Is it safe to use chemical air fresheners in the car?
Based on 2 peer-reviewed studieshome
Verdict: Avoid
No. Cars are small, hot, and poorly ventilated. Fragrance VOCs concentrate inside.
What's actually in it
Car air fresheners (hanging trees, vent clips, gels) release fragrance chemicals and phthalates into the cabin. Hot summer temperatures accelerate release. Commute time adds daily exposure.
What the research says
A 2025 screening study in Environ Sci Technol flagged air fresheners among the heaviest sources of fragrance chemicals and phthalates. A 2025 study linked fragrance VOCs to airway inflammation.
Skip air fresheners. For car smell, clean regularly and leave windows cracked when parked. A small pouch of activated charcoal or baking soda absorbs odors without adding chemistry.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
| Toxicological evaluation of VOCs emitted from scented candles. | Front Public Health | 2025 |
What to use instead
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