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At Least 10 Fragrance Allergens Found in the 23 Perfumes Tested Read the Ingredient Labels to Reduce the Risk of Allergic Reactions

  • 2018.12.17

Perfumes, with their alluring scents and beautiful packaging, are a popular choice for both personal use and as gifts.  The Consumer Council conducted safety tests on 55 perfumes models and found that each model contained at least 4 types of fragrance allergens, with 23 of them containing over 10 types of fragrance allergens.  In addition, 37 of the perfumes tested had different types and concentrations of synthetic musks, and 11 had diethyl phthalate (DEP).  The Council would like to remind consumers that many perfumes list all their ingredients on the product label, including fragrance allergens, so consumers should read the product labels carefully to help reduce the risk of skin allergic reaction.

The 55 perfumes tested were priced from $48 to $1,775 per bottle, or from $0.5 to $27 per millilitre.  28 of them were eau de parfum (EDP), 23 eau de toilette (EDT), and 4 eau de cologne (EDC).  The tests revealed that the model with the most types of fragrance allergens (15 types) was an EDP, priced at $1,350, the third most expensive perfume per bottle tested. The model with the highest total concentration (5.35%) of fragrance allergens was also an EDP, priced at $1,775 which was the most expensive perfume per bottle tested.

Fragrance Allergens

As fragrance is the main component of perfumes, the test was conducted by referencing EU’s Cosmetics Regulation (the Regulation) to examine if the models contained any of the 26 regulated fragrance allergens.  In European countries, if the products contain any of the substances exceeding the stipulated levels (0.001% in leave–on cosmetic products), the names of the fragrance allergens must be listed on the ingredients list.  Test results revealed that all perfumes tested contained 4 to 15 types of fragrance allergens, and 23 models had 10 or more types of fragrance allergens.  The total concentration of fragrance allergens ranged between 0.17% and 5.35%.  6 models had a relatively higher total concentration (3% or more), including 4 EDPs and 2 EDTs, while 18 models had less than 1%: 9 EDTs, 5 EDPs and 4 EDCs.

The Council reminds consumers that if they are allergic to fragrance substances, in addition to paying attention to the total concentration of fragrance allergens, they should also be aware of the skin sensitization potency of the allergens and their oxidized compounds. As each fragrance is comprised of a combination of chemicals, some people may show temporary redness, itchiness or skin irritation after exposure, and a few may develop contact sensitisation such as skin rashes or swelling.  Consumers should observe their skin reaction after applying perfumes, and if there are adverse reactions, they should consider whether or not to continue their use.

In August last year, the EU amended its Regulation, banning the use of 3 concerned fragrance allergens — HICC, chloroatranol and atranol  — in cosmetics.  By August 2021, only cosmetic products which comply with the Regulation shall be made available on the EU market.  The test conducted by the Council found 17 models containing HICC.  The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) recommended that HICC should not be used in the manufacture of consumer products, pointing out that even if the HICC concentration in cosmetics as low as 0.02%, it should not be regarded as safe from allergic reactions.  The test revealed that 15 models had a concentration of HICC over 0.02%.    

The tests also showed that all perfume models contained the fragrance allergens limonene, linalool, or both.  Although these two substances are relatively weak allergens, when they have been in contact with the air and oxidised, they can form chemicals that needs extra attention.

26 perfume models were identified with the fragrance allergen BMHCA which has been confirmed to be an established contact allergen, and among which 5 contained a relatively high concentration of this allergen.  Since the SCCS recommended the use of BMHCA in both leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics could not be considered as safe, it is expected that EU might update or revise the use of BMHCA in cosmetics in future.

Synthetic Musks

Synthetic musks are chemicals commonly used as a base note in perfumes, helping to spread the scent of other fragrances.  In the test, 37 models were found to have different types and concentrations of synthetic musks, namely musk ketone and 2 kinds of polycyclic musk compounds: galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN).  The level of musk ketone and tonalide detected were found to be in compliance of the Mainland and EU requirements.

Musk ketone and polycyclic musk compounds are not easily degradable and may accumulate in the natural environment for a long time.  Some studies have found a correlation between the use of perfumes and the occurrence of synthetic musks in human blood.  Since these compounds are commonly used in various kinds of consumer goods, their health impact on infants and babies needs to be studied further. 

Phthalates

Apart from fragrance allergens, the tests found 11 models containing DEP, ranging in concentration from 0.00086% to 1.1%.  Consumers who used to apply perfumes frequently or for long periods in addition to scented body care products on a large skin area should pay extra attention to the DEP content in perfumes.

The tests showed that all the models tested were free of free formaldehyde and heavy metals, such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium and nickel, the result was satisfactory.  Trace amount of lead was detected in one model and methanol in another, but their content was far below the Mainland’s Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, so for normal use, the health risk is very small.

Consumers choosing and using perfume should pay heed to the following recommendations:

- First try out the sample of a favourite perfume, and if develop any allergic reaction or discomfort is experienced, stop using it immediately;
- If you have very sensitive skin, consider spraying perfume on your clothes, but be careful of the colour and material of the garment to ensure it is suitable to do so;
- Do not use perfume if you are eczema patients, planning to get pregnant, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if there are infants or babies at home;
- Stay away from food, drinks or food utensils when applying perfume to avoid contamination;
- Never spray perfume directly on your face and eyes and always apply perfume in a well ventilated area, away from any fire sources;
- If you plan to stay under the sun for a long time, avoid spraying perfume on any exposed skin to prevent a photochemical reaction which may cause skin inflammation or pigmentation.

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