I often say that perfume (as a synthetic version) is an absolute no-go for me. Before you find my new holitsic/berlin perfume roll-ons next week, I would like to share my thoughts on synthetic perfumes with you.
I do NOT mean perfumes made from essential oils and natural essences, but exactly what appears as a “perfume” ingredient in the INCI list or the well-known classic perfumes.
Fact #1
Many of the ingredients used in perfume are associated with hormonal imbalances, allergic reactions, severe skin reactions such as rashes and itching, migraines, asthma, lung diseases and many other health problems.
Since these ingredients and their related effects have not yet been truly tested, we do not know the long-term health consequences of using perfumes on a daily basis.
Fact #2
So when you see the simple ingredient “perfume” on perfumes and many other cosmetic products, that term really hides a long list of chemicals and preservatives. It's THE loophole for cosmetic brands to Hide the ACTUAL ingredients so it can't be copied by others. Or also to do a little greenwashing. According to the International Fragrance Association, there are currently 3,059 ingredients that can be hidden under the term perfume. So we don't know at all what we spray on ourselves, inhale or put on cream on ourselves and thus absorb through our skin. Perfume in skin care cosmetics also gets into our bloodstream with its harmful chemicals and toxins.
Fact #3
One of the unclassified ingredients under the term “perfume” are phthalates , which ensure the products last longer. However, it is a known carcinogen that has even been banned in many countries. It has been linked to reduced sperm counts, breast cancer, diabetes and reproductive problems [source: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics]. Another ingredient is acetaldehyde , which has been present in all conventional perfumes since Chanel No.5 popularized the use of it. In fact, it is used to enhance the perception of a fragrance so that it is not smelled where it is applied, but rather envelops or precedes the wearer. However, this ingredient can cause serious damage to the kidneys and the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems! Then there is ethyl acetate , which The International Agency for Research on Cancer has also classified as carcinoma, i.e. carcinogenic. Acetaldehyde is highly flammable and incredibly toxic when inhaled or sprayed near the eyes. But THAT is exactly what happens to scents - we inevitably inhale them.
Fact #4
What about damage to our environment? Like all things we consume and use, they end up in our waters. Synthetic scents containing the above ingredients are often found in our waters. Sewage treatment plants cannot break them down, so they end up in rivers and oceans through the release of wastewater. Many of these synthetic chemicals are incredibly toxic to aquatic life and corals. In this respect, it's really bad when a sunscreen advertises itself as being coral-friendly, but then perfume can be found on the INCI list...
Luckily, there are great organic brands that make vegan, non-toxic and organic perfumes and fragrance-free cosmetics that are good for us and our planet.
With this in mind - and sorry for the bitter truth - but I'm not saying it for the first time today that the cosmetics industry is anything but clean and clean, and there are some things that we simply have to clearly state in order to clarify things so comprehensively and honestly.