Colognes: Are They Safe To Use?

Colognes and perfumes are often associated with elegance and luxury. But are they safe? The answer is complicated. While the fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to fragrances. Many people assume that fragrances are safe, but this is not always the case. Fragrances can contain a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including phthalates, which can cause various health issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, endocrine disruption, and respiratory issues. On the other hand, some argue that the exposure to these chemicals is extremely low and that safety boils down to a question of exposure.

The health risks of colognes

Colognes and perfumes are linked to a range of health risks, from allergies and migraines to more serious issues like cancer and reproductive problems.

Allergies and Respiratory Problems

About a third of people report health problems when exposed to fragranced products, including asthma attacks, hay fever, headaches, migraines, dizziness, breathing problems, congestion, and seizures. "Anything that gives perfume an odour is very likely going to be an allergen," says Dr. Heather Patisaul, a biologist at North Carolina State University.

Carcinogens

A 2018 report from Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE) identified more than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use that have been flagged as potential or known "chemicals of concern". These include seven carcinogens and 15 chemicals prohibited from use in cosmetics in the EU.

Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors mimic human hormones and can have effects even in tiny doses. Phthalates, for example, are commonly found in fragrances and have been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, birth defects, respiratory problems, and lower sperm counts in men.

Lack of Transparency and Regulation

Fragrance formulations are considered "trade secrets", so manufacturers are not required to list individual ingredients on product labels. Instead, they often just use the word "fragrance" or "parfum" to refer to a cocktail of potentially hundreds of different chemicals. The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and there is no federal law requiring the disclosure of fragrance ingredients. This makes it difficult for consumers to know what substances may affect them and to make informed choices about the products they use.

Environmental Risks

In addition to the health risks, fragrance chemicals also pose environmental risks. The chemical vapours found in fragrances, known as volatile organic compounds, have been linked to ozone pollution and the creation of fine particulates.

The environmental risks of colognes

Colognes and perfumes are often associated with elegance and luxury, but what about their environmental impact? The hidden ingredients in these fragrances may be doing more harm than we think.

Undisclosed Chemicals

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that colognes and perfumes typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals. The problem is that, due to trade secrets, manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients, and instead, hide behind the word "fragrance" on their labels. This allows them to withhold information about the chemicals used, leaving consumers in the dark.

Volatile Organic Compounds

The chemical vapors found in fragrances are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs have been linked to ozone pollution and the creation of fine particulates, according to a study. This means that the very act of spraying on your favorite cologne could be contributing to air pollution and the formation of harmful atmospheric particles.

Toxic Ingredients

Many colognes contain toxic ingredients such as phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can act like hormones in the human body, causing a range of health problems. But their impact doesn't stop there. Phthalates and other toxic ingredients can enter our waterways and ecosystems, leading to environmental contamination. They can accumulate in the environment and affect wildlife, potentially causing reproductive issues, developmental problems, and even death.

Lack of Regulation

The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and safety testing is not required by law. This means that companies can bring their products to market without having to prove their safety. While there have been some recent moves towards greater transparency, such as the federal law passed in December 2022, which will require the disclosure of some fragrance allergens, these changes are not yet in effect and do not address the full range of potential environmental hazards.

A Way Forward

The good news is that consumers are becoming more aware of the potential dangers of colognes and other fragranced products. There is a growing demand for transparent and safe alternatives, and some companies are stepping up to meet these demands. By choosing fragrance-free products or those with full ingredient disclosure, consumers can make a more informed decision to protect both their health and the environment.

In summary, colognes and perfumes pose several environmental risks, from undisclosed toxic chemicals to air pollution caused by VOCs. With limited regulation in the industry, it is crucial that consumers take an active role in choosing safer alternatives to protect the planet and their well-being.

The lack of regulation in the fragrance industry

The fragrance industry, much like the cosmetics industry, is largely self-regulated. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies fragrances in cosmetics as cosmetic ingredients, it does not require them to be approved before going to market. Fragrance manufacturers are also not required to list their ingredients on product labels, often only using the word "fragrance" or "parfum" to hide a cocktail of toxic ingredients. This is because fragrances are considered "'trade secrets'.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA), the industry's self-regulatory body, imposes bans, restrictions, and specifications on ingredients. However, compliance with these standards is voluntary for manufacturers, and there is little to no enforcement internationally. The IFRA also coordinates an independent expert panel called REXPAN, which is responsible for conducting safety assessments of fragrance ingredients. However, the safety assessments are not entirely transparent, as a large proportion of the data is based on unpublished research provided by the manufacturers themselves.

Due to the lack of regulation, consumers are often left in the dark about the potential risks of fragrance products. This has led to a growing movement for greater transparency and safer alternatives in the fragrance industry.

The effects of colognes on pregnant women

Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in a woman's body, and one of the most well-known is an increased sensitivity to smells. This heightened sense of smell can make being around strong fragrances, like cologne, unpleasant and can even trigger negative physical reactions.

While there is believed to be no harm in wearing perfume during pregnancy, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, pregnant women may find that their skin is more sensitive, and certain types of perfume can cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is recommended that pregnant women opt for natural or chemical-free perfumes to minimise this risk.

Another concern is the presence of phthalates in fragrances. Phthalates are a class of ingredients that may be harmful to the developing baby, particularly the development of male reproductive organs. However, it is difficult to know which fragrances contain phthalates, as manufacturers are not required to list all chemical compounds on their packaging. To be cautious, pregnant women may want to limit their use of fragranced products or opt for natural, phthalate-free alternatives.

The most common problem with using cologne during pregnancy is that it can exacerbate already unpleasant symptoms. The strong scents may trigger nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and sensitivity to smells. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to keep a fragrance-free environment or opt for softer, more natural scents like citrus, lavender, rose, or chamomile.

Some essential oils are also recommended for use during pregnancy, as they can help alleviate nausea. However, it is important to note that essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. Some essential oils, such as camphor, aniseed, pennyroyal, birch, wintergreen, and sage, should be avoided during pregnancy as they can be toxic.

How to avoid harmful colognes

The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of their "fragrance" mixtures. This makes it difficult for consumers to know what chemicals they may be exposed to and whether these chemicals are safe. To avoid harmful colognes, consider the following strategies:

• Read the label carefully: Look for products labelled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented". However, be cautious as sometimes manufacturers use masking fragrances to cover the chemical smell of their products.
• Avoid "natural fragrance" products: There are no standard criteria for what constitutes a "natural fragrance", and these products can be just as unsafe as synthetic fragrances.
• Check ingredient lists: While individual fragrance ingredients are often not disclosed, some additives and preservatives are listed on product labels. Avoid products containing known harmful substances such as acetaldehyde, benzophenone, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
• Use online resources: Utilize online databases such as Skin Deep by the Environmental Working Group or the app ClearYa to find non-toxic and safe fragrance-free alternatives.
• Support fragrance transparency: Advocate for stronger regulations and support organizations like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which pushes for transparency about chemicals in fragrances.
• Protect yourself in public spaces: Fragrances in public spaces, such as workplaces, shops, and public transport, can be challenging to avoid. Consider talking to your employer about implementing a "no-fragrance policy" or working from home if possible.
• Be mindful of others: If you choose to wear cologne, be mindful that others may be sensitive to fragrances. Use scented products sparingly, and avoid heavy application, especially in enclosed spaces.

Frequently asked questions