IVF, fragrance and the ingredients we use every day

Tina Walsh · 2026-10-17T11:03:15.597Z

When my husband and I started IVF through Repromed in Adelaide, I began looking more closely at the products in our home. Skincare, perfume, cleaning products. Things I’d used for years without really questioning what was in them. That was the real beginning of OmMade Organic Skincare, before I became pregnant with our daughter. I’ve recently been reading research that puts some science behind those ingredient questions, and I wanted to share it here, particularly for couples navigating fertility treatment. What does fragrance have to do with fertility research? Some fragrance formulations use phthalates as solvents or fixatives. Researchers are investigating how these chemicals may affect reproductive health. A Swedish study involving 185 women undergoing IVF found that more frequent perfume use was associated with higher levels of MEP, a breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, in follicular fluid, the fluid surrounding developing eggs. A 2026 review in FEBS Letters also examined evidence linking phthalates with changes in ovarian function, including hormone signalling. It’s worth looking beyond fragrance, too. Another study of 450 women undergoing IVF found an association between higher urinary butylparaben and fewer mature eggs. Butylparaben is a preservative, not a fragrance ingredient. These are separate ingredient questions, which is why reading the full formula matters. For me, the practical takeaway is to ask specific questions rather than judge a product by words like “natural”. If you and your partner are reviewing your routines: • Look at both sets of everyday products. • Ask brands about the ingredients you want to avoid, including phthalates. • Follow your fertility clinic’s guidance, especially before procedures. These papers mainly concern female reproductive biology. Reviewing products together can share the practical workload without placing another responsibility on the person undergoing treatment. I changed a lot during our IVF experience, but my story isn’t a checklist anyone else needs to complete. No bathroom shelf can guarantee an outcome. I’ve written more about the research and our experience here, with links to all three papers: https://www.ommadeorganicskincare.com/blogs/news/ivf-fragrance-skincare-research No need to share anything personal. I simply wanted this information to be available for anyone asking the same questions I once did. Tina x

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