Heidi Norton
While perfumes are formulated to smell good, they are not meant to be ingested. The attractive packaging and alluring scent of perfumes can sometimes lead to accidental ingestion, especially by small children. The main components of perfumes are fragrance (usually an oil, often derived from flowers), alcohol (such as ethanol), and water. The alcohols used in perfumes are toxic and can cause serious effects if ingested in amounts greater than 30 milliliters. In addition to the risk of alcohol poisoning, there are other unknown chemicals in perfumes that may be harmful to the body. Therefore, it is important to keep perfumes out of the reach of children and to seek medical advice if ingestion occurs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Do Not Drink |
| Manufacturer | Sephora |
| Variants | Iris + Mocha, Jasmine + Pink Pepper, Sweet and Salty Blend Vanilla + Sea Salt |
| Size | 10 ml |
| Ingredients | Natural ingredients (87%) |
| Application | Spray 1-2 times on pulse points such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears |
| Combination | Can be combined with other products from the same line or mixed with body lotion or cream |
| Package Dimensions | 12 x 4.5 x 3 cm; 20 g |
| Rating | 3.5/5 stars |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume contains toxic alcohols
While it may seem obvious that perfume should not be ingested, it is still important to reiterate: do not drink perfume. Perfume contains toxic alcohols, which can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. The alcohol used in perfumes is denatured, meaning it is not meant for consumption. It is denatured by adding chemicals that alter its colour, smell, and taste, making it extremely bitter. This is done to prevent people from drinking it.
The main types of alcohol used in perfumes are ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, both of 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 centre or a pediatrician immediately. Even a small amount of perfume ingested can cause symptoms such as redness, itching, or sinus irritation.
Ethanol is a common type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks, biofuel, and perfume. It is used to dilute a fragrance concentrate made up of aromachemicals and essential oils. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is not suitable for use in perfumes as it has a strong smell and is harsh on the skin. It is important to note that not all alcohols are safe for use in perfumes. For example, methanol is extremely toxic and should never be used in perfume.
In addition to the toxic effects of ingesting perfume, there are also potential risks associated with the other chemicals and ingredients in perfumes. Fragrance products are often not tested for toxicity, and manufacturers are not required to list all toxic ingredients on their packaging. This makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are exposing themselves to when using perfume. Some chemicals in perfume can increase the skin's absorption of potential carcinogens, alcohols, and petroleum. Exposure to certain ingredients during early childhood or even in utero may pose risks to respiratory health.
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The unknown toxicity of perfume ingredients
While perfumes and colognes are widely used, they can contain a complex mixture of chemicals that may have negative effects on health. The cosmetics industry has often kept the public in the dark about fragrance ingredients, even those that can cause potential health risks or build up in people's bodies.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analysed data from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and reported that the average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. These undisclosed ingredients include chemicals associated with hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and adverse health effects, such as diethyl phthalate, which has been linked to sperm damage in human epidemiological studies, and musk ketone, which concentrates in human fat tissue and breast milk.
Other studies have identified phthalates, aldehydes, parabens, and aluminum-based salts as significant contaminants in aromatic products, causing side effects such as allergies, cancer, reproductive disorders, nervous system damage, and migraine headaches. The incidence of complications depends on various factors, including age, gender, race, amount of substance consumed, and duration of use.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) published a list of 2,339 possible fragrance materials used by its members, some of which are listed as carcinogens by California's Prop 65 Program and the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Despite this, fragrance secrecy is legal due to a loophole in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973, which exempts companies from listing fragrance ingredients on product labels. As a result, consumers often receive incomplete information, and manufacturers are limited in their ability to provide full ingredient disclosure.
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The dangers of perfume ingestion for children
Fragrance products are attractive to children due to their smell and decorative bottles. However, the ingestion of perfumes by children is dangerous and should be avoided. The primary risk of fragrance products is alcohol poisoning, as most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol. In children, alcohol can cause drowsiness and inebriation, as well as a drop in blood sugar levels, which can become dangerous. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include slurred speech, depressed breathing, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and seizures.
If a child ingests a significant amount of perfume, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or a pediatrician immediately. In the meantime, the child should be given a small, carbohydrate- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. In some cases, hospitalization for observation may be necessary, during which the affected child will be given fluids and light snacks.
While full recovery is common, the ingestion of perfumes can cause serious health issues in children. The chemicals in perfumes may have toxic effects, and some ingredients, such as styrene and musk ketone, have been associated with potential health risks. Additionally, perfumes can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, with fragrance products being a common cause of contact dermatitis.
To prevent accidental ingestion, fragrance products should not be applied in the presence of young children. If applying perfume to a child, it is essential to supervise them and ensure they understand never to apply it themselves. By taking these precautions and understanding the potential dangers, we can help keep children safe and avoid the risks associated with perfume ingestion.
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The bitter taste of perfume
Perfumes contain a variety of chemicals and ingredients that are safe when applied to the skin but not necessarily safe to ingest. These chemicals can be harmful to the body when swallowed and may cause a range of negative side effects, including an upset stomach, dizziness, and in more severe cases, organ damage.
The "Do Not Drink Perfume" collection by Sephora comes in a variety of scents, including Iris + Mocha and Jasmine + Pink Pepper. These fragrances are described as "tasty" and may indeed smell good enough to eat. However, it is important to remember that the perfume is not meant to be consumed and should only be enjoyed as a scent.
While the exact ingredients of the "Do Not Drink" collection are not readily available, it is safe to assume that they contain a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients commonly found in perfumes. These ingredients are safe when used as intended—that is, when applied to the skin—but can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
So, while you may be curious about the taste of your perfume, it is best to resist the temptation and stick to enjoying the fragrance as intended. Remember, just because it smells good doesn't mean it will taste good—and more importantly, it may be harmful to your health.
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The potential for perfume to cause intoxication
While it is uncommon for adults who use perfume regularly to experience perfume poisoning, the alcohols in perfume are toxic and can cause symptoms if more than 30ml is ingested. The alcohol content in perfumes, which can range from 20 to 95 per cent, can cause a person's blood sugar to drop below normal levels. While a spritz or two in the mouth is not usually a cause for concern, larger amounts can lead to intoxication, especially in children. Symptoms of intoxication from perfume ingestion include sleepiness, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, confusion, nausea, vomiting, hives or boils, and even seizures.
The specific symptoms experienced can vary depending on the ingredients in the perfume and the amount ingested. However, it is important to note that the long-term effects of perfume ingestion are still unknown, as many ingredients are not disclosed to consumers and are considered trade secrets. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to determine the full scope of potential health risks associated with perfume ingestion.
To mitigate the risks associated with perfume ingestion, it is crucial to keep perfumes out of the reach of children and to seek immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs. Additionally, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution when using perfumes, as they can trigger allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and skin sensitivities.
While the potential for intoxication from perfume ingestion is a concern, it is important to note that the primary purpose of perfumes is to be enjoyed as a scent and not for consumption. The high alcohol content and toxic ingredients in perfumes can have adverse health effects when ingested, making it crucial to use these products responsibly and avoid any potential risks associated with ingestion.
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