Hidden harmful substances in cosmetic fragrances

Hidden ingredients in fragrances

The two letters "fragrance" are written on the ingredient list of many cosmetics.
In fact, cosmetics can contain any type of fragrance and any number of different types. And there is a rule that says that no matter how many types are mixed, it is okay to label the product as "fragrance."

So in most cases, you won't be able to find the specific ingredients in a fragrance on the label.

Many fragrance chemicals have been linked to allergies and other serious health problems, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Considering the increasing number of allergy sufferers in Japan, it seems necessary to increase transparency by strengthening regulations, etc.

What are fragrances?

Fragrance is the combination of chemicals that give perfumes and colognes their distinctive smell. They can be derived from petroleum or natural ingredients.

Perfumes and other products contain not only the aromatic substances that give the scent, but also solvents, stabilizers, UV absorbers, preservatives, colorants, etc.

On the other hand, when fragrances are blended into cosmetics, they also contain ingredients that stabilize the scent. These ingredients are included in the labeling of "fragrance."

Health concerns

The International Fragrance and Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,619 ingredients reported as fragrance ingredients (as of August 2023).
Of these 3,619 substances, some have been linked to health effects such as cancer, reproductive toxicity, allergies and hypersensitivity reactions.

For example, a study published in 2016 asked participants to self-report the health risks posed by fragrances.

In this survey of US residents, 99.1% of people came into contact with scented products at least once a week, and some reported health problems such as migraines, asthma, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular problems due to the scents.

The health hazards caused by fragrances have become known in Japan as "fragrance pollution." It is no coincidence that similar damage is beginning to occur around the world.

Few people know what chemicals are contained in fragrances.

In fact, fragrances may contain the following chemicals, some of which may be a little scary:

Chemicals in fragrances

• Acetaldehyde: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by both the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. National Toxicology Program.
• Benzophenone: Has been linked to endocrine disrupting effects and organ system toxicity.
• BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole): Studies have shown that BHA may be an endocrine disrupting agent. The European Commission has made it a priority to investigate the endocrine disrupting properties of BHA.
• BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): A toluene-based preservative that may be irritating to skin.
• Benzyl salicylate: It is considered an allergen for humans. In the EU, it is mandatory to list it on the ingredient list.
• Benzyl benzoate: Benzyl benzoate is an ingredient that irritates the skin and eyes. In the EU, it is mandatory to list it and there are restrictions on its usage.
• Butylphenyl methylpropionate: Also known as "lilial". May cause skin sensitization. Restricted by the EU and the International Fragrance Council.
• Chloromethane (Methyl Chloride): Listed in California Proposition 65 as a developmental toxicant.
• Essential oils : Some essential oils, even if they are naturally derived, can be allergens. And their allergenicity is the same as that of synthetic fragrance ingredients. The International Fragrance Organization places restrictions on citrus essential oils and some plant-derived organic chemicals.
• Eugenyl methyl ether (methyl eugenol): A naturally occurring substance found in essential oils that affects multiple endocrine systems and is considered a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
• Ethanolamines such as MEA, DEA and TEA: When used with certain preservatives, they can form nitrosamines, a class of over a dozen chemicals listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possible carcinogens.
• Methanol: It is considered a developmental toxicant under California's Proposition 65. The concentration of methanol in the mixture is regulated in the EU.
• Propylparaben (propyl parahydroxybenzoate): Denmark prohibits the use of propylparaben in cosmetics intended for use by children up to the age of three.
• Styrene: Toxic to red blood cells and liver if ingested.
• Synthetic Musks (Tonalide, Galaxolide, Musk Ketone, Musk Xylene): These highly bioaccumulative chemicals have been found in breast milk, body fat, and umbilical cord blood of newborns. Studies suggest they may disrupt the hormone system.
• 1,4-dioxane : A substance produced during the process of reducing the irritation of chemicals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that it may be carcinogenic to humans.
• Ethylbenzene: Ethylbenzene is a volatile organic compound that is classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
• Vinyl Acetate: Classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Avoiding unwanted chemicals

By using fragranced products, you are exposing yourself to many chemicals without even realizing it.
Of course, it is true that your favorite scent can have a relaxing effect.
But the risks of applying fragrance-infused chemicals to your skin may be higher than you think.