Scientific
Studies:
MCS
Many people suffer with skin rashes, eczema, and other
skin disorders, yet never know why. Cortisone
cream and other topical agents are often used for symptom control. Sometimes medication is required. Now research shows that it might be your
fragrance.
Fragrances are widely used in many
products, including perfume, cologne, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, after
shave, cosmetics, cleaning solutions, air fresheners, and even some tires! While these fragranced products may smell
nice, they may not be good for your health.
Most fragrances contain synthetic chemicals
and can cause photoallergic or phototoxic reactions. Phototoxic agents cause direct tissue injury
after they are activated by UV-light in exposed individuals.
Researchers at the Department of
Dermatology and Allerology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München,
The findings showed that
common fragrance ingredients, including benzyl alcohol, bergamot oil, costus
root oil, lime oil, orange oil, alpha-amyl cinnamic aldehyde and laurel leaf
oil, hydroxy citronellal, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, alpha-amyl
cinnamic aldehyde and laurel leaf oil cause red blood cells to break open in a
phototoxic reaction.
The phototoxic effects depended on the concentration of the ingredients and
the UV doses administered. Some
fragrances are therefore phototoxic.
Others contain toxic synthetic chemicals that contribute to asthma and
other respiratory disorders.
Fortunately, fragrances are not necessary
for cleaning and personal care products to work effectively. Fragrances are merely added to stimulate
pleasurable memories and develop loyal customers through product branding. Consumers may consciously choose fragrance-free
products instead to maximize safety.
Reference
Placzek M,
Frömel W, Eberlein B, Gilbertz KP, Przybilla B.
Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. Acta Derm Venereol. 2007;87(4):312-6.
Copyrighted
© 2007 MCS