Imagine reading the following on the label of your favorite cleaning product:
"A heady aroma of Triclosan and Triclocarban, with a subtle trace of Perchloroethylene and the freshness of 2-Butoxyethanol."
Not too appealing, is it? Believe it or not, these chemicals—and many others—are often the primary ingredients used to make conventional products smell "good."
While we associate the word ‘fragrance’ with pleasantness and freshness, in the world of standard cleaners, it often acts as a cover for a potent chemical cocktail. The "hangover" from these products isn't just a bad smell, it can involve genuine health risks like allergic reactions and hormone disruption.
The "Fragrance" Loophole: A Legal Black Box
One of the biggest challenges for conscious consumers is that many fragrance chemicals have never been assessed for safety. Because fragrance formulas are legally considered "trade secrets," companies are not required to list their individual ingredients.
Instead, they can simply use the umbrella term ‘fragrance’ to hide hundreds of undisclosed substances. Unless every ingredient is clearly listed on the label, there is no way of knowing what you are truly bringing into your home.
Ingredients to Watch Out For
When checking your labels, stay alert for these "unpalatable" chemicals:
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Phthalates: Often used to make scents last longer; linked to hormone disruption.
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Triclosan & Triclocarban: Antibacterials that can impact thyroid function.
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Perchloroethylene (PERC): A known neurotoxin often found in specialized cleaners.
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Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS): Can trigger asthma and skin irritation.
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Ammonia, Chlorine, & Sodium Hydroxide: Harsh irritants that can damage respiratory health.
The Koala Eco Standard
At Koala Eco, we believe transparency is the only way forward. We don't hide behind "trade secrets." Instead, we use only ingredients that are transparent, including only Australian essential oils, never synthetic fragrance.
What’s Inside Our Bottles?
Our formulations are powered by nature’s most effective cleaners:
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Sugar-based alcohols: For natural cleaning power
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Plant-based solubilisers: To ensure a perfect blend without synthetic fixatives.
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Coconut & Sugar-based soaps: Non-toxic surfactants that lift dirt without the "nasties."
The Power of Real Essential Oils
Our products don't smell like a laboratory, they smell like the wild Australian bush. We use pure essential oils that provide both a refreshing aroma and functional benefits:
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Eucalyptus Australiana: A natural powerhouse for clearing the air.
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Peppermint: Refreshing, cooling, and invigorating.
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Lemon Myrtle: A powerful yet natural cleaning agent.
Make the Switch Today
Transitioning to a non-toxic home doesn't have to happen all at once. Start small: replace one conventional cleaner with a Koala Eco alternative. It’s a simple change that brings the "wild and wondrous" power of nature into your home with no harm done.
Switch to a Koala Eco natural cleaning product here.