Whether for work, dates or social occasions, many people enjoy using different perfumes to showcase their personal style. However, perfumes may contain various chemicals such as fragrance substances, synthetic musks and plasticisers (including phthalates). Long-term or excessive exposure may pose health risks, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin, children and women of childbearing age. The Consumer Council conducted chemical safety tests on 40 models of perfume and examined their labelling information. The results showed a significant improvement in the overall chemical safety level compared with a similar test conducted by the Council in 2018. Around 95% of the models were not found with substances prohibited by the European Union (EU), and both the detected types and quantities of substances of concern had also decreased. However, the Council still detected the EU-banned fragrance allergen butylphenyl methylpropional (BMHCA) in 2 models, while the same models failed to list out all the detected allergens, which could hinder consumers from obtaining essential product information. In addition, 1 model was found to contain phthalate.
The test covered 40 perfume models, including 9 Eau de Cologne (EDC), 21 Eau de Parfum (EDP) and 10 Eau de Toilette (EDT), purchased from department stores, cosmetics stores, brand boutiques and online platforms. The retail price ranged from $129 to $2,850 per bottle, equivalent to unit prices of $13 to $371 per 10ml based on the labelled capacity. In accordance with the requirements of the EU Cosmetics Regulation and the Chinese Mainland’s Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, test items included phthalates, synthetic musks and fragrance allergens, and the labelling information was also reviewed.
7 Banned Phthalates Not Detected
Phthalate-type plasticisers are widely used as fixatives in perfume production to enhance the longevity and stability of scents, but long‑term or excessive exposure may affect health. The test results showed that none of the models contained the 7 phthalates prohibited in the EU or the Chinese Mainland.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is also a commonly used plasticiser in perfume products. Due to insufficient data on its health impacts, neither the EU nor the Chinese Mainland has set a limit for DEP in cosmetics. In this test, 1 model was detected with 0.64% of DEP. By comparison, 11 out of 55 models in the Council’s 2018 test were detected with DEP at concentrations ranging from 0.00086% to 1.1%, indicating that the industry has gradually improved product formulations with satisfactory overall performance.
3 Banned Synthetic Musks Not Found
Industry Urged to Update Product Labelling to Enhance Transparency
Musk is commonly added to perfumes as a base note, and synthetic musks, which are more economical, have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this test, none of the models were detected with the EU-banned musks, namely musk moskene, musk tibetene and musk ambrette. Though 2 models were found with musk ketone (concentrations of 0.04% and 0.12%), and another 2 contained tonalide (AHTN) (concentrations of 0.09% and 0.06%), all concentrations complied with the EU limits. In addition, 17 models contained galaxolide (HHCB) at concentrations ranging from 0.05% to 1.20%. According to the latest EU requirement, leave-on cosmetics currently available in the market and containing more than 0.001% HHCB shall label the ingredient by 31 July 2028, while new products coming into the market on or after 31 July 2026 shall comply with this labelling requirement. However, only 1 model currently listed HHCB in its ingredient list. The Council recommended the industry to update product labels according to the regulatory timeline to allow consumers to be fully aware of the product composition.
Improvement in Detected Levels of Fragrance Allergens
Yet 2 Models Contained EU-banned BMHCA
Fragrances are one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Among them, BMHCA is a known contact allergen and is classified as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant. In the 2018 test, 26 models were found with BMHCA. After the EU fully prohibited the use of BMHCA in cosmetic products in 2022, only 2 models in the current test were detected with BMHCA (concentrations of 0.047% and 0.25% respectively) this time. Women planning or during pregnancy, or those who are breastfeeding are recommended to be mindful of the adverse effects when using perfumes containing this substance.
Only 1 Model Not Found with Fragrance Allergens
2 Models Non-compliant with EU Labelling Requirements
In terms of the types and total concentrations of fragrance allergens, 39 out of the 40 models were detected with 1 to 10 fragrance allergens, of which 3 models were found with 10 types, while another was detected with 9. Recent overseas studies indicated that the simultaneous presence of multiple allergens may lead to “cocktail effect”, which may significantly increase the associated health risks. Regarding concentration, 4 models had total fragrance allergen concentrations exceeding 5% (ranging from 5.597% to 9.749%), which may increase the risk of skin allergies or respiratory discomfort. In addition, 2 models found with fragrance allergens over 0.001% did not list some or all of these fragrance allergens on their ingredient lists, failing to comply with relevant EU labelling requirements. The Council recommended the industry to continue to improve formulations and proactively enhance transparency of the ingredient lists to assist consumers in making informed choices.
Some Labels Unclear
Strengthen Ingredient and Warning Information to Facilitate Informed Choices
Upon reviewing the bottles, instruction manuals and packaging boxes of the perfume samples, the Council found that 2 models did not provide a detailed ingredient list in Chinese or English, making it difficult for general consumers, particularly those with eczema or allergies to fragrances or preservatives, to identify key ingredients and choose suitable products. Furthermore, 20 models did not provide production dates, expiry dates or PAO (period‑after‑opening) information; whereas 20 did not provide usage‑safety warnings in Chinese and/or English. The Council urges suppliers to improve labelling to ensure clear disclosure of complete ingredients, usage periods and warning information to safeguard consumer safety.
Consumers may refer to the following recommendations when using perfumes:
- Obtain a tester of the preferred perfume before purchase to assess whether the top, middle and base notes are suitable;
- Maintain a distance from the body when spraying perfumes, and avoid spraying towards the face or eyes;
- People with sensitive skin may consider applying perfume on clothing if necessary, but should check whether the fabric type or colour is suitable;
- Observe whether adverse reactions such as redness, itching or dryness occur after use. Discontinue use if such reactions appear;
- For people with eczema, exposure to perfumes containing allergens may worsen skin conditions. Women planning to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and families with infants or young children should use such products with caution.
Download the article (Chinese only): https://ccchoice.org/592-perfume
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