Our ingredient analysis comments are taken from clinical and other research results, and other published information. We cannot guarantee the safety or toxicity or irritation of any ingredient in any product. The information we present is only based on the published information we have been able to find.
When a company puts “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label, don’t be tricked. This is a catch-all term that can stand for thousands of different ingredients (literally, at least 3,000). When you use a product containing “fragrance” or “parfum,” all of those mysterious ingredients are absorbed right into your bloodstream. These ingredients are predominantly made from chemicals and are outright toxic for your health in many ways. About 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. And many on the list are known or suspected endocrine disruptors, compounds that tinker with hormonal health that can trigger weight gain and even set you up for diseases decades down the line. Overall, 34 percent of the population reported one or more types of adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced products. The most common symptoms were 18 percent respiratory problems; 16 percent mucosal symptoms; 15 percent migraine headaches; 10 percent skin problems; 8 percent asthma attacks; 7 percent neurological problems; 5 percent cognitive problems; 5 percent gastrointestinal problems; 4 percent cardiovascular problems; 4 percent immune system problems; 3 percent musculoskeletal problems; and 1 percent other. Some of the dangerous synthetics used in fragrances are banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but are still common in products produced and sold in the United States. Phthalates often hide under the “fragrance” ingredient, but they can also appear on ingredient lists as phthalate, DEP, DBP, and DEHP. Brands use synthetic scents because they are an extremely cheap way to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent, doesn’t mean it’s good for you. You want to be sure that you avoid products that just list fragrance as an ingredient or synthetic fragrances. If a product includes a scent be sure it says natural and that the exact ingredient is disclosed. This is a catch-all ingredient. If the manufacturer put this on the bottle, it means they don’t want to tell you what else is in the product which is harmful.