Toxic Chemicals in Fragrances
Fragrances seem to be found in nearly everything. The word “fragrance” (aka “parfum”) is used as an umbrella term for a mix of natural essences and synthetic chemicals that make up the scent of various products. Companies are not obligated to disclose the individual ingredients of fragrance formulations as they are considered by the FDA to be “confidential business information” or “trade secrets”. As companies are not required to disclose ingredients, many commonly used fragrances are filled with harmful ingredients like phthalates, allergens, and styrene [1] . Ingredients from fragrances can enter the body through inhalation, contact with skin, or even accidental ingestion [2] . Ingredients in fragrances are not only harmful to humans, but some have negative environmental impacts as well [3] .
One of the greatest overarching concerns regarding ingredients commonly found in fragrance formulas is the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) . Evidence suggests that molecular compounds within synthetic fragrances cause endocrine disruption [4] , which can cause harm by altering or mimicking hormonal signaling systems across the body [5] thereby disrupting normal physiological functioning. Endocrine disruption can cause damage to organs, cause cancer, and impact neurological function [6] . This class of ingredients is found in many household products, from cleaners to sunscreen to deodorant and nail polish remover. A few well known components often found within synthetic fragrances that disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system include phthalates, styrene, and parabens [7] .
Ingredients of Concern
Some ingredients of concern that commonly show up in fragrances are:
Phthalates - Phthalates are commonly used in plastic solvents, PVC piping, and synthetic fragrances in cosmetic and personal care products [8] . This group of chemicals was originally developed to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics [9] . While phthalates are used in a wide variety of products, the use of phthalates comes with a host of health effects [10] . This substance has been associated with asthma and reproductive problems like decreasing sperm count and motility in males [11] . Phthalate exposure has also been linked to developmental issues in children, insulin resistance, obesity, and cancer [12] [13] .
Styrene - Styrene is an organic derivative of benzene. As a compound, it is used in latex and synthetic rubber, often used to extend the life of fragrances by making scent last longer [14] . Both long-term and short-term exposure to styrene can have a negative impact on human health [15] . Short-term exposure can harm the respiratory system by irritating the mucous membrane and, even small doses, can have toxic neurological effects affecting nerve endings and impairing vision [16] . Chronic exposure can have lasting effects and contribute to dysfunction of the central nervous system including symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and hearing problems [18] . Long-term exposure can also affect the liver and kidneys [19] . Additionally, some epidemiological studies suggest chronic exposure may increase your risk of leukemia and lymphoma cancers [20] .
Parabens- Parabens are a compound frequently used in scented products for their role as a preservative and to prevent growth of bacteria and mold [21] . They have been shown to have adverse effects on the development of both the male and female reproductive systems, fetal development during pregnancy, and neurodevelopment [22] .
Tips for Choosing Better Fragrances
- Look for products scented with 100% essential oils.
- Make your own natural products to replace products scented with toxic fragrances.
- When shopping look for products that are labeled “phthalate-free” or “paraben-free.”
- Avoid products that list “fragrance” or “parfum” as an ingredient as this could represent hundreds of unknown ingredients.
- Go fragrance free on some or all of your household and personal care products.
References
[1] Fargeot, A. (2023, March 8). The top 5 most common toxins found in mainstream perfumes. Fargeot Natural Perfumes. https://fargeotnaturalperfumes.com/blogs/news/the-top-5-most-common-toxins-found-in-mainstream-perfumes#:~:text=Styrene,improve%20the%20longevity%20of%20fragrances.
[2] Ashcroft, S., Dosoky, N. S., Setzer, W. N., & Satyal, P. (2024). Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products. Endocrines, 5(3), 366-381. https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines5030027.
[3] Patel, S. (2017). Fragrance Compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings. Medical Hypotheses, 102, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025.
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2024, October 14). What are “hormone-disrupting chemicals”? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-hormone-disrupting-chemicals.
[5] Patel, S. (2017). Fragrance Compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings. Medical Hypotheses, 102, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025.
[6] Cleveland Clinic. (2024, October 14). What are “hormone-disrupting chemicals”? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-hormone-disrupting-chemicals.
[7] Ripamonti, E., Allifranchini, E., Todeschi, S., & Bocchietto, E. (2018). Endocrine Disruption by Mixtures in Topical Consumer Products. Cosmetics, 5(4), 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics504006.
[8] Latini, G., Verrotti, A., and De Felice, C. (2004). DI-2-Ethylhexyl Phthalate and Endocrine Disruption: A Review. Current Drug Targets – Immune, Endocrine, and Metabolic Disorders (4)1, 37-40. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568008043340017.
[9] Casati, L., and Celotti, F. (2019). Transgenerational epigenetics of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in mammals. Translational Epigenetics 13, 369-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816363-4.00017-1.
[10] Chen, X., Xu, S., Tan, T., Lee, S. T., Cheng, S. H., Lee, F. W. F., Xu, S. J. L., & Ho, K. C. (2014). Toxicity and Estrogenic Endocrine Disrupting Activity of Phthalates and Their Mixtures. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 11(3), 3156-3168. https://doi.org/10.3390/.
[11] Cheatsheet: Phthalates. Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/cheatsheet-phthalates.
[12] Benjamin, S., Masai, E., Kaminura, N., Takahashi, K., Anderson, R.C., and Faisal P.A. (2017). Phthalates impact human health: Epidemiological evidences and plausible mechanism of action. Journal of Hazardous Materials 340, 360-385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.06.036.
[13] Zuccarello, P., Conti, G.O., Cavallaro, F., Copat, C., Cristaldi, A., Fiore, M., and Ferrante,M.. (2018). Implication of dietary phthalates in breast cancer. A systematic review, Food and Chemical Toxicology 118, 667-674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2018.06.011.
[14] Styrene. Environmental Health. (2023, April 5). https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/styrene/.
[15] Styrene - US EPA. (n.d.). https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/styrene.pdf.
[16] Cohen, J. T., G. Carlson, G. Charnley, D. Coggon, E. Delzell, J. D. Graham, H. Greim, D. Krewski, M. Medinsky, R. Monson, et al. (2002). A comprehensive evaluation of the potential health risks associated with occupational and environmental exposure to styrene. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health B. 5:1–263. doi:10.1080/10937400252972162.
[17] Styrene. Environmental Health. (2023, April 5). https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/styrene/.
[18] Styrene - US EPA. (n.d.). https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/styrene.pdf.
[19] Styrene - US EPA. (n.d.). https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/styrene.pdf.
[20] Huff, J., and Infante, P.F. (2011). Styrene exposure and risk of cancer. Mutagenesis 26(5), 583-584. doi: 10.1093/mutage/ger033.
[21] Office of the Commissioner. (n.d.). Parabens in Cosmetics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/parabens-cosmetics.
[22] Mitra, P., Chatterjee, S., Paul, N. et al. (2021). An Overview of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Paraben and Search for An Alternative – A Review. Proc Zool Soc 74, 479–493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12595-021-00418-x.
If you found this post valuable, please share it below. Follow us on social to let us know what you like, what you need, and what you want to see more of. Also, don’t forget to ask the companies making your favorite products to become #MADESAFE Certified. Remember, your voice matters!