The Hidden Dangers of Synthetic Fragrances Around Kids — And Why I Had to Do Something About It

As a dad, nothing matters more to me than the health and safety of my kids. When they were younger, I started noticing how sensitive they were to certain scents—air fresheners, laundry detergents, even the plug-ins in their classrooms. What started as mild irritation turned into deeper concern once I started looking into what was actually inside these products.

What I found shocked me. So many of the fragrances we use every day—especially the ones marketed as “fresh” or “clean”—are made with a long list of hidden, synthetic chemicals. These aren't just harmless scents. They're often full of things like phthalates, formaldehyde releasers, and artificial musks—chemicals linked to asthma, hormone disruption, and even developmental issues in children.

Kids are especially vulnerable. Their lungs are still developing. They breathe in more air per pound than adults. Their skin is more sensitive. And their growing bodies are simply more susceptible to environmental toxins.

That’s when I knew I couldn’t ignore it—and it became part of the reason I created The LockerDR.

A Safer Solution That Actually Works

I wanted to develop a product that was strong enough to tackle serious odors (like the kind that come out of hockey bags), but safe enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to use it in my own home—around my own kids.

That’s why we make every LockerDR product using plant-based ingredients—carefully selected for their effectiveness and safety. What you’re getting is real, clean freshness without the heavy, synthetic load you find in so many other products on the market.

Why This Matters to Me—And Maybe to You Too

I know I’m not the only parent out there who’s noticed their child’s reaction to strong synthetic scents. Whether it’s coughing, itchy skin, headaches, or just that gut feeling that something’s off—you’re not imagining it. The research is there, and it's alarming.

Creating this product wasn’t just about launching a brand. It was about offering families an option that didn’t sacrifice safety for results.

So from one parent to another: if you care about what goes on (and into) your kids’ bodies, you’re not alone. We made The LockerDR for people like you—and for the kids we all care so deeply about.

Stay safe,
Simon Rygal
President, The LockerDR
Father. Creator. Advocate for Clean Air.