Fragrance (Parfum) provides a pleasant scent, but carries risks of allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, and skin sensitivity.
Fragrance (Parfum) is a complex blend of natural and synthetic aromatic compounds used to add scent to products. While it may offer mood-enhancing and stress-reducing benefits through aromatherapy, it poses risks of allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, and skin sensitivity. The specific composition and concentration are key factors determining the severity of these effects. Some fragrance ingredients are also under investigation for potential endocrine disrupting properties. Transparency in fragrance ingredient disclosure remains a challenge, hindering accurate risk assessment.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Varies significantly based on product type and intended use. Typically present in very small concentrations (0.01% to 2%) in finished products.
Source Type
hybrid
Production Process
Fragrance (Parfum) is created by blending multiple natural essential oils, extracts, and synthetic aromatic chemicals. Natural components are often extracted from plants and animals using methods like distillation, solvent extraction, or expression. Synthetic aromatic chemicals are manufactured through chemical synthesis processes involving reactions between various organic compounds.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Stress reduction decreases physiological and psychological responses to perceived threats, promoting calm and well-being. Strategies like mindfulness, exercise, and social support help modulate the nervous system and improve overall resilience.
Mood enhancement improves emotional well-being by reducing negative feelings and increasing positive ones. It aims to stabilize and elevate mood, fostering a positive outlook and improved emotional resilience.
Possible Side Effects
Headaches are a common side effect characterized by pain in the head, ranging from mild to severe, potentially accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light/sound. They can be triggered by various factors, including dehydration, stress, or medication.
Endocrine disruption involves interference with the endocrine system by chemicals, leading to hormonal imbalances and a variety of adverse health effects, including developmental abnormalities, reproductive problems, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Skin irritation involves symptoms like redness, itching, and rashes due to contact with irritants, allergens, or environmental factors. Severity varies based on the cause, individual sensitivity, and affected area; persistent cases may lead to secondary infections.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Allergic reactions are adverse immune responses to normally harmless substances, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms can include skin issues, swelling, breathing difficulties, and anaphylaxis requires immediate epinephrine injection.
Inhalation of fragrances can cause respiratory irritation, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma. Symptoms range from coughing and congestion to more severe reactions like wheezing and shortness of breath.
Certain fragrance ingredients can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and other adverse reactions. The severity of the reaction depends on several factors, including the concentration of the fragrance, sun exposure, and individual sensitivity.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) opinions on fragrance allergens; International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards; clinical studies on fragrance-induced dermatitis and respiratory effects; research on phthalates and endocrine disruption.
User Reviews
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