May 234 min read

A Toxic Spritz: Toxins in Perfume and Cologne

The fragrance industry is growing, with about a 25% increase from 2022 to 2023. However, fragrances often contain unsafe ingredients. With 41% of Americans using fragrance frequently, and higher numbers in some other countries, the toxic ingredients usually in perfume and cologne pose a risk to many people. Exposure can occur through the skin or inhalation, and it can be from being around others wearing fragrance, not just applying it directly.

One major health effect of fragrances is skin irritation. Various studies have found that anywhere from 1% to 14% of people without eczema and 6.9% to 9.7% of people with eczema reacted to fragrances. Some of the most common ingredients linked to this problem include geraniol, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC), and limonene.

Many ingredients in perfume and cologne have harmful effects on hormones, the nervous system, and reproduction. For example, one fragrance solvent, diethyl phthalate, is associated with abnormal male reproductive organ development, ADHD, and sperm harm. Perfume and cologne ingredients, including parabens and phthalates, can be endocrine disruptors. A test found sunscreen and UV-protecting ingredients, including oxybenzone, linked to hormone disruption in fragrances. Ingredients in perfume and cologne have been linked to various female reproductive issues, including abnormal menstrual cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and potentially infertility, as well as male, such as sperm and reproductive organ abnormalities, lower sperm count and motility, decreased testicle weight, and infertility. Additionally, exposure to fragrances during pregnancy increases the child's risk of asthma. Some fragrance ingredients have been found in umbilical cord blood and breast milk. Fragrances can harm fetal brain development and have been found to lead to autism, migraines, and depression. Other neurological effects of perfumes and colognes include nerve signaling alterations, developmental delays, and increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Many fragrance ingredients also have the potential to cause cancer. In one study, most perfumes tested were found to be able to damage DNA, and some perfume and cologne ingredients can alter gene expression. Some ingredients in perfumes and colognes can also harm cells. Fragrances have been linked to breast, testicular, and prostate cancers. Studies in mice showed the ability of the fragrance ingredient isoeugenol to cause abnormal non-cancerous growths as well.

Using fragrances can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are toxic chemicals. Many of these chemicals are petroleum-derived. Because these ingredients are cheaper, they are also very prevalent. Harmful health effects of these VOCs include headaches, asthma attacks, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous system issues, and skin irritation. The VOCs from fragrances can impact indoor air quality, which you can read more about here. Other household items such as cleaners and air fresheners also contribute to VOC presence. Other effects of fragrances include liver, cardiovascular, thyroid, respiratory, and immune harm.

Because perfume and cologne formulas are considered "trade secrets," companies are not required to disclose any or all of the ingredients in their fragrances, making it difficult to assess a perfume's safety. Additionally, "fragrance" and "parfum" are mixtures of a variety of often-harmful ingredients that don't have to be disclosed, so products listing these terms on the ingredient label should not be used. In one test, there was an average of 14 chemicals not on the ingredient list found in fragrances, including ones linked to endocrine disruption and allergic reactions. Fortunately, non-scent ingredients like solvents, stabilizers, UV absorbers, preservatives, and dyes, many of which can be harmful to health, are usually listed on ingredient labels. Because of the dangerous ingredients often contained in fragrances and that ingredient labels don't always fully disclose ingredients, I do not recommend usually, if ever, using perfume and cologne. If you still want to wear a scent, the best option is organic essential oils. However, there are still some concerns with these, which I have already written about here. Don't be fooled by products marketed as "natural." These claims do not necessarily have to be true, and even many truly natural ingredients can be harmful. Make sure to always check ingredient lists, ensure all ingredients are disclosed, and avoid "fragrance" if you choose to use perfume and cologne.