Scientists Issue Warning About Perfumes

Hello!

There’s a price to pay for smelling good. As the Washington Post notes in its medical column, many perfumes on the market contain a potentially harmful group of chemicals called phthalates, which help scents last longer.

The Regulatory Gap

The risks phthalates pose to children are already well documented: certain forms of the chemical are banned in children’s toys in the United States. Yet no such restrictions apply to perfumes, shampoos, soaps, or other personal-care products. Responsibility therefore falls on consumers to avoid phthalates whenever possible.

“I recommend avoiding added fragrances altogether—in perfumes, scented lotions and shampoos, even scented detergents and antiperspirants,” Andrea Gore, professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Texas at Austin, told WaPo.

Endocrine Disruption and Children’s Health

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s ability to produce and regulate hormones. Research has linked higher urinary concentrations of phthalates to a 25 percent increased risk of ADHD-related behaviors in adolescents.

Effects on Adults

The concerns extend beyond childhood. Phthalates have also been associated with cardiovascular disease in adults. In one study, women who stopped using phthalate-containing beauty products for just 28 days showed both reduced phthalate levels in their urine and a notable decrease in cancer-associated gene expression.

Animal Data and Human Relevance

While some argue there is insufficient human data, extensive animal studies demonstrate clear endocrine-disrupting effects. “If a chemical has endocrine-disrupting effects in animals, there is exceptionally high certainty that this is also the case in humans,” Gore explained. “The hormones of the endocrine system are structurally and functionally similar, if not identical, in nonhuman and human animals.”

Widespread Exposure and Practical Steps

Phthalates appear in far more than perfumes: they are used in trash bags, laundry detergents, and countless plastics to increase flexibility. Avoiding them entirely can feel daunting, but practical steps exist. Phthalate-free personal-care alternatives are widely available. Additional reductions can be achieved by limiting ultra-processed foods and avoiding the heating of meals in plastic containers.

“It’s frankly overwhelming to consider all the sources of potential endocrine disruptors,” noted Rebecca Jeun, an endocrinologist at University of Louisville Health. “I would focus on changes that are sustainable for your lifestyle and resources.”

The benefits of reducing exposure can appear quickly, so there’s no reason to be (phtha)late to the party.