Heidi Norton
Getting high off perfume is a metaphor for the fragrance's effect, similar to a drug. While perfumes with higher alcohol content will project further, it is not possible to get high off the scent alone. However, perfume poisoning is a rare occurrence that can cause toxic reactions and long-term damage to the body. Immediate health damage caused by one-time perfume use is uncommon, but exposure to fragrances can trigger allergies and skin sensitivities over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can perfume get you high? | No, but the term is used metaphorically to compare the fragrance to a drug |
| Perfume poisoning | Rare but possible, especially in children who ingest a teaspoon or more |
| Toxic effects | Some chemicals in perfumes may be dangerous if they build up in the body |
| Allergic reactions | Common, can develop over time due to overexposure or changes in ingredients |
| Alcohol content | Higher alcohol content leads to more projection and a larger scent bubble |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume poisoning
While it's uncommon to experience perfume poisoning—a toxic reaction causing long-term damage from consuming perfume—as an adult, it can happen. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which is especially dangerous for children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, call your local poison control centre or your child's pediatrician immediately. Give your child a small, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels.
Symptoms of perfume poisoning may include muscle cramping, nausea, abdominal pain, severe breathing problems, seizures, and comas. If an adult ingests a large amount of perfume, they may be kept in the hospital overnight for observation and treatment. During this time, they will be given fluids and light snacks to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low. Within 48 to 72 hours, the danger of a serious reaction will have passed.
Temporary allergic reactions to perfumes are not uncommon. You can develop an allergy to a product you've used for years due to overexposure or changes in the formula's ingredients. To avoid this, look for perfumes that list all their ingredients on the label rather than using the terms "parfum" or "fragrance." Seek out products scented with essential oils, or opt for unscented products.
If you experience a mild allergic reaction to perfume, your skin may develop contact dermatitis.
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Inhalant abuse
There are more than 1,000 products that can be used as inhalants, including common household and workplace items such as oven cleaner, model glue, spray paint, paint thinner, cleaning fluid, nail polish remover, and lighter fluid. These products are easily accessible, affordable, and capable of rapidly inducing a state of euphoria.
The abuse of inhalants can lead to serious and often irreversible physical and psychological complications. Some of the physical health conditions that may arise include tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, bronchitis, and inhalant-induced psychotic disorder. Long-term inhalant use can also result in dependence, causing individuals to neglect other aspects of their lives and leading to negative consequences.
Children and teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 constitute the largest group of inhalant users, with 2.7% of this age group reporting inhalant use in 2020. However, studies have found that children as young as five have used inhalants. This age group tends to use inhalants due to their low cost and ease of access, and they may progress to other substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs.
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Toxic ingredients
While perfumes are designed to enhance our olfactory experiences, certain toxic ingredients in them can have adverse effects on our health. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists almost 3,059 different chemicals used in fragrance formulations, some of which have been linked to serious health issues.
One reason for the prevalence of these toxic ingredients is the lack of regulation requiring perfume manufacturers to disclose their ingredients. The term "fragrance" or ""perfume"" on a label can be used to mask a multitude of toxic ingredients, taking advantage of the legal relaxation of listing ingredients. This lack of transparency prevents consumers from knowing the full list of ingredients and potential health risks.
Some of the toxic ingredients commonly found in perfumes include hormone sensitizers, which can cause hormonal imbalances and affect overall bodily functions; respiratory irritants, which can trigger asthma attacks, wheezing, and nasal symptoms; and harmful ingredients that can impact human growth and the reproductive system.
Diethyl phthalate, a chemical used to prolong perfume fragrance, is another toxic ingredient. It is listed as a priority pollutant under the United States Clean Water Act, and exposure to phthalates has been linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Methylene chloride is another toxic chemical used in perfumes, severe enough to be banned by the FDA, although the ban has not been effectively enforced.
To avoid exposure to these toxic ingredients, consumers are advised to opt for natural niche perfumes from small-scale perfumeries dedicated to purity and natural ingredients. Checking company profiles and manufacturing policies can also help ensure the use of natural ingredients and ethical standards. While synthetic perfumes are widely available, they may produce harmful effects, whereas natural perfumes offer diverse healing properties.
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Allergic reactions
While it is unlikely that perfume can get you high, it is possible to experience allergic reactions to fragrances. Fragrance sensitivities are becoming more common due to the widespread presence of chemicals in various products. Perfume allergy is a chronic condition characterised by abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. This type of allergy typically causes symptoms on the skin, which can be diagnosed by a dermatologist or allergist and treated with medication.
Perfume allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include skin irritation, such as redness, swelling, and itching. These symptoms are often associated with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that appears on skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance. In some cases, perfume allergies can lead to respiratory issues such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Eye problems, such as watering and itching, may also occur.
More severe reactions may result in headaches, dizziness, and anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition characterised by the inflammation and closure of airways due to the release of a high volume of antibodies called IgE. This can make breathing difficult or impossible, necessitating emergency medical treatment.
It is important to note that self-diagnosis of perfume allergies is not recommended as it can lead to worsening symptoms. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. To identify specific fragrance ingredients causing allergies, skin allergy tests, such as patch tests or skin prick tests, are commonly used. Avoiding exposure to allergens and using gentle, unscented products can help manage perfume allergy symptoms.
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Skin sensitivities
While it is not possible to get high from perfume, it is possible to be allergic or sensitive to it. Perfume sensitivity is much more common and is a reaction to something in the perfume that irritates your body. This does not trigger a body-wide immune system response, and symptoms can include a rash, a mild headache, or sneezing.
A true perfume allergy, on the other hand, occurs when an organic protein in a perfume ingredient causes an abnormal immune reaction. Symptoms of a fragrance allergy generally affect the skin and can include allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that appears on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance. Other symptoms can include large boils or hives that are painful or extremely itchy, or signs of infection on the skin, such as warmth, or a rash that produces a thick, cloudy, discolored discharge.
If you think you may have a perfume allergy or sensitivity, it is important to see a doctor or allergist for testing. They can perform patch tests that expose you to small amounts of different allergens to determine your specific triggers. Once you know what you are allergic or sensitive to, you can avoid any perfumes that contain those ingredients.
It is also a good idea to let the people around you know about your allergies or sensitivities so that they can avoid wearing perfume around you. This includes not only perfumes but also scented products such as candles and air fresheners.
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Frequently asked questions
Inhalant abuse, or "huffing", is the act of intentionally inhaling or breathing in vapors of different chemicals to get high. Perfume contains chemicals that can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs, causing a feeling of intoxication or a high. However, inhaling perfumes can be dangerous and may lead to adverse health effects.
The toxicology of fragrance materials is well-understood, and while most are benign, a minority can cause adverse health effects. Some chemicals in perfumes are included to help your skin absorb the fragrance, but these same chemicals increase your skin’s vulnerability to possible carcinogens, alcohols, and petroleum. In addition, inhaling perfumes can cause respiratory effects such as irritation and allergies, as well as headaches and asthma attacks.
Perfume poisoning is uncommon among adults who use perfume as part of their routine, but it can occur if large amounts of fragrance are ingested. Symptoms of perfume poisoning may include a feeling of intoxication, similar to being drunk from drinking alcohol. In severe cases, it may lead to suffocation if the lungs and brain do not get enough oxygen.
If you or someone you know has inhaled perfume to get high, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Contact your healthcare provider or a poison control center for advice. In the meantime, you can try to reduce the absorption of the chemicals by drinking plenty of water and eating a light snack.
To prevent perfume inhalation and abuse, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with inhaling fragrances. Look for perfumes that list all of their ingredients on the label and avoid those that use the term "parfum" or "fragrance" to hide toxic ingredients. Keep perfumes and other inhalants out of the reach of children and teenagers, who may be more susceptible to the harmful effects. Educate yourself and others about the dangers of inhalant abuse and the signs of addiction to help prevent and identify abuse.
