Lance Carson
Fragrances and perfumes are made up of dozens of compounds or synthetic volatile chemicals that create an odour. Many studies have shown that these compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to various health effects, including fragrance sensitivity, migraines, and allergies. In addition, the long-term presence of fragrance in the bloodstream can lead to genotoxicity and endocrine disruption. While immediate and irreversible damage to health from one-time use of perfume is rare, exposure to fragrances can cause harm over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxic ingredients in perfumes | Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol |
| Effects of toxic ingredients | Redness, itching, sinus irritation, skin sensitivities, allergies, cancer |
| Fragrance in skincare | Enters the bloodstream |
| Effects of fragrance in the bloodstream | Endocrine disruption, poisoned breast milk, cancer, genotoxicity |
| Other effects of fragrance | Headaches, migraines, osmophobia, olfactory hallucinations |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume ingredients are often undisclosed
While perfume poisoning is rare, exposure to fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which is toxic and may cause symptoms if swallowed in amounts greater than 30ml. Other symptoms of exposure to toxic perfume ingredients include redness, itching, or sinus irritation.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that many popular perfumes, colognes, and body sprays contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. Undisclosed ingredients may include chemicals with hazardous properties or a propensity to accumulate in human tissues, such as diethyl phthalate and musk ketone.
In the United States, there is no law requiring the disclosure of all chemical ingredients in consumer products or fragrances. A regulatory analysis of six best-selling products (three air fresheners and three laundry supplies) found nearly 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), none of which were listed on any product label. Some of these VOCs are regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, yet are exempt from disclosure in fragrances and consumer products.
The lack of transparency in perfume ingredients has raised concerns over the potential health risks and the accumulation of certain chemicals in the body. EWG blames the US government and the FDA for not assessing the safety of secret chemicals used in fragrances.
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Fragrance compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective layer of cells that line the inner surfaces of the blood vessels inside the brain. It acts as a gatekeeper, allowing helpful substances to enter the brain while blocking harmful ones. The BBB also controls how various chemical molecules enter and exit the brain.
Fragrance compounds can cross the BBB and interact with receptors in the central nervous system. This interaction can have a significant influence on brain function, including memory, thoughts, and emotions. In addition, fragrances can produce immediate changes in physiological parameters such as blood pressure, muscle tension, pupil dilation, skin temperature, pulse rate, and brain activity.
The impact of fragrances on human psychophysiological activity has been recognized for a long time, and its importance is growing in the medicinal and cosmetic industries. For example, aromatherapy has been used for thousands of years to treat various psychological and physical disorders, including headaches, pain, insomnia, eczema, stress-induced anxiety, depression, and digestive problems.
However, fragrances can also have negative effects on some individuals. Some people may experience fragrance sensitivity or osmophobia, which is common among those with migraines. Perfumes and strong odors may trigger headaches and migraine attacks, possibly by interacting with the trigeminal nociceptive pathway or triggering the release of inflammatory substances in the brain.
While rare, it is possible for fragrances to cause more serious health issues. "Perfume poisoning" is rare, but exposure to topical fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which can be dangerous if ingested, especially by children.
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Perfume can cause skin irritation and allergies
While perfume is designed to be applied to the skin, it can cause skin irritation and allergies. Fragrances and perfumes comprise dozens of compounds or synthetic volatile chemicals that create an odour. Many studies show that fragrance compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact directly with receptors in the central nervous system. Larger molecules in the bloodstream, including medications, cannot cross this barrier.
Perfume can cause skin irritation and other allergic reactions, known as contact dermatitis. This occurs when the skin comes into contact with an ingredient that causes irritation. Symptoms include redness, itching, and sinus irritation. Contact dermatitis usually resolves itself and symptoms should subside once the triggering substance is no longer in contact with the skin.
In addition to skin irritation, perfume can also trigger headaches, migraine episodes, and other symptoms in some people. An international 2019 study found that about one-third of adults across the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Sweden reported fragrance sensitivity. Of these, 12.6% experienced migraine episodes associated with exposure to fragranced products.
The most toxic ingredient in perfumes is often ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which may cause symptoms if swallowed in large amounts. However, it is important to note that companies are not required to disclose all the ingredients in their fragrances, which makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are putting on their skin. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with fragrance products.
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Long-term fragrance exposure may lead to cancer
The word "fragrance" on a product label can represent dozens or even hundreds of chemicals, including styrene, a chemical compound that has been linked to cancer. In 2014, an expert panel convened by the National Academy of Sciences confirmed a federal interagency group's conclusion that styrene is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." This endorsement was based on a 2011 finding by the National Toxicology Program, which collaborated with scientists from multiple government agencies.
However, it is important to note that fragrances are not the sole source of styrene exposure, as it is also present in household products like polystyrene containers and foam cups. While there is evidence that fragrance ingredients can cause cancer in laboratory animals, the concentrations required are significantly higher than those found in consumer products. Regulatory bodies and expert panels worldwide evaluate and assess the safety of fragrance chemicals, and there is currently no direct evidence linking the use of fragranced products to an increased risk of cancer in humans.
The potential health risks associated with fragrance exposure extend beyond cancer. Fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and other chronic health issues. Ethanol, the most toxic ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves, can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. The lack of transparency in fragrance ingredient labels makes it challenging for consumers to identify specific allergens or toxic substances.
To minimize potential health risks, consumers should be cautious when using fragranced products. It is recommended to avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin and to limit exposure to certain oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, for young boys. While the direct link between fragrance exposure and cancer remains a subject of ongoing research and regulatory discussions, consumers can take proactive steps to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful substances by choosing products that disclose their ingredients and avoiding those that rely solely on the generic term "fragrance" to describe their scent components.
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Perfume poisoning is rare but possible
While it is rare, perfume poisoning is possible. The skin is the body's largest organ and can absorb up to 80% of what is applied to it. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which is toxic and may cause symptoms if swallowed in amounts greater than 30 milliliters. Ingesting perfume can cause harmful effects such as muscle cramping, nausea, and abdominal pain. Exposure to topical fragrances can also trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time.
The problem with many perfumes is that the ingredients are not properly disclosed to consumers. Due to laws protecting fragrance manufacturers' trade secrets, the chemicals in perfumes are often simply listed as "fragrance" on product packaging. This makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly which ingredients are in their perfumes and whether they are safe.
To avoid potential harm from perfumes, it is recommended to opt for certified organic perfumes made with 100% essential oils or naturally derived fragrance ingredients. These perfumes are carefully researched and formulated to be safer for the body. Additionally, it is important to read product ingredient lists and avoid putting anything on your skin that you wouldn't eat.
While perfume poisoning is rare, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with fragrance products. In the case of ingestion, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or a medical professional immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, toxicology studies have detected significant amounts of fragrance in the bloodstream of participants who used products containing fragrance.
Some people may experience fragrance sensitivity, which can cause various health effects such as headaches, migraines, and skin irritation. In addition, long-term presence in the bloodstream can lead to genotoxicity, endocrine disruption, and possibly cancer.
The most toxic ingredients in perfumes are ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which are used to preserve and stabilize the product's scent. Other chemicals may be present but are often not disclosed by manufacturers due to trade secret laws.
