Perfumes Linked to Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals, Hair Loss, and Weight Gain
Popular perfumes may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) linked to hormone interference, hair loss, weight gain, and fertility issues. A Mail on Sunday investigation found multiple potential EDCs in ten bestselling fragrances, including Chanel No.5 and Dior Sauvage. While some EDCs are banned in other regions, UK regulation lags. Experts recommend consumers avoid products listing 'fragrance' unless phthalate-free, or apply perfume to clothes, highlighting the cumulative effect of chemical exposure on health.
A new investigation reveals popular perfumes may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with the body's hormones, potentially leading to serious health issues. These include hair loss, weight gain, fertility problems, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer, specifically impacting the thyroid gland. The Mail on Sunday examined ten bestselling fragrances, including Chanel No.5, Marc Jacobs Perfect, and Dior Sauvage, finding that all contained at least one ingredient linked by regulators or scientists to potential hormone disruption. Specific examples highlighted include benzyl salicylate and BHT in Si by Armani, linked to estrogen interference and breast cancer risk, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate in Perfect by Marc Jacobs, associated with delayed puberty and reduced female fertility, which is banned in some countries but still permitted in the UK and EU. Phthalates, often undisclosed as 'fragrance,' are another significant concern due to their links to reproductive defects and infertility.Experts, like Chloe Topping from The Chem Trust, warn that UK regulation on EDCs is significantly lagging behind Europe. While some EDCs are banned elsewhere, they remain legal in British cosmetics. Dr. Anna-Maria Andersson, head of the Danish Centre on Endocrine Disruptors, emphasizes the difficulty of proving direct links in humans but points to compelling animal studies, stressing the cumulative effect of multiple chemical exposures. Dr. Christine Maren, a US family physician, notes a rise in subtle thyroid imbalances in women, attributing it partly to environmental factors like chemical exposure. Consumers are advised to avoid products listing 'fragrance' unless confirmed phthalate-free, spray perfumes on clothes rather than skin, and seek out products with certifications like the EU Ecolabel or brands known for being EDC-free. The article also features a personal account from Allie Carson-McGeary, who developed thyroid cancer and suspects her perfume usage was a contributing factor.
