Toxic Chemicals In Perfume

Perfumes are not something we usually associate with toxic chemicals, as they are well known to contain a multitude of essential oils. The scents we inhale from perfumes do generally evoke some association with nature, often with memories of flowers or herbs or spices. Unfortunately the fragrances used in most commercial perfumes are in fact synthetic, chemical reproductions of nature’s aroma’s.

As Chrissie Wildwood says,

“If the truth be known, most people would be surprised if they knew exactly what went into some of the big name perfumes. The beautiful bottles contain exotic cocktails of aroma chemicals with unromantic names like trimethylundecylenic aldehyde, isoamyl salicylate and terpinol extra. Unmodified essential oils hardly get a look in.”

You may not realize that your perfume has many chemicals in it, some of which may affect your health. Those who have chemical sensitivities and/or allergies often find that perfume will bring on symptoms.

Toxic Chemicals In Perfume

Here are some of the common chemicals found in perfumes and the ways they can affect your health.

Acetone, the chemical solvent found in nail polish remover, is also in perfumes. It is strongly irritating to skin and eyes. The US Environmental Agency (EPA) lists acetone as a hazardous waste. Breathing in the fumes from  acetone can have a profound effect on the nervous system, causing dizziness, sleepiness, and slurred speech. It also affects the respiratory system.

Benzaldehyde is used in many cleaning products and cosmetics such as deodorant, body lotion, shaving cream, and shampoo.  It is said to depress the central nervous system and cause irritation in the respiratory and digestive tracts. It might even cause kidney damage.

Benzyl alcohol is found in perfume, air freshener, deodorant, and fabric softener (to name a few). It can affect the respiratory tract and the central nervous system, causing headache, nausea, and respiratory irritation.

Ethanol is also found in perfumes, as well as a host of other products. Ethanol is in so many products that it’s hard to believe it’s on the EPA’s hazardous waste list. Whether ingested or inhaled, ethanol can cause blurred vision, drowsiness, and disorders of the central nervous system.

Limonene is found in a lot of cleaning products as well as perfumes. It is considered carcinogenic, and is a skin and eye irritant. Inhaling the vapor of limonene is considered dangerous.

Methylene chloride is a perfume ingredient that was banned by the FDA in the late 80s, but some claim the law is impossible to enforce. The problem with this chemical is that it is stored in body fat (many chemicals are fat soluble) where it is metabolized by the body into carbon monoxide. This can lead to symptoms of oxygen deprivation, such as headache, fatigue, and tingling in the extremities.

These are only a few of the toxic chemicals found in conventional perfumes. To avoid these toxins and protect your health, choose a natural perfume instead! You can make your own perfume from essential oils, or choose a commercially prepared, non-toxic, Organic Botanical Perfume. Natural, safe perfumes are very possible, and much more beautiful to use.

I’ll leave you with another quote from Chrissie Wildwood:

“Even though you may be intoxicated by ‘Opium’, beguiled by ‘Charlie’ and distracted by ‘Obsession’ this does not mean that you cannot rediscover the mystery and allure of perfumes in their natural state. But be warned: once weaned on to naturals, your senses will never be the same again. An expensive big name perfume whose aura once held you spellbound may now cause your nose to twitch in disbelief, or in defence from chemical warfare!”

To your health,

Awaken YOUR Natural Healthy Self. Avoid toxic chemicals in perfume today.