Are our perfumes toxic?

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Amber Minogue (2:31)

Are our perfumes toxic?

Thanks for asking. Perfume is a luxury product worn by people all around the world, but fragrances are not without health risks. Perfumes use a mix of chemicals. Some are natural, such as essential oils from plants, but many of them are synthetic, meaning they're created in a laboratory. The problem is that the perfume industry is not very transparent about what goes into their products. They can hide hundreds of ingredients under the vague term fragrance without disclosing them to the consumers or the regulators. This means that we don't really know what we're spraying onto our skin, clothes and hair, and some can be irritating and cause allergies. Even high-quality famous brands can contribute to allergies which affect between 5 and 25 million people in Europe.

A consumer magazine examined a number of brands including Dior's J'adore, Flower by Kenzo and Jean Paul Gaultier's Mal. On average, the fragrances analysed contain 22 allergens, the most common being Linalule and Limolen, which can act as endocrine disruptors. Another molecule that can be considered as an endocrine disruptor was also detected, butylated hydroxytulin. More seriously, some perfumes also contain dyes that can promote the development of cancer, alter fertility or disrupt fetal growth. Some essential oils, such as bergamot, can make the skin photosensitive. And even among quality brands like Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium or Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, scientists have identified the presence of ingredients that can cause irritation. How is this possible?

According to the UK government, cosmetic products do not need pre-market approval before they can be sold in the UK. It's up to the manufacturers to ensure that their products comply with the UK cosmetic regulation and are safe for consumers.

Perfumes are considered as cosmetic products and are subject to the same rules and requirements. However, some NGOs and consumer groups have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the cosmetic industry. Should you stop wearing perfume? No, not necessarily. The best way to avoid the risks of perfumes is to use them sparingly or not at all. If you do use perfumes, try to choose products that are made from natural or organic ingredients and that disclose their full list of ingredients on the label. You can also look for certifications from independent organisations, such as the Environmental Working Group, EWG, that rate the safety of cosmetic products. You can also opt for perfumes made from natural essential oils, organic and labelled if possible, to avoid spraying yourself with fragrances containing petrochemical products. There you have it. Now you know if our perfumes are toxic. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.