If you’re shopping for a new signature scent, beware: many perfumes and colognes contain chemicals that could harm your health.
The fragrance industry is booming, growing faster than makeup, skincare, and hair care products, according to a 2024 report by market research firm Circana. While luxury perfumes saw significant growth, body sprays led the pack with a staggering 94% increase in sales over the past year.
But behind the allure of these scents lies a potential danger. Researchers have found that many fragrances contain chemicals linked to serious health issues.
The Chemicals to Watch Out For
Fragrances often include parabens and phenols, which extend shelf life, and phthalates, a group of chemicals widely studied for their harmful effects. Phthalates have been tied to heart disease, high blood pressure, pregnancy complications, and preterm birth.
“Phthalates are known for being a reproductive toxin,” says Julia Varshavsky, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of public health at Northeastern University.
Here’s what you need to know about these chemicals and how to enjoy your favorite scents without risking your health.
What the Research Says
Phthalates are a class of more than two dozen chemicals. Some soften plastics and are found in food packaging and children’s toys. Others help lotions and cosmetics stick to and penetrate the skin. In fragrances, they act as solvents and stabilizers.
Phthalates, parabens, and phenols are endocrine disruptors. This means they can interfere with hormones that regulate growth, fertility, and reproduction. A 2021 review of human and animal studies found that long-term exposure to phthalates may harm neurological, developmental, and reproductive systems.
“The data is convincing that these chemicals cause health effects,” says John Meeker, ScD, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan.
Who’s Most at Risk
While phthalates can affect people of all ages, the most vulnerable are pregnant individuals and children. “The most sensitive time for phthalate exposure is during fetal development,” Varshavsky explains.
Phthalate exposure in the womb has been linked to male reproductive issues, including testicular cancer, low sperm count, and birth defects like cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) and hypospadias (a urethral condition).
Though early studies focused on animals, newer research on humans has shown consistent results.
Can You Avoid These Chemicals
It’s not easy to tell which fragrances contain phthalates or other harmful chemicals. These substances are often hidden under vague terms like “fragrance” or “parfum” on labels.
“Fragrance is what you’re selling, so companies don’t want to disclose what’s in it,” Varshavsky says.
Parabens may appear on labels as methyl paraben (MP), butyl paraben (BP), ethyl paraben (EP), or propyl paraben (PP). Phthalates might be listed as diethyl phthalate or under acronyms like DEHP, DBP, BBP, or DEP. Some brands voluntarily label their products as “phthalate-free.”
If you’re unsure, Stephanie Eick, PhD, an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist at Emory University, recommends using the EWG Healthy Living app. Created by the Environmental Working Group, the app identifies products containing harmful chemicals and highlights safer alternatives.
Reducing Your Exposure
If your favorite fragrance contains phthalates, you don’t necessarily have to give it up. Instead, reduce exposure by choosing unscented or phthalate-free lotions, makeup, and hair care products.
The good news? Phthalates don’t stay in your body for long. “Our bodies can get rid of these chemicals quickly, within a day or less,” says Eick. However, because they’re in so many products, exposure is often constant.
“If we remove exposure, we can quickly get phthalates out of our bodies,” Varshavsky adds. “That’s not true for many other chemicals, like PFAS or fire retardants, but it is true for phthalates.”
By making informed choices, you can enjoy your favorite scents while protecting your health.
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