Hi, I’m Jessica — the founder of Sensoriam and a mum of two.
Pregnancy is such a beautiful, tender, and sometimes overwhelming time. I loved it! Your body is changing. Your senses are heightened. Your awareness of what you put in and on your body shifts dramatically. And one thing that often gets overlooked — but can have a surprisingly big impact — is the perfume you wear.
Let’s talk about fragrance and pregnancy — what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to navigate scent during this sacred season, whether you're expecting, hoping to conceive, or supporting someone who is.
Can I Wear Perfume While Pregnant?
The short answer: yes, you can — but it is the kind of perfume that really matters.
Yes, wearing perfume during pregnancy is generally considered safe — especially when done in moderation. According to the American Pregnancy Association, there’s no conclusive evidence linking perfume use to birth defects or serious pregnancy complications. That said, many women find their sense of smell becomes more sensitive during this time, and certain scents may trigger nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
It’s also wise to be mindful of what’s actually in your perfume. While the most serious concerns around fragrance chemicals (like endocrine disruptors) tend to arise with high levels of exposure, pregnancy is still a good time to reduce your overall load — by avoiding synthetic fragrances, choosing natural ingredients, and being gentle with your senses.
Most conventional perfumes on the market are made with synthetic fragrance ingredients, many of which are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are compounds that can mimic or interfere with your body’s natural hormones — which is particularly concerning during pregnancy, when your hormonal balance is already undergoing major shifts.
Common fragrance additives like phthalates, musks, parabens, formaldehyde releasers, and toluene have all raised health concerns. Phthalates, in particular, are widely used in perfumes to help scent linger on the skin — but research (one & two) has linked long-term or high-level exposure to potential risks including thyroid dysfunction, PCOS, hormonal imbalances, neurodevelopmental effects, and even preterm birth in some studies.
Also keep in mind that it can take over 20 years to produce "conclusive data” through the research methodology today. And there is no research done at all on our exposure to a mixture of man-made chemicals all at the one time. We are the human experiment for that. You may prefer, especially during pregnancy, to opt out of that human experience and choose 100% natural where possible.
That said, there isn’t yet enough ‘’conclusive data to say that using a fragranced product occasionally — or even daily — will cause harm. Most experts agree that the issue lies in cumulative exposure across multiple products.
During pregnancy, your skin can become more sensitive, your scent preferences may change, and your body's detox pathways are working overtime. So it makes sense to be mindful about the fragrances you're exposed to — especially the ones you wear every day.
What Perfume Is Safe to Wear During Pregnancy?
When it comes to safety, 100% natural perfumes are the best place to start, we believe. These are perfumes made entirely from natural botanical ingredients — essential oils, absolutes, resins, and plant extracts — without any synthetic fragrance compounds, phthalates, or hidden chemicals.
At Sensoriam, we only curate perfumes that meet this standard. Everything we stock is made with pure, plant-based materials and no synthetic shortcuts. That said, even natural ingredients should be approached with care during pregnancy, especially when it comes to essential oils.
Are All Natural Perfumes Safe for Pregnancy?
Not quite. Some essential oils, while natural, are not recommended during pregnancy — especially in high concentrations.
Here are a few ingredients to use with caution or avoid altogether, particularly in the first trimester:
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Clary Sage (can affect uterine tone)
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Rosemary (stimulating to the uterus)
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Cinnamon Bark (potential skin irritant)
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Basil (hormone influencing)
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Wintergreen and Birch (contain salicylates)
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Jasmine (often cautioned in early pregnancy)
That said, many essential oils are beautifully supportive and gentle when used correctly — like lavender, neroli, mandarin, frankincense, and rose. These are commonly found in natural perfumes and are generally considered safer, especially in low concentrations found in perfume application (like roll-ons and eau de parfums).
Of course, every pregnancy is different — so it’s vital to speak with your doctor, obstetrician, or trusted naturopath before using any product on your skin. This post is not medical advice, but a starting point for your journey.
My Story: Why I Switched to Natural Perfume After Having Kids
I didn’t know any of this when I was pregnant. My switch to natural perfume came after I had my daughters — when they were tiny and I started paying closer attention to what was in the products I used around the house and on my body.
Once I learned more about synthetic fragrance and its potential impacts, I switched everything out. Perfume. Cleaning products. Skincare. It became a slow, steady journey of minimising exposure — not just for me, but for them. And that’s how Sensoriam was born.
Now, I’m so passionate about helping women and families make the shift in a way that feels beautiful, empowering, and enjoyable. Because you shouldn’t have to give up wearing perfume — you just deserve a better one.
Perfume and Fertility: What If You’re Trying to Conceive?
If you're undergoing fertility treatment — such as IVF, IUI, or other assisted reproductive processes — it’s a good idea to minimise your exposure to synthetic fragrances as much as possible.
Studies have shown that certain fragrance chemicals may mimic or block hormone activity, which can interfere with your natural cycles or hormone therapies. Natural perfumes, when chosen thoughtfully and worn sparingly, can be a safer and more supportive option during this sensitive time.
Again, check with your fertility specialist or naturopath, and feel into what’s right for you. Everyone’s path to pregnancy is different — but less synthetic exposure is almost always a good idea.
What’s the Best Natural Perfume to Wear While Pregnant?
It really depends on your body, your skin, and your senses — all of which are changing as you grow new life.
This is where our Sensoriam Scent Quiz is a great place to begin. It’s a gentle and intuitive way to find a perfume that suits your mood, your energy, and your preferences — with recommendations from our curated 100% natural collection.
If you're just starting out, our Mini Natural Perfume Sampler Sets are another lovely option. You can explore floral, woody, citrus, spicy, or sweet scent families, all made from pure botanicals. You might find your nose leads you somewhere unexpected (pregnancy noses are very wise!).
Looking for More Support on Your Scent Journey?
You might also love exploring these Sensoriam blog posts:
Baby Shower Ideas: Bondi Edition – Gorgeous ways to celebrate the mum-to-be
Hormone Disruption & Perfume: What You Need to Know – A must-read if you’re detoxing your beauty routine
The Easy Guide to Essential Oils & Pregnancy – A breakdown of what’s safe and what to avoid
How to Choose Natural Perfume for Sensitive Skin – Because your skin deserves gentleness, too
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Nose, Trust Your Body
Pregnancy is a time of incredible wisdom and transformation. If something doesn’t feel right — even a scent you once loved — trust that. Your body knows. Your baby knows. And there are beautiful, safe, and sensual ways to still enjoy fragrance as part of your self-care ritual.
Whether you’re pregnant now, trying to conceive, or simply ready to switch to something more natural for your growing family — we’re here to help you find your scent, naturally.
With love,
Jessica
Founder, Sensoriam
