is Febreze safe to use?

setting safety standards, one sniff at a time

OK, real talk: We aren’t the first air freshener. But we are the first of its kind with Febreze Odor-Clear Technology and long-lasting freshness. Back in 1994, a P&G research & development scientist discovered that a fancy little starch molecule used in dryer sheets (AKA cyclodextrin) could actually be used to fight away bad odors from fabrics—without throwing them into the wash. With an obsessive determination over the course of four years, he perfected that technology into a simple, water-based sprayable formula… and in 1998, Febreze Fabric Refresher made its debut.

Since then, we’ve made it our mission to develop odor-fighting formulas that help you breathe happy—whether you’re at home or on the move. Because, when it comes to the safety of our products, we don’t take any shortcuts. Our multi-step process goes well above and beyond industry standards—making sure every spritz, spray, and sniff of Febreze is as safe as it is effective.

our process: safety at every step

From the ingredients we source to the formulas we design, we follow a rigorous safety process that keeps your well-being our top priority.

We have a long list of stuff we just won’t use. Period. That includes phthalates and benzene—they’re on our ingredient black list and we simply refuse to formulate with them. Take a look at our full No List for more.

Our formulas are designed to actually fight bad odors without just masking them. That’s why we test every ingredient and evaluate each formula for its efficacy (that’s scientist lingo for, “it works!”) and safety—no fluff here—so that you can spray with confidence from the first to the last spritz.

An ingredient that’s safe on its own might not play well with others. Think: baking soda and vinegar volcanoes at the science fair. We rigorously test each formulation to determine if it’s safe to use under a number of situations to make sure our products are still within our safe range standards.

a little Q&A

Got questions? We’ve answered the ones we get asked the most below. Don’t see your question here? Contact us.

is Febreze toxic?

No. Contrary to popular belief, Febreze is NOT toxic. We thoroughly check that our ingredients are safe, both on their own and as part of the combined formula, through years of safety testing and collaborations with global safety agencies. Learn more about how Febreze works here.

is Febreze safe for people with allergies or asthma?

No one likes odors, but scents are subjective—and we all react differently to fragrance. From low-fragrance products, like Febreze LIGHT, to fragrance-free, like Febreze FABRIC Free, we offer a range of scent levels depending on preference. As with any product, if you have specific health concerns, consult with your doctor.

is Febreze safe to use around my pets?

Contrary to rumors alleging that Febreze causes serious illness or death in pets, our veterinary toxicology experts at ASPCA regard Febreze fabric freshener products to be safe for use in households with pets. As with any product, it is important that you always follow label instructions for use. However, should your pet accidentally come into contact with Febreze when it is still wet, ASPCA would not anticipate problems beyond mild skin irritation (which can occur with any product in animals with sensitive skin) or minor stomach upset, if it is ingested.

See how seriously we take your pet’s safety here.

can I use Febreze around my kids?

Yes, Febreze is safe to use around children. But remember, just like other household products, Febreze is not a toy and should be kept out of reach of children.

is it better to use essential oils instead?

Not necessarily. Did you know that citrus oils can be harmful if included in products placed on skin exposed to the sun? Ingredients that come from nature aren’t always safer than identical ones that are made in a lab. Many plants naturally produce oils that are toxic or irritating, or that can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or when they contact skin.

is Febreze flammable?

Nope! Febreze AIR uses a 100% natural nitrogen propellant. Nitrogen works in Febreze as a non-flammable propellant—and is a natural part of the air we breathe (vs. common propellants like butane and propane).

how do I store Febreze AIR?

We fit a lot of awesome into a bottle of Febreze AIR. But that doesn’t mean you can just cram it anywhere. Don’t store Febreze in freezing temps or anywhere above 120ºF (in direct sunlight, in your car, near an open flame, in a volcano, etc.). Cool? Cool.

is Febreze safe to use while pregnant?

Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or raising a crew of tiny humans, you can confidently fight odors with Febreze. Just follow the instructions on the label and reach out to your doctor with any concerns.

can using Febreze lead to inhalant abuse?

Unlike some other air fresheners, Febreze exclusively uses nitrogen, a natural part of the air we breathe, as a propellant. That means no flammable propellants (like isobutane, butane, and propane), which can cause dangerous side effects when inhaled. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful. Help stop inhalation abuse. For more information, visit www.inhalant.org.

You can read more about P&G’s safety standards here.

Wanna know even more about Febreze? Take a closer look at how our formulas work, the ingredients we use (and don’t use), and our recyclability, or meet the entire odor-fighting bunch.