Lance Carson
It is not advisable to ingest perfume. Perfume contains high amounts of ethanol, a toxic ingredient that can be especially harmful to children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or a pediatrician. The ethanol content in perfume, which can make up between 20 to 95 percent of the product, is enough to cause adverse effects if ingested. While serious health damage from one-time perfume ingestion is rare, it can cause symptoms similar to drinking a high-proof liquor, and in some cases, it may lead to perfume poisoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you get drunk from perfume? | No, but the alcohol content can cause serious effects if ingested, especially in children. |
| Alcohol content in perfumes | Web Poison Control states that alcohol can make up between 20 to 95% of a scent. |
| Effects of ingestion | Similar to ingesting a high-proof or heavily concentrated type of liquor. Symptoms include a drop in blood sugar levels and, in serious cases, a trip to the emergency room is warranted. |
| Treatment | Give a light, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to stabilize blood sugar levels. Poison Control should be contacted to determine if a dangerous amount has been ingested. |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of perfume ingestion
Perfumes are generally made with a mix of isopropyl alcohol, essential oils, and water-soluble ingredients. The alcohol found in perfumes can make up between 20 to 95 percent of the product and can cause serious effects if ingested, especially in children. The most toxic ingredients found in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves are typically ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. These alcohols are used to preserve and stabilize the product's scent.
If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume—not just a spritz or two—it is important to contact a poison control center or the child's pediatrician immediately. While waiting for professional help, give the child a small, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels. It is worth noting that fragrance products can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, which usually go away if usage is discontinued.
Although rare, there are concerns about the potential chemical reactions that can be triggered in the body due to the ingestion of undisclosed ingredients in perfumes. Fragrance products are exempt from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing, and manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients, instead using the term "fragrance" as a catch-all category. Some ingredients to look out for, especially if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, include toxic ingredients that can be harmful to the reproductive system when they build up in the body over time.
To prevent accidental ingestion, especially by children, it is important to keep all fragrance products out of reach and not to apply them in the presence of young children. If you apply a fragrance product to a child, ensure they know never to apply it on their own.
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The allure of perfume, particularly to children
While adults may spritz on their favourite perfume or cologne as part of their daily routine, it is important to remember that these fragrance products can pose serious risks to children. The allure of perfume to children is multi-faceted, and understanding these attractions can help prevent accidental poisonings and other health issues.
Firstly, the smell of perfumes is enticing to children. Fragrance products are designed to emit a pleasant aroma, often derived from flowers or other natural sources. This enticing scent can be irresistible to curious children, who may be drawn to smell or even taste these products. The attractive, ornate bottles that perfumes often come in can also capture a child's interest, luring them to investigate further.
Secondly, the presence of alcohol in most fragrance products poses a significant danger to children. Alcohol can cause drowsiness and inebriation in children, similar to adults. However, the more severe risks include dangerously low blood sugar levels and potential alcohol poisoning. Even a small amount of alcohol swallowed by a child can lead to slurred speech, depressed breathing, loss of coordination, seizures, or loss of consciousness. The effects of alcohol consumption can be much more severe in children due to their smaller body size and higher absorption rates.
Additionally, the chemicals and ingredients in perfumes can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in children. Their skin is more susceptible to the penetration of irritants and allergens due to a thinner stratum corneum. Children may also experience systemic effects from exposure to fragrance compounds, such as the development of atopic diseases, asthma, contact dermatitis, dyschromia, and photosensitivity. The lack of transparency about specific ingredients in fragrance products makes it challenging to determine their potential health risks fully.
To ensure the safety of children, it is crucial to keep all fragrance products out of their reach and never apply them in their presence. If a child comes into contact with perfume or cologne, it is important to wash the affected area with soap and water to remove any remaining product. In the event of accidental ingestion, parents or caregivers should contact Poison Control immediately for guidance and closely monitor the child for any changes.
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Alcohol content in perfumes
The alcohol content in perfumes varies depending on the type of perfume. The main types of perfumes are colognes, eau de toilettes, and eau de parfums. Colognes have the lowest concentration of perfume oil, with only about 2% to 5% of the total mixture being perfume oil. The rest, which can be up to 95%, is alcohol. Eau de toilettes have a slightly higher concentration of perfume oil, ranging from 2% to 8%, and the rest, about 60% to 80%, is alcohol. Eau de parfums have the highest concentration of perfume oil, with about 12% to 20% of the total mixture, and the alcohol content can reach up to 88%.
The alcohol used in perfumes is typically ethyl alcohol or denatured ethanol, which is a type of processed alcohol mixed with additives to make it non-consumable. This means that while the alcohol in perfumes can cause serious effects if ingested, particularly by children, it is not possible to get drunk from simply applying the perfume to your skin. The alcohol in perfumes serves as a solvent or carrier for the fragrance, and it evaporates quickly, leaving behind only the pleasant-smelling oil.
The concentration of perfume oil and alcohol in a fragrance product affects its strength and longevity. Products with higher concentrations of perfume oil will have a stronger scent and last longer, but they will also be more expensive. These products require a higher concentration of alcohol to dilute the oil and will come in smaller bottles.
The difference in alcohol content between the different types of perfumes can also affect their suitability for different situations. For example, colognes and eau de toilettes are typically preferred during hot weather or in the summer due to their lighter and fresher scents. Eau de parfums, on the other hand, are more balanced and can be suitable for everyday use.
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Lack of ingredient transparency
While it is theoretically possible to get drunk from ingesting perfume due to its alcohol content, the amount required would likely be far greater than what one would absorb through normal use. The more pressing concern is the potential health risks associated with the lack of transparency in perfume ingredient lists.
The ingredient "fragrance" or "parfum" is often used as an umbrella term for the various compounds and chemicals that make up a product's fragrance. This lack of specificity makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are exposing themselves to. While some fragrance compounds are generally recognized as safe, many others lack sufficient research and safety data. For example, styrene, a probable human carcinogen, is listed as an ingredient by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) with no restrictions. Phthalates, another common fragrance ingredient, are known endocrine disruptors with potential reproductive harm.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement for ingredient transparency in the fragrance industry. The Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP), for instance, advocate for full ingredient transparency in personal care, cosmetic, and cleaning products to ensure consumer safety. In 2018, L'Oréal, the world's largest cosmetic company, announced its intention to disclose the secret fragrance ingredients in its products, marking a step towards transparency. However, their initial statement lacked specifics, and full ingredient transparency in the industry is yet to be realized.
The clean beauty movement has also placed pressure on companies to be more transparent about their ingredients. Think Dirty®, for example, provides a vetted list of brands that do not use synthetic fragrances and disclose all ingredients. The IFRA Transparency List, or the "perfumer's palette," is another initiative that offers an overview of the ingredients used in fragrance mixtures by consumer goods companies worldwide.
Despite these efforts, the fragrance industry remains largely self-regulated, and federal laws mandating full ingredient transparency are not yet in place. In the absence of comprehensive safety data and regulations, consumers are encouraged to be vigilant and choose products from brands that prioritize transparency and safety.
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What to do if a child ingests perfume
While it is not possible to get drunk from inhaling perfume, the consequences of ingesting perfume can be more severe. If a child ingests perfume, it is important to remain calm and take the following steps:
Remove the child from further exposure:
Take the child away from the perfume or any other fragrance products. Ensure that they are no longer in contact with the substance and move them to a safe and well-ventilated area.
Assess the amount ingested:
Determine how much perfume the child has swallowed. If it was a small amount, such as a lick or a taste, the risk is likely lower. However, if the child has consumed a teaspoon or more, it is crucial to act quickly.
Contact Poison Control or a medical professional:
Get in touch with Poison Control or your local poison control center. They can provide expert advice and guidance on the next steps. Alternatively, contact your child's pediatrician or a general practitioner for further instructions. It is important to have the perfume bottle with you when you make the call, so professionals can determine the ingredients and potential risks.
Monitor for symptoms:
Keep a close eye on the child for any signs or symptoms of perfume poisoning. These may include drowsiness, inebriation, slurred speech, depressed breathing, loss of coordination, seizures, or a sudden drop in energy levels. If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.
Provide a light snack:
Offer the child a small, carbohydrate-rich, or sugar-heavy snack to prevent their blood sugar levels from dropping too low. Apple juice, for example, is a good option, as suggested by a medical professional in a similar case.
It is important to keep fragrance products out of the reach of children and never apply them in their presence. Always encourage children to ask for help instead of exploring such products on their own. While perfume ingestion may not always lead to serious health complications, it is crucial to remain vigilant and seek appropriate advice from medical professionals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get drunk from ingesting perfume as it contains high amounts of alcohol, usually ethanol, which can be dangerous, especially for children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or the child's pediatrician.
If a child ingests perfume, give them a light snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping and immediately contact Poison Control to determine if the child has swallowed a dangerous amount.
The symptoms of perfume poisoning are similar to those of ingesting high-proof or heavily concentrated liquor. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
