Is Your Perfume Poisoning You?

Sometimes it takes the FDA years to catch up with the constant developments in cosmetics, and often, other countries ban the use of certain ingredients before we do.  Most of the ingredients on the danger list in Europe are not common in over-the-counter products (they're more common in injectable treatments you would get at a dermatologist's or plastic surgeon's office).  But frighteningly, one of those ingredients is quite common in perfumes and nail polishes to help them last longer: phthalates.  There are many different types of phthalates, and studies have linked all of them to cancer, liver damage, and reproductive harm.  The CDC recently found that five percent of all American women between the ages of 20 and 40 had 44 times more phthalates stored in their body than they should.  That is because phthalates accumulate and are stored in the tissues. 

In Europe, there is a ban on selling cosmetics that contain the phthalates DEHP and DBP, which has been in effect since 2003.  These are both legal to use in cosmetics in the United States.  However, some fragrance manufacturers still use another potentially harmful phthalate, DEP, which is currently legal for use in cosmetics in both the United States and Europe.  Interestingly, the U.S. has laws banning the use of phthalates in children's toys, but not cosmetics and fragrances. 

The lesson here is that we need to be educated consumers and do a little homework before we buy instead of assuming that just because it's available over the counter, it's safe.  You can start by checking the labels and look for phthalates, but since the U.S. does not even require fragrance companies to list phthalates on their ingredient lists, the best way to find out for sure is to directly ask the manufacturer.  I have an email in to Jo Malone right now in this issue since I use their fragrances, and I will post an update on this thread once I hear back. 

I'm also looking into OPI nail polish and LUSH Cosmetics' fragrances.  By all indication from the web page, the LUSH fragrances are safe and mostly natural but I'd like to get confirmation from the company.  Many of their fragrences are vegan as well, including the lovely Vanillary, which has an intoxicating but very light blend of vanilla, tonka absolute, and jasmine absolute. It's one of my all-time favorites scents, slightly sweet but much more sophisticated than the vanilla stuff we wore in junior high.  The jasmine and tonka give it some edge without making it too floral.

Another way to buy safe fragrances without doing extensive research is to buy European.  If the fragrance is manufactured in the E.U., then you can assume it doesn't have DEHP and DBP because of the E.U. regulations.  Remember that just because the brand is European, it doesn't automatically mean it's manufactured there.  Check the label and/or web site for manufacturing information.  Also, keep in mind that DEP is still used by some manufacturers there since it's not regulated yet.  DEP is not necessarily a carcinogen like the other phthalates, but there are studies linking it to reproductive harm. 

Spritz safely!