Fragrance Free Resources

We need everyone's help to be fragrance free.

Keep reading to understand why fragrance free matters, what to do, and what to use to create an accessible space for everyone.

Quick Start Guide

  1. 1

    Do not wear scented products: perfume, cologne, scented lotion, or essential oils.

  2. 2

    Use fragrance-free products including soap, body wash, facial cleansers, shampoo, hair gel, lotion, and laundry detergent.

  3. 3

    Switch early: Ideally start using fragrance-free laundry detergent 2–4 weeks before the event.

Why it Matters

Why Fragrance Free Matters

Many people experience illness when exposed to scented products. This is often called environmental injury or Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS).

Following these guidelines is about more than just “politeness” — it is a direct practice of disability justice and access intimacy.

We ask not only on behalf of our larger community, but also for ourselves as QWOCMAP staff, Board, Interns, and volunteers. We are also people with environmental injuries and chemical sensitivity. We need a Fragrance Free space so that we can do our jobs, and maintain our health, while we work hard to serve you.

“We need everyone’s help to be Fragrance Free and smoke-free so our community can stay safe and breathe.”

“We need everyone’s help to be Fragrance Free and smoke-free so our community can stay safe and breathe.”

Why Fragrance Free Matters
Preparation

How To Come Fragrance Free

Before You Arrive

  • Use only “fragrance free” body products (soap, body wash, facial cleansers, lotion, shampoo, hair gel, hair oil, pomades, makeup/cosmetics, deodorant, and other body products).

  • Wash clothes in fragrance free detergent or soak and wash your clothes with water and baking soda.

  • Skip dryer sheets and fabric softener — they have chemicals that can be harmful.

  • Check ingredients labels for: “fragrance,” “parfum,” “perfume,” “scent,” “essential oils,” and “natural” scents.

Day of the Festival

  • Do not apply perfume, cologne, or scented hair & body products.

  • Smokers: air out clothes and wash hands/mouth before entering.

  • Avoid air fresheners and incense, they will get into your clothes.

At the Theatre

  • We will have a clearly marked fragrance free reserved seating section, surrounded by a moat of people who are fragrance free but not chemically sensitive. Please honor fragrance free areas.

  • QWOCMAP works with the venue to use fragrance free, non-toxic cleaning products and other supplies.

  • The theatre and surrounding premises are smoke-free. Smoke-free means there is no smoking, and no second-hand smoke drifting in from another location.

Scents transfer easily.

If you are near someone who is wearing perfume, or has clothes washed with scented detergent, or who is a smoker, those scents may get on your clothes too. Please be mindful to avoid exposure on your way to the Film Festival.

Can’t change everything?

Harm reduction matters. Do what you can. Even minimizing your strongest scents and choosing seating further away from the fragrance-free section in the orchestra can help reduce the total chemical load in the room.

What to Skip

Help Keep the Space Safe

Certain everyday products can trigger reactions. Here's what to avoid before attending.

PRODUCT (AVOID) WHY IT MATTERS
Perfumes, colognes, body sprays

Very concentrated, lingers in air.
Scented lotions, body butters

Scents rise and spread, hard to avoid in close seating.
Scented deodorants

Constantly release fragrance.
Laundry detergent & dryer sheets

Stay in clothes, even when you don’t smell it.
Essential oils & “natural” fragrances

Still chemical exposures that can trigger reactions.
Scented hand sanitizer and soaps

Strong alcohol/fragrance combo lingers in air.

Look For Labels That Say

“Fragrance Free”

Preferred for soaps, lotions, makeup, and hair products.

“Free & Clear”

Common for laundry detergents and household cleaners.

Further Reading

More Guides & Links

Resources Created by People of Color

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