Katrina Rosales
There are over 4,000 chemicals currently used to scent products, but fragrance formulations are considered a trade secret and are therefore protected from disclosure. As a result, it can be difficult to know the exact ingredients in perfumes and the potential health risks associated with them. While immediate and irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume is rare, exposure to fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time. In addition, some of the chemicals found in perfumes, such as phthalates, have been shown to disrupt hormones, and there are concerns about the potential toxicity of other ingredients. On the other hand, some people may experience phantom odors, which can be a sign of underlying health issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perfume poisoning | Rare but possible |
| Allergies | Can be triggered by perfumes |
| Skin sensitivities | Can be caused by perfumes |
| Harm over time | Possible due to exposure to perfumes |
| High amounts of ethanol | Present in most perfumes |
| Dangerous for children | Yes, especially if ingested |
| Toxic effects | Possible due to chemicals in perfumes |
| Carcinogens | Present in some perfumes |
| Banned ingredients | Some are still available in the US |
| Disruption of hormones | Caused by some phthalates in perfumes |
| Unknown health risks | Due to lack of research on combined chemical effects |
| Self-regulation | The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated |
| Trade secrets | Specific formulas are protected by law |
| Unregulated ingredients | Fragrance/parfum can include 10,000 different ingredients |
| Socio-economic status | Lower status may be linked to exposure to environmental toxins |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume poisoning is rare but possible
Perfumes and colognes are popular and are often used to make oneself more attractive or to cover up foul smells. However, they can also be a source of health issues, with some people reporting allergies and skin sensitivities. While immediate and irreversible damage to health caused by one-time perfume use is rare, long-term exposure to certain ingredients in perfumes may have adverse effects.
The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and the specific formulas for perfumes are protected by trade-secret laws. As a result, it is challenging to know exactly which ingredients are in a particular perfume. However, it is estimated that about 4,000 chemicals are used to scent products, and some of these may be harmful. For example, phthalates, a group of petroleum-based chemicals, are commonly found in scented cosmetics and have been shown to disrupt hormones. Other potentially harmful ingredients include synthetic musk compounds, which have been found in human tissue and breast milk, and natural animal musks and plant extracts that are potent allergens.
In addition to the health risks, some people may find strong perfumes unpleasant and overwhelming. The chemicals in perfumes are potent and can persist in the environment, leading to issues such as headaches and allergic reactions even when only smelt on someone else.
To minimise the potential risks associated with perfume use, some people choose to use non-toxic perfumes made from essential oils or opt for unscented products. Reading labels and sourcing companies that use trusted ingredients can also help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.
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Fragrances can trigger allergies and skin sensitivities
While perfume poisoning is rare, fragrances can trigger allergies and skin sensitivities. Fragrances can cause or aggravate certain health conditions, and this isn't just about the wearer but can also affect those around them.
Perfumes contain a large number of chemicals, and it is difficult to know which of the 10,000 ingredients are being dabbed onto the skin. Some of these chemicals are included to help the skin absorb the fragrance, making it last longer. One such group of chemicals is phthalates, which are petroleum-based and keep all the liquid's different elements evenly distributed. However, some phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), have been shown to disrupt hormones, including testosterone.
In addition, synthetic musk compounds have been found in human tissue and breast milk, with Black women and children having higher levels of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Fragrances can also cause skin irritation, with contact dermatitis being a common allergic reaction to fragrances. This can manifest as a rash, itching, or other skin issues.
To avoid these issues, some people opt for non-toxic perfumes made from pure essential oils, which are less overpowering and do not last as long. Reading labels and sourcing companies that use trusted ingredients can help identify potentially harmful fragrances.
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Some perfume chemicals may be dangerous if they build up in the body
While perfume poisoning is rare, and immediate, irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume is unlikely, certain perfume chemicals may be dangerous if they build up in the body. The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and about 4,000 chemicals are used to scent products, but these are often not listed on the label. Instead, the single word “fragrance” or "parfum" is used, which can refer to a catch-all of up to 10,000 different ingredients. These can include petroleum-based chemicals called phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormones, including testosterone.
Some of the 4,000 ingredients used to scent products have been deemed likely carcinogens, such as styrene, which was identified as such by the National Toxicology Program in 2014. Other chemicals, such as musk ketone, are widely used in cosmetics produced in Europe and have been found in human breast milk and fatty tissue, but whether or not they are dangerous is unclear. Synthetic musk compounds have been found in human tissue and breast milk, and Black women and children have been found to have higher levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which could be tied to exposure from toxic chemicals in hair products.
In addition to the potential dangers of exposure to individual chemicals, the combination of many chemicals and exposure over a lifetime can also be harmful. As Dr. Heather Patisaul, a biologist at North Carolina State University, states, "We're only beginning to understand how these chemicals disrupt the body." To reduce exposure, Patisaul suggests ditching scented lotions, deodorants, shampoos, and aftershaves.
Some people have reported experiencing allergic reactions to perfume, including sneezing, wheezing, rashes, and headaches. In addition, some have reported experiencing breathing problems and migraines after long-term use of perfume. While it can be challenging to transition to unscented or naturally scented options, some people have found that their symptoms improve after reducing their exposure to conventional perfume products.
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Phantom odours can indicate health issues
While perfume poisoning is rare, and one-time exposure is unlikely to cause immediate or irreversible damage to your health, certain chemicals found in perfumes can be harmful and may build up in your body over time. The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and manufacturers are not required to disclose specific ingredients beyond listing "fragrance" on the label. As a result, consumers may be exposed to unknown chemicals with potential health risks.
Phantom odours, or phantosmia, refer to detecting smells that are not actually present in the environment. This condition can affect one or both nostrils and the odours may be pleasant or unpleasant, occasional or constant. While phantosmia is typically not a cause for concern and often resolves with time, persistent phantom odours lasting more than three weeks may indicate an underlying health issue.
According to studies and medical experts, phantom odours can be linked to various health conditions, including:
- COVID-19 infection: Many individuals have reported experiencing phantom smells following a COVID-19 infection, such as burning rubber or smoke.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease can lead to problems with smell, including phantosmia.
- Head trauma: Head injuries that damage the connection between the brain and the peripheral nerves in the nose can result in a loss of smell and the perception of phantom odours.
- Mental health conditions: Phantosmia may be associated with certain mood disorders and mental health conditions, including schizophrenia.
- Other brain-related conditions: In rare cases, phantom odours could indicate serious brain-related issues such as epilepsy, stroke, or a brain tumour.
- Dental issues: Dental problems, such as gum disease or dry mouth, have also been linked to phantom odours.
- Socio-economic factors: Individuals with a lower socio-economic status may be more exposed to environmental pollutants and toxins, which could contribute to the experience of phantom odours.
It is important to note that if you are experiencing persistent or concerning phantom odours, seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional is recommended. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment or referrals.
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The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated
The fragrance industry, much like the cosmetics industry, is largely self-regulated. The industry's International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and their research arm, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), are responsible for creating fragrance safety standards. However, these standards are voluntary, and there is little to no compliance verification required from manufacturers. This has led to concerns about the effectiveness of the industry's self-regulation and whether it adequately serves the public health interest.
The RIFM has reviewed a large number of ingredients under a comprehensive assessment system, with the goal of assessing all 4,000 ingredients in use. However, the majority of scientific studies on fragrance materials are conducted by fragrance manufacturers or their trade associations, and these studies are often not published, peer-reviewed, or publicly available. This lack of transparency and potential conflict of interest has been criticised by some, who argue that independent review is necessary to ensure the safety of fragrance chemicals.
The term "fragrance" on ingredient lists can represent a cocktail of hundreds of different chemicals. Many of these chemicals are listed on hazardous chemical inventories, and there are concerns about their potential health effects, especially when combined with other chemicals in daily life. For example, certain synthetic musk compounds have been found in human tissue and breast milk, and some chemicals in perfumes are designed to help the skin absorb the fragrance, leading to potential long-term exposure.
While rare, perfume poisoning can occur, and exposure to topical fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time. In addition, certain population groups, such as Black women and children, have been found to have higher levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which may be linked to exposure to toxic chemicals in hair and beauty products. These disparities highlight the need for more stringent regulation and transparency in the fragrance industry to protect public health.
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Frequently asked questions
While perfume poisoning is rare, perfumes contain chemicals that can be harmful to the body. Some common allergic reactions to perfume include sneezing, wheezing, rashes, and headaches.
The fragrance industry is largely self-regulated, and about 4,000 chemicals are used to scent products. Some of these chemicals, such as phthalates, have been shown to disrupt hormones. In addition, some people may experience phantom odors, which can be a sign of underlying health issues.
To reduce the risks, you can opt for perfumes with pure essential oils, which are less overpowering and do not last as long. Reading labels and sourcing companies that use trusted ingredients can also help. Additionally, using scented lotions, deodorants, shampoos, and aftershaves can increase your overall exposure, so limiting these products may be beneficial.
