Questions about fragrance

Q: Are perfumes full of chemicals, and does that make them dangerous?

A: Everything you smell, eat, or touch is made of chemicals. Fragrance formulas contain a blend of natural and synthetic molecules. What matters is how much you’re exposed to and how they’re assessed for safety – not the fact that they’re ​‘chemicals’ per se. EU law ensures all fragrance ingredients in consumer products are evaluated for safety.

Q: Are natural fragrances better or safer for you than synthetic ones?

A: Not necessarily: Safety depends on how the substance behaves, not where it comes from. So-called ​‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe in and of itself.

Q: Is the added fragrance in my shampoo or lotion bad for my health?

A: Fragrance ingredients are evaluated to ensure that their levels in cosmetics (and other fragranced consumer products) are safe for their intended use. Products are tested e.g. for irritation, sensitization, or systemic effects. The EU Cosmetics Regulation requires a detailed and comprehensive safety assessment before any cosmetic product reaches the market.

Q: Can perfumes or scented lotions cause skin allergies or irritation?

A: Some people are sensitive to certain fragrance allergens, which is why the EU requires them to be listed when present above certain thresholds. But for most people, fragranced products are safe and do not cause any issues.

Q: Why do some perfumes give me a headache or trigger my asthma?

A: A small percentage of people are indeed sensitive to strong scents, whatever the origin is. This doesn’t mean the product is unsafe – it just may not suit certain individuals. Using lighter scents or fragrance-free alternatives may help.

Q: Do perfumes contain carcinogens or other toxic ingredients that could cause cancer?

A: No product on the EU market is allowed to contain unsafe levels of substances. Fragrance ingredients that are classified for certain hazards may only be used under strict conditions, and only if the product is proven safe. The dose and exposure levels in fragrances are extremely low.

Q: I’ve heard fragrance chemicals can disrupt hormones – is that true, and should I be worried?

A: Some fragrance chemicals have been tested for potential endocrine effects. In the EU, any chemical suspected of having endocrine-disrupting properties is subject to thorough scientific evaluation, and, where warranted, restriction. Fragrance products placed on the market must not pose such risks at consumer exposure levels.

Q: Are essential oils a safer alternative to synthetic perfume ingredients?

A: Not necessarily. Essential oils And synthetic ingredients are both made up of chemical compounds, and their safety depends on how those ingredients behave at the levels to which people are exposed. What matters is the dose and exposure —not whether the ingredient comes from a natural or synthetic source.

Q: What does it mean when an ingredient list just says ​“fragrance” or ​“parfum”? Are companies hiding something bad?

A: No. The term ​‘fragrance’ is allowed as a legal shorthand to protect trade secrets. However, all allergens and hazardous components above safe thresholds must still be disclosed. Regulators have full access to the full formulas.

Q: Why aren’t companies required to list all the individual fragrance ingredients on product labels?

A: You cannot legally trademark a smell, and thus there is no legal protection for specific fragrance recipes. Nevertheless, fragrance formulas are intellectual property and remain a trade secret. Listing every component would allow copying. However, regulated allergens must be listed, and regulators have full access to all safety data.

Q: Are ​“fragrance-free” or ​“unscented” products really safer than those with added fragrance?

A: ​‘Fragrance-free’ may be better for those not tolerating scented products, but for the majority of the population, fragranced products are safe. The choice depends on personal preferences or sensitivity.

Q: Is it safe to use scented products (like perfumes or deodorants) every day, or could that be harmful over time?

A: Yes, daily use is safe. Products are evaluated based on typical use and exposure patterns. Long-term safety is part of the safety assessment process.

Q: Is it okay to wear perfume while pregnant, or to use fragranced products around babies and kids?

A: Generally, yes. There are no blanket restrictions, but people who are concerned can choose milder products. If in doubt, consult a healthcare provider.

Q: What are ​“fragrance allergens” on labels, and should I be concerned if I see them listed?

A: These are ingredients that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. EU law requires them to be listed above certain thresholds so that those with a known allergy can make an educated choice. For most people, they are not a concern.

Q: Do perfumes or colognes expire, and can old fragrances become harmful if I keep using them?

A: Fragrances can change over time, but they rarely become harmful. If the scent or color changes, or if you notice irritation, it’s best to stop using it.

Q: Are so-called ​“clean” or ​“non-toxic” perfumes actually better for you than regular perfumes?

A: These are marketing terms with no strict definitions. All EU-market products must meet the same safety standards, regardless of marketing claims.

Q: I see some perfumes advertised as ​“hypoallergenic” – does that guarantee I won’t have a reaction?

A: This marking, which again is a marketing rather than legal term, suggests the product is formulated to reduce the risk, but individuals may still react depending on personal sensitivities.

Q: I heard that many perfume ingredients come from petroleum – does that make them unsafe or less natural?

A: Petroleum-derived ingredients can be very pure and safe. What matters is toxicological evaluation, not the origin.

Q: Can fragrance chemicals build up in my body over time and cause health issues?

A: Fragrance ingredients used in cosmetics are not typically bioaccumulative. The EU safety assessment ensures that long-term use remains safe.

Q: Do perfumes or scented products have any negative impact on the environment or indoor air quality?

A: Indoor air quality can be affected by many factors, but fragrances contribute very little at typical levels. Most ingredients break down quickly and are not persistent.

Q: Are cheaper perfumes more likely to contain harmful ingredients than expensive ones?

A: All products sold in the EU must meet the same safety standards. Price relates more to branding and raw material costs.

Q: Some people call perfumes ​“poison in a bottle” or ​“toxic chemical cocktails” – are fragrances really that dangerous?

A: No. These are dangerous, alarmist claims. EU laws prohibit unsafe products, and fragrance safety is rigorously assessed.

Q: How can I tell if a perfume or fragranced product is safe? Are there any certifications or standards to look for?

A: All products must meet EU safety standards. Brands that use ingredients from suppliers that follow IFRA Standards apply additional safety practices from the IFRA Code of Practice.

Q: If a product is labeled ​“natural” or ​“organic,” does that mean its fragrance is safe and chemical-free?

A: No. Natural ingredients can still be allergenic or irritating. ​‘Chemical-free’ is a misleading term — everything is a chemical, including water.

Q: Are home fragrances like scented candles, air fresheners, or diffusers safe to use, or do they pose similar risks as perfumes?

A: They are generally safe when used as directed. Like any scented product, proper ventilation is recommended.

Q: Should I worry about this scary-sounding chemical?

A: No. A chemical name can sound intimidating without telling you anything meaningful about safety. Every substance, natural or synthetic, has a chemical name. These names sound alarming only because they are unfamiliar. What matters is exposure, dose, and toxicological assessment, not the length or complexity of the name.

Just consider for a second a few scary sounding chemicals, and what they actually are:

Dihydrogen monoxide - water

1,3,7‑trimethylxanthine – caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate)

α‑D-glucopyranose – glucose (blood sugar, fruit sugar, basic human metabolism)

2‑hydroxypropane‑1,2,3‑tricarboxylic acid — citric acid (found in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges

Sodium hydrogen carbonate – baking soda (found in food, toothpaste, and your own digestive system)

glyceryl trilinoleate – Found in vegetable oils