Think your special fragrance makes you irresistible? Maybe it just tingles your senses. That tingling, whoever feels it, unfortunately may be caused by any of a host of toxic ingredients found in perfumes. These are chemicals and compounds linked to cancer, birth defects, respiratory problems and more.
The most troubling thing is that the entire fragrance industry is regulated by its own independent trade association, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). That’s right, a trade group sworn to protect its own industry. Not the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA gives the industry minimal labeling requirements but that is basically it.
And according to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 5,000 ingredients find their way into your perfume and cologne bottles. Far less than half of those ingredients have been tested for safety. Substances like phthalates and synthetic musk, which might contain xylene or ketones, are used in the manufacturing of fragrances.
Phthalates, for example, have been linked to immune system problems, organ damage, and cancer, among other things. Again, for the most part, these hidden substances have not been properly tested. And by the way, that law the FDA relies on to ensure proper labeling was crafted in 1938, though it has been amended since that time. Until the law looks out for us, we recommend essential oils as a holistic alternative.
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