Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha

Dear Sangha Member and/or Retreatant~

As in the world at large, there are many members of the Vipassana community who are extremely allergic to commonly used chemicals, and in particular, scents and fragrances. Upon being exposed to these aromatic substances, they suffer severe and debilitating physical symptoms. In an effort to include these people and make the Dharma accessible to as diverse a population as possible, we ask that you make it part of your practice to refrain from using scented products while participating in Sangha events.  It will require a special kind of mindfulness as so many products contain scents and fragrances these days to which those of us who are healthy have become inured.  Please don’t rely on your own nose. The only way to be certain that a product is unscented is by reading the list of ingredients to insure that it does not contain the word “fragrance”, including “natural” ones. While it goes without saying that perfume and cologne are among the products to be avoided, most other personal care products such as shampoo and other hair products, body/face lotions, soap, etc., contain fragrances as well.  Please also be aware that the scents in laundry detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets such as “bounce’ remain in clothes for a long time and are among the most troublesome products.

In response to requests for suggestions, we are including a list of some products that are known to be fragrance-free. In making a commitment to use unscented products, you are contributing to a healthier environment and ensuring that people with severe chemical allergies will be able to attend our events. Over the past several years, the Santa Fe Sangha has become known for its awareness, generosity and accessibility in this area. Thank you for your sincere efforts and consideration. Your generous act of renunciation will be deeply appreciated.

With Metta~
The Santa Fe Vipassana Sangha

SOME PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS
These and others are commonly available at natural food stores and often at large supermarkets or drugstores. Many of these brands also make scented versions so please check to ensure the one you’re getting is unscented or fragrance-free. Check the ingredients label!

Shampoo: Tom’s Unscented, Jason Fragrance-Free, Magik Botanicals Unscented, Stonybrook Unscented, 365 Fragrance-Free (Whole Foods brand), Heritage Products Hypoallergenic Olive Oil, Earth Science Fragrance-Free, Pure Essentials Fragrance-Free, Desert Essence Unscented

Conditioner: Jason Fragrance-Free, Magik Botanicals Unscented, Stonybrook Unscented, Earth Science Fragrance-Free, 365 Fragrance-Free Conditioner (Whole Foods brand) Pure Essentials Fragrance-Free, Dessert Essence Unscented

Soap: Tom’s Unscented Deodorant or Moisture Bar or Liquid, Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Unscented Baby-Mild Bar or Liquid, Kiss My Face Moisture Bar Fragrance-Free, Rainbow Unscented Liquid, Clearly Natural Glycerine Unscented Bar, Avalon Moisturizing Unscented Aloe Bar, Dessert Essence liquid, Mill Creek bath-shower gel,

Body/Hand Lotion: Alba Unscented, Nature’s Gate Fragrance-Free, Jason Fragrance-Free, Magik Unscented, Beauty without Cruelty Fragrance-Free, Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Fragrance-Free, 365 Fragrance-Free Body Lotion (Whole Foods brand), Dessert Essence Unscented Hand and Body

Deodorant: Tom’s Unscented, Home Health Unscented, Jason Fragrance and Paraben-Free, Mill Creek Unscented, Kiss My Face Enzyme Fragrance-Free, Almay Fragrance-Free, Earth Science Natural Unscented, Alba Unscented

Sunscreen:  Nature’s Gate Sportblock Fragrance-Free, Reviva Fragrance Free, Terrapin Sunblock-Fragrance Free, Jason Hand-Body SPF 15 Fragrance-Free

Laundry Detergent: Ecover Unscented, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Trader Joe’s Concentrated Laundry Detergent Unscented, All Free and Clear

Shaving Cream: Kiss My Face Moisture Shave Fragrance-Free

Miscellaneous: Magik Botanicals Hair Styling Gel, Aqua Net Unscented Hair Spray, Eco Hand Sanitizer Unscented