A perfume is a set of odorous constituents emitted, generally, by a flower, a fruit, a mushroom, a bark or even an environment. Concretely, it is molecules (assemblies of elements) that form a cloud. When we are near this cloud, we perceive an odor. There are two types of perfume processes. Synthetic perfume , called synthetic, which only provides an odor and natural perfume (based on essential oils) brings you beneficial and relaxing virtues. In this article, we will discuss the toxic ingredients contained in synthetic perfumes and their effects on the body. Then the benefits of a perfume made exclusively from the finest vintages of natural plant extracts and essential oils.
Synthetic fragrances or "fragrances" represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients, including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. (1)
In an investigation, Greenpeace identified two main groups of harmful substances: phthalates and synthetic musks .
The objective of their investigation was to quantify the use of the two groups of chemicals in a random selection of perfume brands. To do this, Greenpeace commissioned an independent laboratory to conduct analytical research on these two families of chemical compounds on 36 brands of eau de toilette and eau de parfum. The results confirm that several synthetic musks, and more specifically the polycyclic musks galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN), and several phthalates, especially diethyl phthalate (DEP), are very widely used by the perfume industry. This suggests that the regular use of most commercial perfumes contributes substantially to the daily exposure of individuals to these chemicals, some of which are known contaminants of blood and breast milk. (2)
Using synthetic fragrances can cause "side effects," often unknown to most users. Here are the toxic ingredients to avoid in your perfumes and cosmetics, along with their effects on the body:
• Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and other phthalate esters:
DEP is one of several phthalate esters in common use. It is used, in particular, in a wide range of cosmetics and other hygiene products. It is also used as an alcohol denaturant (to make alcohol unfit for consumption). Although DEP has generally been considered to be of low toxicity and does not appear to have the same degree of reproductive toxicity as some other phthalates (particularly bis-phthalate), recent studies still raise significant concerns about its safety. The long-term effects of such direct and repeated exposure to DEP are not yet well understood. However, recent studies indicate that changes in sperm cell DNA are more prevalent in individuals who also show high levels of MEP in their urine; further studies are needed to determine if there is a causal relationship. More recently, research has identified a possible link between exposure to two phthalate metabolites, MEP and MBP (monobutyl phthalate), measured in urine samples, and impaired lung function in adult men . (2)
• Synthetic musk (HHCB and AHTN):
Synthetic musks are industrial aromatic compounds used in place of the much more expensive natural musks. They are incorporated into many everyday products, including detergents, room fresheners, creams, soaps, and perfumes . Synthetic musks can concentrate in living tissue; indeed, musks used in perfumes have also been detected as contaminants in human blood and breast milk . There is growing evidence that some nitro musks and polycyclic musks, including those commonly used in perfumes, are capable of interfering with the hormonal system in fish, amphibians, and mammals, and may exacerbate the effects of exposure to other toxicants. Although the estrogenic activity exhibited by HHCB and AHTN in mammals is relatively weak, antiestrogenic effects have been observed for these same compounds at concentrations 100 times lower.
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