An air freshener plug-in is the perfect way to neutralize harsh odor at home, your office, or any other enclosed area. But is it safe?
It is important that you know how to choose a non-toxic air freshener plug-in so you don’t ever have to worry about what you’re inhaling. Read on because this guide has everything you need to know!
Read also our articles about the Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Top Non-Toxic Dinnerware, and Non-Toxic Air Fryers.
Table of Contents
Are There Any Plug-Ins That Are Non-Toxic?
Yes, there are many chemical-free non-toxic air freshener plug-in available. In fact, we have a list of 15 of the best and safest plug-ins that will freshen up and deodorize your home, office, or commercial establishment.
Are Plug-In Air Fresheners Toxic?
Plug-in air fresheners function through heat induction technology. It activates scented gel that releases fragrance continually until the product has been consumed.
Researchers have found toxic chemicals in some plug-in air fresheners:
- Benzene – a carcinogen commonly used to make nylon, plastic, resin, and synthetic fiber.
- Formaldehyde – colorless and highly toxic flammable gas used as a preservative in food and many household products.
- Phthalates – comprise chemicals commonly used to manufacture plastic to make it more durable.
- Toluene – naturally found in crude oil, this compound is used in the production of glues, paints, and even explosives.
- Xylene – organic compound often lumped with benzene and toluene to form BTX aromatics.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – chemicals often used to produce paints, refrigerants, and various medicines.
According to the Made Safe organization, “Because they contain ingredients that are associated with various health effects, our constant exposure to air fresheners is cause for concern. Researchers have measured and identified air freshener chemicals that are linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, and effects from endocrine disruption.”
Is There Such a Thing as a Non-Toxic Air Freshener?
Yes, there are many non-toxic air fresheners out there, some of them made with organic and natural ingredients.
But when it comes to plug-ins, finding non-toxic options requires due diligence. You need to read the labels—the mechanisms may require certain chemicals to function correctly.
How Do You Make a Non-Toxic Air Freshener?
Naturally aromatic plants indoors to ensure fragrance without the need for chemicals. You can make dried herbal potpourri and put them in most corners of the home to get a muted yet natural aroma. You can also create a DIY spray using natural essential oils.
For non-toxic air freshener plug-in products, we have a list of the 15 most aromatic and safest plug-ins for your home or office:
15 Best Non-Toxic Air Fresheners
Best Overall Non-Toxic Air Freshener Plug-In
1. Scent Fill
Non-toxic features | Plant-based, 100% natural, cruelty-free
Price | Start kit: $23.95 – $33.95
Refill: $5 – $9
Why we love it
- 100% natural
- More than a dozen scents to choose from
- Customizable
Scent Fill aims to provide long-lasting air fragrance at home and other spaces through a chemical-free non-toxic air freshener plug-in. The brand offers 17 natural blends, which are products of extensive research into safe options for plug-in air fresheners. No animals were harmed during the research process, as evidenced by the cruelty-free label.
Some of the available scents include cinnamon apple, Fraser fir balsam pine, lavender, peppermint, and relax blend.
Customer Review | “Best air freshener without harsh chemicals. Been looking for a better choice for my family but finally did.” -Maria R.
Best Non-Toxic Air Fresheners for Muted Scent
2. Safely
Non-toxic features | Phthalate-free
Price | Starter kit: $29.16
Refill: $7.29 – $10.98
Why we love it
- Lasts at least three months
- The scent doesn’t overwhelm the nose
Kris Jenner has added Safely to her ever-expanding empire in partnership with Emma Grede. The brand was founded to produce cleaning products free from animal byproducts, dyes, parabens, phthalates, stabilizers, and sulfates. It recently extended to scent diffusers with a luxurious feel.
There are no overwhelming scents that may be painful to inhale. Universal refills are also available.
Customer Review | “I’m beyond happy with this new product absolutely love the smell so awesome and it has settings so you can a just how much scent diffuses.” -Catherine N.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Bathrooms
3. Aera Mini Diffuser
Non-toxic features | Dispenses clean and hypoallergenic aroma, no harmful VOCs
Price | $95
Why we love it
- Perfect for small rooms
- It comes with an app
- Adjustable
A mini chemical-free non-toxic air freshener plug-in diffuser is perfect for small spaces, particularly bathrooms. The Aera diffuser can be controlled with an app to schedule the release of the scent. You can also adjust the settings depending on the size of the room.
The product doesn’t contain any harmful VOCs and only dispenses hypoallergenic aromas.
Customer Review | “Works great and the customer service is exceptional.” -Jannett V.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Setting the Mood
4. Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oils
Non-toxic features | 100% natural essential oils
Price | Starter kit: $12.75
Refill packs: $7.33 – $24.99
Why we love it
- Perfect for setting the mood
- Available in various mixtures of natural scents
You may want a calming scent when you are studying or working and prefer something sweet when having a romantic dinner. Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oils can help you achieve this with its various scents: almond milk and honey, lavender and waterlily, nectarine and paradise flower, and white sage and mahogany.
Each starter kit and refill is made from 100% natural essential oils. The brand has been creating home fragrances for over 70 years.
Customer Review | “This is awesome. It smells peachy to me. It’s strong, yet you don’t feel like you’d pass out when it’s on.” -Diam
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Travel
5. Enviroscent Plug Hub
Non-toxic features | Free from harmful chemicals, no dyes
Price | Plug hub warmer: $7
Refill (pack of 3): $21 – $24
Why we love it
- Very handy
- Perfect for travelers
- Liquid-free
- Environmentally friendly
Frequent travelers may want to make sure they smell home while staying in a hotel or Airbnb. The great thing about the Enviroscent Plug Hub is that it’s so small and handy that you can take it anywhere. It is liquid-free, so you don’t have to worry about spills or bringing it on a plane. It’s affordable, too.
The product doesn’t have dye or any other harmful chemicals, giving you peace of mind when you inhale the scent. Fragrances include lemon leaf and thyme, lavender and honey, minerals and moss, red poppies and rosewood, and sea salt and aloe.
Customer Review | “Scent is light. Not too overpowering. One in my small house is enough. I love that this is eco-friendly too!” -The 3M’s Mom
Best-Looking Non-Toxic Air Freshener
6. Airomé Pluggable Diffuser
Non-toxic features | 100% all-natural essential oils
Price | Pluggable diffuser: $10.49 – 14.99
Essential oil: $3.20 – $9.99
Why we love it
- Beautiful designs
- Comes with an LED light
- The scent is not overwhelming
- Customizable
The Airomé Pluggable Diffuser is a safe air freshener plug-in with six designs, so you can choose one that is perfect for your bedroom, living room, bathroom, or office space. The scent is made from all-natural essential oils. You just need to put drops of oil into the diffuser pad. The aroma it releases is warm and not overwhelming.
The light at the base shines through the crescent design of the diffuser.
Customer Review | “Love the natural scents from the essential oils.” -Anita S.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Any Type of Essential Oil
7. GuruNanda Waterless Mist Pluggy
Non-toxic features | Waterless, can work with most essential oils
Price | Plug-in: $39.99 – $89.99
Essential oil (pack of 2): $12.96
Why we love it
- Waterless
- Easy to use
- Automatic shutoff/sleep
GuruNanda is one of the best non-toxic air freshener plug-in products on the market. The waterless plug-in works with most essential oils, which you can also buy from the brand.
The plug-in has an automatic shutoff with an interval of 5 or 10 minutes. It also automatically sleeps after eight hours.
Customer Review | “These little diffusers are wonderful! Smells delightful and is so easy to use! I have so many bottles of essential oils and they all fit. Highly recommend.” -Elizabeth K.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Children
8. Aura Cacia Diffuser
Non-toxic features | No synthetic preservatives
Price | Diffuser: $13 – $14.99
Essential oil: $8.99
Why we love it
- Many essential oil varieties for all ages
- Customizable
Children are highly sensitive to compounds from air fresheners. Aura Cacia’s essential oil blends made for children are great plug-in diffuser options for families.
All you need to do is drop the oils on the diffuser pad, and you can enjoy a safe air freshener plug-in. Your child can choose the fragrance they prefer.
Customer Review | “I’ve only had it a few days, but the diffuser works well and as advertised. The aroma kicks in within 10 minutes.” -Beachy K.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Bedrooms
9. Cocopin Plugin Wax Warmer
Non-toxic features | Can be used with natural wax
Price | $12.99
Why we love it
- Beautiful decorative plugins
- It casts a romantic vibe
- It works like an accent lamp
The effect of this plugin wax warmer is similar to lighting a scented candle, except that the scent better circulates within the room. Plus, there is no smoke or flame, making it much safer. It creates a romantic vibe and casts a shimmering light, which makes the room even more beautiful.
There is an on-and-off switch, so you don’t have to unplug it. Beeswax, coconut, and soy wax products are the best to melt for the wax warmer as they are natural.
Customer Review | “It’s great; it’s easy to clean and easy to use. Buy it. Like, literally, just buy it. Will probably be included in a few holiday gift baskets around Christmas.” -Janay S.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for DIY
10. Earffloz Blank Plug-In
Non-toxic features | Perfect for your DIY natural scent
Price | Blank plug-in: $10.99
Why we love it
- Highly customizable
- Looks elegant
The safest air freshener option is the one you make yourself using natural and organic ingredients. The Earffloz blank plug-in is a blank canvas on which you can create your masterpiece.
It is definitely a chemical-free non-toxic air freshener plug-in, as it is up to you to fill it with your favorite scent. The bottle is quite elegant and further elevates your decor.
Customer Review | “This is such a convenient way to use essential oils in your home. Pests don’t like the smell of peppermint, and I use this with peppermint oil in our garage to keep spiders away. It smells so good and keeps the area clean.” -Meralis H.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for the Entire Home
11. Scentcerely Scent Machine
Non-toxic features | Perfect for 100% natural essential oils
Price | $129.95 – $149.95
Why we love it
- Deodorizes the entire house
- Quiet
The powerful diffuser can cover 2,000 square feet and deodorize your entire house. It is a non-toxic air freshener plug-in, as it is up to you what type of essential oil you put in. Choose natural essential oils to prevent harmful chemicals from circulating in your home.
This machine works very quietly, with just a noise level of 35 decibels.
Customer Review | “I love this machine! I put it in my HVAC room and it scented my whole house. There are different percents to choose from, I keep mine at 20% and it worked great!” -Andrew A.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Eliminating Bad Odor
12. Hamilton Beach TrueAir Odor Eliminator
Non-toxic features | Uses carbon filter to get rid of foul odor
Price | $27.31
Why we love it
- Great at removing unpleasant odors
- Perfect for homes with pets
- Ideal for homes with smokers
Some odors are hard to combat with aerosols. The Hamilton Beach odor eliminator is excellent at removing and neutralizing unwanted scents through a carbon filter. The filter can also remove unwanted chemicals and organic compounds circulating in the air. The filter is very effective and easily replaceable.
You can replace the scented cartridges and circulate your favorite fragrance around the room.
Customer Review | “Purchased this for my cats’ litter room. I was amazed at how much it eliminated the odor. Even if one of the cats just used the box, it minimized the odor significantly.” -Joan B.
Best Non-Toxic Air Freshener for Smart Homes
13. Pura
Non-toxic features | Used with safe and clean scents
Price | Plug-in: $49.99
Fragrance refill: $11 – $16
Why we love it
- Neat design
- Perfect for large rooms
- Adjustable through an app
The Pura plugin is perfect for large rooms like the living area, master’s bedroom, kitchen, and dining room. It will deodorize the entire space with a line of fragrances that are safe and clean. Scents include ambered topaz, Egyptian sandalwood, gingerbread, Havana vanilla, pumpkin chai, and many more.
The product also has smart features so you can easily schedule when it will release the scent and the intensity it will do so.
Customer Review | “This diffuser is small but mighty! I love that it can be put in with any room decor and remain subtle. I noticed the Capri blue scent, I chose immediately.” -Shannah
Best Luxury Non-Toxic Air Freshener
14. PuroSentido Allegro Aroma Diffuser
Non-toxic features | Perfect for all-natural essential oils
Price | $61.99 – $77.96
Why we love it
- Sleek design
- Waterless
- Easy to use
The PuroSentido plug-in can deodorize a space of 372 square feet and works perfectly with your favorite essential oils. It’s one way to ensure you have a safe air freshener plug-in at home because essential oils don’t contain any of the harmful chemicals common in most air fresheners.
It’s not as tech-heavy as it seems—it is basically a plug-and-play system. It has four intensity levels that you can control through an app. You can also schedule room deodorizing to be more economical in terms of the use of essential oils. The diffuser is available in black and white.
Customer Review | “This was super easy to set up and covers all of my living area. I bought the Italy scent and it’s very pleasing after a full day’s work!” -Sergio M.
Best Vegan Non-Toxic Air Freshener
15. AromaPlan
Non-toxic features | Essential oils are natural, vegan, and free of solvents
Price | Plug-in: $69.97 – $107.00
Essential oil: $69 – $72
Why we love it
- Great for large areas
- Vegan
AromaPlan is a fantastic chemical-free non-toxic air freshener plug-in that uses essential oils that are natural and vegan. Every essential oil is free from solvents, which can be dangerous when inhaled. Scents include 24K magic, baccarat rouge type, bright sunshine, dream on, vanilla birch, and more.
This is also the perfect product for you if you have pets because it minimizes odor and is safe for animals. It works for spaces 500 square feet and smaller.
Customer Review | “From the moment I started using it, my home was transformed into a haven of delightful aromas that not only soothe the senses but also create a lasting impression.” -Eugenia K.
All photos credits belong to respective brands
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