Colognes: Are They Toxic?

Colognes and perfumes have been linked to a variety of health risks, including allergies, endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive issues, and respiratory problems. However, the level of risk associated with these products is still debated, and some argue that the potential benefits of fragrance, such as improved mood and emotional well-being, may outweigh the risks for some individuals.

The primary chemicals of concern in colognes and perfumes are phthalates, which are known to prolong the scent's longevity. These chemicals have been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues

The dangers of fragrance chemicals

Fragrances are commonly assumed to be safe. However, research shows that they are, in fact, highly toxic and can cause a range of health issues. Fragrances contain a complex mixture of chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, ethanol, acetone, and acetaldehyde.

Health risks

Fragrances are linked to a wide range of health risks, including:

• Allergies
• Hormone disruption
• Asthma
• Neurotoxicity
• Cancer
• Reproductive issues
• Birth defects
• Respiratory problems
• Endocrine disruption
• Skin allergies
• Nervous system damage
• Migraines
• Cardiovascular issues
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Neurological problems

Specific chemicals

Some of the specific chemicals found in fragrances and their associated health risks include:

• Phthalates: endocrine disruptors that can cause reproductive issues, birth defects, and respiratory problems. Phthalates are also linked to decreased IQ in children, sperm damage, and obesity.
• Styrene: a known carcinogen.
• Musk ketone: a skin irritant and hormone disruptor.
• Benzaldehyde: a narcotic and lung and eye irritant that can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and kidney damage.
• Benzyl acetate: a carcinogen that causes eye and lung irritation and coughing.
• Camphor: linked to dizziness, confusion, nausea, muscle twitching, and convulsions.
• Ethyl acetate: causes eye and respiratory irritation.
• Limonene: a known carcinogen.
• Linalool: linked to respiratory disturbances, depression, and central nervous system disorders in animal studies.
• Methylene chloride: banned by the FDA due to severe toxic effects but still found in some fragrances.

Fragrance regulation

The fragrance industry is self-regulated, and manufacturers are not required to list fragrance ingredients on product labels. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices and avoid potentially harmful chemicals. However, a new federal law passed in December 2022 will require some fragrance allergens to be disclosed, but these regulations will not be in effect until at least 2025.

The lack of transparency in the fragrance industry

The fragrance industry has long been shrouded in secrecy, with formulas closely guarded and treated as industry secrets. However, this lack of transparency is starting to be challenged as consumers demand more information about the ingredients, perfumers, and sustainability practices behind their favourite scents.

The term "fragrance" on a product label often represents a cocktail of hundreds of ingredients, yet there is little regulatory oversight regarding the safety of these ingredients. The fragrance industry is self-regulated, with safety testing conducted by the industry itself or their research arms, such as the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). This inherent conflict of interest has led to concerns about the effectiveness of the industry's safety programs.

One of the main issues is the lack of transparency around fragrance ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list individual ingredients and often hide behind the word "fragrance" on product labels, which can conceal a mix of over 100 toxic chemicals. This lack of disclosure leaves consumers, scientists, and healthcare providers in the dark about the potential health risks associated with fragranced products.

The fragrance industry has argued that ingredient lists should be protected as trade secrets. However, this argument is becoming increasingly untenable due to innovations in reverse engineering technology, which can easily replicate a fragrance's ingredient list. Despite this, the fragrance industry continues to enjoy exemptions from ingredient listing requirements in existing or proposed regulations.

In addition to the lack of transparency around ingredients, the fragrance industry has also been criticized for its lack of transparency around perfumers and supply chains. There is a growing movement towards crediting perfumers and ensuring they receive royalties for their creations, as well as towards more sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients.

While some fragrance companies are leading the charge towards more transparency, the industry as a whole has a long way to go. It is clear that the current lack of transparency is not serving the public health interest, and it is time for the fragrance industry to spill the beans.

The health risks of phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastic soft and flexible. They are found in hundreds of consumer products, from cosmetics and personal care products to medical tubing and food packaging. While phthalates don't stay in human tissue forever, studies suggest that regular exposure to these chemicals can adversely affect multiple organ systems, reproductive health, and child development.

Phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with normal hormonal actions. They can affect both males and females, but males tend to be more susceptible to harm. In males, phthalates can cause genital malformations and testicular developmental dysfunction, while in females, they have been linked to early puberty and fertility issues such as endometriosis. Phthalates have also been associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance.

In addition to their impact on human health, phthalates have been detected in various ecosystems, particularly aquatic environments, and are considered high-risk pollutants due to their persistence and bioaccumulation.

Due to the growing concerns about the health and environmental risks associated with phthalates, several countries have implemented restrictions and regulations on their use. For example, the European Union has banned certain phthalates in children's toys and personal care products, while the United States has also banned specific phthalates in products intended for children under three years old.

To protect yourself from the potential health risks of phthalates, it is recommended to avoid them as much as possible by choosing "phthalate-free" products, using "microwave-safe" and phthalate-free containers, and being mindful of your diet.

The effects of fragrance on the endocrine system

The endocrine system is a network of hormones and glands that regulate biological processes such as growth, fertility, and reproduction. Endocrine glands, distributed throughout the body, produce hormones, which act as signalling molecules when released into the circulatory system.

The endocrine system is sensitive, and even minor disruptions to hormone levels can cause significant developmental and biological effects. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body's hormones.

Phthalates are a large group of compounds used as liquid plasticizers and are found in hundreds of products, including fragrances. Fragrances are crafted using chemicals that can trick the body into responding as if they were hormones, particularly phthalates and xenoestrogens.

Studies have shown that more than 75% of products with fragrances contain endocrine disruptors. The Centers for Disease Control reported that phthalates can be found in the blood of most Americans, with the greatest quantities found in women.

The effects of exposure to perfumes and colognes include:

• Allergies
• Respiratory problems
• Asthma
• Migraine headaches
• Neuropathy
• Neoplasms
• Effects on the liver
• Asthma attacks
• Mucosal symptoms
• Neurological problems
• Cardiovascular issues
• Skin problems
• Immune system dysfunction
• Gastrointestinal issues

In addition, exposure to phthalates and other endocrine disruptors has been linked to:

• Inhibited androgen biosynthesis
• Abnormal or absent epididymis
• Testicular damage
• Increased prevalence of hypospadias, cryptorchidism, anogenital prolapse, and late detachment of the penis skin in the male reproductive system
• Decreased sperm motility
• Reproductive dysfunction in male infants
• Reduced fertility
• Interference with the normal shape of testicular tissue
• Increased sperm abnormalities
• Shorter lifespans of Sertoli cells
• Damage to sperm DNA
• Male reproductive health issues
• Weight gain in infants, especially male infants
• Vaginal opening delay
• Decrease in the length of the estrous cycle
• Increase in the number of cystic follicles
• Thinning of the follicular epithelium
• Prostate or testicular cancer
• Decreased sperm count in men
• Reproductive abnormalities in women
• Glucose imbalance
• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Dysfunction of the adrenal glands, thyroid, and immune system
• Endocrine cancer

How to avoid toxic fragrances

Fragrances are linked to a wide range of health risks. Synthetic chemicals used to make fragrances are classified as allergens, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, neurotoxins, and carcinogens. Here are some tips to help you avoid toxic fragrances:

• Be aware that the word "fragrance" on a product label can hide a cocktail of more than 100 toxic ingredients.
• Choose fragrance-free products.
• Don't be fooled by products labelled with "natural fragrance", as there is no standard criteria for what these words mean.
• Be cautious of products labelled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented", as manufacturers sometimes use masking fragrances to cover the chemical smell of their products. Always check the ingredient list.
• Consult toxic chemical-free product guides and glossaries to learn about specific toxic chemicals to avoid.
• Be wary of cleaning products, which are notorious for containing toxic fragrances.
• When in doubt, choose products with transparent ingredient lists and avoid those that use vague terms like "trade secret".

Frequently asked questions