Anisha Riggs
Aromatic products, including perfumes, colognes, and cosmetics, contain thousands of different chemicals, some of which are linked to adverse health effects, including breast cancer. While these chemicals are evaluated for safety by regulatory bodies, many have never been tested for safety, and some are known to be toxic and cause cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm. For instance, phthalates, aldehydes, parabens, and aluminum-based salts are contaminants in aromatic products that have been linked to breast cancer, especially in males.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chemicals used in fragrances | 3,000-4,000 |
| Safety testing of chemicals | Many chemicals have not been tested for safety. |
| Link to cancer | Many fragrance chemicals are linked to cancer. |
| Link to other health issues | Fragrances are linked to birth defects, hormone disruption, reproductive harm, asthma, allergies, cardiovascular disease, nervous system damage, endocrine cancer, respiratory disorders, thyroid issues, and immune system problems. |
| Labeling laws | Fragrance and perfume must be listed on product labels, but individual ingredients do not need to be disclosed. |
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What You'll Learn
Toxic chemicals in perfume
The word "fragrance" on a product label can indicate the presence of dozens or even hundreds of chemicals. Many of these chemicals are linked to adverse health effects, including cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, and other chronic health problems.
Perfumes and colognes, in particular, have been found to contain pollutants that can have negative effects on consumer health. These include allergies, asthma, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system damage, endocrine cancer, respiratory disorders, reproductive issues, and breast cancer.
Some of the specific toxic chemicals found in perfumes include:
- Phthalates: These are used to make perfumes last longer and are listed as toxic and priority pollutants by the U.S. Clean Water Act.
- Parabens: Used as preservatives in cosmetics, perfumes, and deodorants, parabens have been linked to allergies, dermatitis, and breast cancer.
- Aldehydes: These are used as fragrance ingredients and have been linked to allergies, skin irritation, and respiratory issues.
- Aluminum-based salts: These are used as antiperspirants and have been associated with reproductive disorders and breast cancer, especially in males.
- Diethyl phthalate: This chemical prolongs the evaporation of perfume aromas, resulting in longer-lasting fragrances. However, it is listed as a toxic and priority pollutant.
- Triclosan: This antimicrobial substance was banned by the FDA in 2016 but is still used in some compounds like fragrances.
- Benzyl benzoate: This chemical is linked to contact dermatitis and skin allergies.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds: These compounds are associated with occupational asthma.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These compounds are emitted from aromatic products and can pose a serious threat to human health, acting as indoor air pollutants.
It is important to note that not all fragrance chemicals are harmful, and some essential oils have positive health effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. However, many essential oils have not been thoroughly tested for safety, and even products labeled as "fragrance-free" may still contain fragrance chemicals.
The lack of transparency in the fragrance industry is concerning, as consumers are often not provided with complete information about the ingredients in their personal care products. This makes it challenging to make informed choices and protect our health.
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Health issues linked to perfume
Perfumes and colognes are widely used products, but they can have adverse health effects on consumers. A 2018 study by the Silent Spring Institute found that fragrance markers like diethyl phthalate were among the highest concentrations of the 45 endocrine-disrupting or asthma-causing chemicals found in six types of African American hair products.
Perfumes and colognes contain thousands of fragrance ingredients, and while some are safe, others have never been tested for safety. Many of these chemicals are toxic and are linked to serious health issues, including:
- Cancer: Fragrances contain endocrine disruptors, which mimic human hormones and can cause cancer. A 2018 report from WVE flagged more than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use as potential or known "chemicals of concern", including seven carcinogens. BCPP testing found that one in four fragrance ingredients detected in their tests were linked to cancer.
- Birth defects: BCPP testing found that one in four fragrance ingredients detected in their tests were linked to birth defects.
- Hormone disruption: Endocrine disruptors can have effects even in tiny doses.
- Respiratory harm: About 35% of people report migraines or respiratory problems due to fragrance.
- Neurotoxicity: Fragrances can cause neurological disorders in the fetus of pregnant mothers.
- Reproductive harm: Fragrance chemicals have been linked to reproductive harm, especially in males.
- Allergies: Fragrances can cause skin allergies and other allergic reactions, such as itchy/watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing.
- Nervous system damage: Fragrances have been linked to central nervous system damage and migraine headaches.
- Cardiovascular disease: Fragrances have been shown to have adverse effects on cardiovascular health.
- Immune system: Fragrances can impact the immune system.
- Thyroid and adrenal gland function: Fragrances have been linked to issues with thyroid and adrenal gland function.
While everyday exposure to fragrances is typically not a health issue for people without underlying disease, some people may be at higher risk of adverse reactions. It is important to increase consumer awareness about the negative effects of fragrances and to take precautions to reduce exposure.
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The impact of perfume on pregnant women
The use of perfumes and colognes can have side effects on consumers, and pregnant women may want to be particularly cautious about their use. While the research is not conclusive, some studies have shown that certain ingredients in perfumes can negatively affect fertility and cause allergies, migraines, asthma, and endocrine, reproductive, and nervous system disorders.
Perfumes and colognes contain thousands of different fragrance ingredients, and many of these are toxic chemicals with links to cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, and other chronic health problems. Fragrance or 'parfum' can consist of any of approximately 4,000 chemicals used by the fragrance industry to formulate scents for use in personal care products, cleaning products, perfumes, and home care products. Many of these chemicals are linked to harm to human health.
Some of the most common contaminants in aromatic products are phthalates, aldehydes, parabens, and aluminum-based salts. These compounds penetrate the bloodstream through the skin and can lead to impaired endocrine homeostasis. Studies on children aged 5-15 showed that perfume was one of the most common allergens in the development of dermatitis. Many studies also show that most perfumes, even in small amounts, can cause neurological disorders in the fetus of pregnant mothers. One of the causes of autism is exposure to chemicals (perfumes and medications) during pregnancy and after birth through breast milk.
Research has shown that perfumes contain ingredients such as phthalates and xenoestrogens, which are hormone disruptors that can cross the placental barrier. Prenatal exposure to these types of chemicals can alter the body's natural production and balance of hormones, which can result in excessive weight gain during pregnancy and gestational diabetes, which increases the risk of preterm birth and other birth complications.
However, it is important to note that the impact of perfume on pregnant women is not fully understood, and there is no conclusive evidence linking it to detectable birth defects or adverse pregnancy outcomes. Some experts recommend using perfumes made from essential oils or fragrance-free options, while others suggest that the key is to use perfumes in moderation to reduce overall exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
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The safety of perfume ingredients
One of the main concerns regarding the safety of perfume ingredients is the lack of transparency and regulation in the fragrance industry. In the United States, companies are not required to disclose the specific chemicals used in their fragrances, as they are considered trade secrets. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they are using and for researchers to study the potential health impacts of these chemicals.
However, there have been some efforts to increase transparency and regulate the safety of perfume ingredients. For example, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) develop and set voluntary standards for chemicals in fragrance products. Additionally, California passed the California Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient Right to Know Act in 2020, requiring companies to report ingredients linked to harm to human health or the environment.
To protect themselves from potentially harmful perfume ingredients, consumers are advised to read product labels carefully and avoid products that simply list "fragrance" or "parfum" without providing specific ingredient information. Consumers can also look for products bearing the EWG VERIFIED mark, which indicates that a product meets strict standards for transparency and health safety.
While the safety of perfume ingredients is a complex issue, increased transparency, regulation, and consumer awareness can help minimize the potential risks associated with these products.
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Regulations around perfume ingredients
The regulatory landscape for fragrances and perfumes is complex and varies across different regions. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited authority over fragrance ingredients in cosmetics. Fragrances and flavour ingredients can be listed as "fragrance" or "flavour" on cosmetic labels, without listing specific components, as they are often considered "trade secrets". However, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring appropriate labelling for consumer safety.
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulations Act (MoCRA), ratified in 2022, aims to strengthen consumer safety and provide the FDA with more authority. It requires companies to register their facilities with the FDA, submit product and ingredient listings, and comply with recall requirements. The FDA is also working on proposing fragrance allergens for the mandatory allergen labelling rule, with a deadline of June 29, 2024.
In the European Union (EU), cosmetic regulations are more stringent. The EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 requires manufacturers to submit safety reports and register each product before marketing. The EU has also published an extensive list of cosmetic allergens, which continues to be updated. As of 2023, the EU allergen list includes over 80 known allergens, a significant increase from the previous count of 26.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) have formulated practical regulations and safety standards for the fragrance industry. However, their effectiveness may be limited due to the inherent conflict of interest when an industry-funded trade group regulates itself.
Overall, the global fragrance industry is navigating a complex regulatory environment, with varying standards and requirements across regions. As demands for transparency and safety increase, companies must stay ahead of regulatory changes to ensure compliance, build consumer trust, and maintain their market position.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes are made up of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of chemicals. Many of these chemicals are linked to chronic health issues, including breast cancer. However, it is important to note that not all of these chemicals are harmful, and some have positive health effects, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities.
Some of the harmful chemicals in perfumes that have been linked to breast cancer include phthalates, aldehydes, parabens, and aluminum-based salts. These compounds can penetrate the bloodstream through the skin and lead to impaired endocrine homeostasis, causing neurological disorders in the fetus of pregnant mothers.
To reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals in perfumes, you can choose products that list their ingredients transparently and avoid those with known toxic fragrance chemicals. You can also support legislation that calls for full fragrance ingredient disclosure, such as Rep. Jan Schakowsky's Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2019. Additionally, wear appropriate personal protective equipment when working with fragranced products, and never use undiluted essential oils directly on your skin.
