Quick Take
According to a popular online blog, perfumes can cause hormonal imbalances. After verifying the assertion, we found that it is mostly true.
The Claim
A well-circulated article titled How Artificial Fragrances Disrupt Hormones? Cautions for the careful use of essential products, such as synthetic perfumes, as they can cause hormonal imbalances.
Fact Check
What are the common ingredients in perfumes, and how do they interact with the human body?
Usually liquid, fragrances or scents are aromatic concoctions that are used to impart the body, objects, or living spaces a pleasing aroma. They are composed of certain ingredients that perform specific functions. Key ingredients of the aromatic product include:
Essential oils
These constitute the core element of the scent that can be extracted from both synthetic and natural sources, such as flowers, herbs, or spices.
Fixatives
These chemicals prolong the perfume’s shelf life by delaying the fragrance’s evaporation. Standard fixatives include phthalates and fragrance musks.
Solvents
The fragrance oils are often dissolved and diluted with solvents such as water or ethanol to formulate a liquid perfume.
While these components enhance the olfactory experience, they may also have physiologic consequences after entering the bloodstream through the skin or the respiratory tract.
Synthetic or artificial musks and phthalates have been related to allergies and hormonal disruption. On exposure to air, fragrance compounds like limonene and linalool might oxidise and cause skin sensitisation in certain people. Furthermore, certain fragrant ingredients have the potential to cause respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
Given that perfumes may cause hormone imbalances, it is advised to use such products cautiously.
What are endocrine disruptors? What impact do they have on hormonal regulation?
We usually come into contact with both organic and synthetic components on a daily basis. Some of these exogenous sources might interact with the hormonal system; they are categorised as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs.
EDCs and hormones usually have a non-linear relationship. This implies that long-term exposure to EDCs, even in trace doses, may reduce the high specificity of the hormone-related target receptor, leading to its dysregulation. Some of the perfume components that can cause hormonal imbalance include:
- Phthalates—particularly diethyl phthalate, or DEP—are frequently used to prolong fragrances, but they have also been associated with sexual dysfunction and reduced testosterone levels.
- Synthetic musks such as tonalide and galaxolide may accumulate in adipose tissue and interfere with oestrogen production.
- Preservatives called parabens mimic oestrogen and have been associated with changes in reproductive function.
- UV-radiated stabilisers, or benzophenones, used in several products, including fragrances, may interfere with thyroid function.
Dr. K Kranthi Varma, Consultant Dermatologist at Renova Hospitals in Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, says endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are compounds found in many products, including perfumes. Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic musks are the common EDCs found in perfumes that can lead to hormonal abnormalities by mimicking hormones and interrupting their synthesis and metabolism. They usually enter the body by inhalation or through dermal absorption. This disruption in hormonal balance may have major consequences for overall health, especially for the immune, neurological, and reproductive systems.
Perfumes are frequently used to mask body odour; it is vital to be mindful of the fact that scents might have endocrine disruptors. Always opt for products that specify their ingredients or prefer fragrance-free alternatives to help reduce exposure.
In what ways may consumers make safer choices for scents and personal care products?
The terms “fragrance” and “parfum” can be used to describe dozens of unidentified substances, some of which may be endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Therefore, consumers should prioritise fragrance-free options, read product labels, and be mindful of potential irritants in order to make safer choices when it comes to perfumes and personal care products.
Consumers can avoid EDC-containing products by selecting fragrance-free products; products with a transparent ingredient list are preferred, and one should look for certifications such as ECOCERT, COSMOS, or Ayush-approved formulae that comply with rigorous safety standards.
Another factor to consider is that many products are marketed as natural or herbal, but it is essential to ensure that these products are free of synthetic ingredients masquerading under herbal branding.
Dr. Gurman Singh Bhasin, Director & Chief Dermatologist, Skinclarity Clinic, Nagpur concurs, stating that one of the most pervasive misconceptions is that natural products are infallible, disregarding the possibility of allergic reactions or negative consequences.
As a result, Dr. Bhasin recommends that addressing such misconceptions through education is necessary to encourage well-informed decision-making.
Furthermore, cumulative chemical exposure can be reduced by using fewer multipurpose products. Long-term exposure to dangerous synthetic chemicals at low concentrations may impact hormonal balances. Therefore, making informed decisions can ultimately protect the health of the individual and the family.
Are there any specific precautions that people should take while using perfumes?
Perfumes, as stated before, are usually composed of a combination of synthetic and natural elements. Using some safety measures could help lower the potential health concerns.
Reducing direct exposure: It is not advisable to spray fragrances directly into the skin, especially on sensitive skin areas such as the neck or wrists, where bloodstream absorption could take place.
Applying fragrances in well-ventilated areas: Concentrated fragrance vapours can cause health issues like headaches, lightheadedness, or respiratory discomfort, especially in those who have asthma or scent sensitivity. Perfumes may also lead to skin sensitisation; hence, it is recommended to perform a patch test. Most significantly, fragrances with endocrine disruptors should be used with caution by expectant moms, children, and teenagers.
Dr. K Kranthi Varma suggests leading a clean and hygienic life. However, when purchasing perfumes, one should search for safer alternatives to synthetic ones, such as fragrance-free or naturally scented perfumes that only contain essential oils and botanical elements. He also emphasises the significance of carefully reading ingredient labels and advises avoiding products that do not list all of their ingredients. Scents should be applied sparingly and to garments rather than the skin. Above all, testing new scents on a small patch of skin before applying them can help identify potential allergies.
In addition to using fragrance-free or certified low-toxicity products, those who have trouble with body odours should maintain a healthy lifestyle and practice good personal hygiene to limit their exposure to EDC-containing products.
Dr. Vijaya Gowri Bandaru, visiting consultant dermatology at Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore, suggested in an interview with THIP Media that showering twice a day and maintaining cleanliness in the afflicted regions can help address the issue. Hair removal from the armpits and groin reduces bacterial growth.
Additionally, she advises that to properly combat the odour-producing bacteria, one may use prescribed antibacterial soaps.
Implementing these safety measures encourages safer personal hygiene practices and is consistent with current scientific understanding.
Perfumes are usually used to cover up bodily odours and it might not always be safe. This is because they lack a uniform compositional format. Fragrances with endocrine disruptors may interfere with metabolism, neurodevelopment, and reproductive health. Excessive exposure to perfumes may cause health effects, including phototoxicity, headaches, excessive hair problems, contact dermatitis, contact urticaria, and photoallergies. Therefore, while using such products, one should be cautious and if required, seek medical attention.
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