gentler way to fragrance your space.

Choose wisely—cleaner air starts with informed decisions.