What’s Hiding in Your Fragrance? A Deep Dive into Common Perfume Toxins
Fragrance is woven into our routines, our skin, our homes, and sometimes even our identities. But behind the allure of a signature scent lies an uncomfortable truth: many conventional perfumes contain complex chemical formulations that are not disclosed to the public. This lack of transparency raises real questions, particularly for pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers who are often managing both heightened sensitivity and increased responsibility for the wellbeing of those in their care.
At De(ux) Mains, we believe fragrance should be a source of calm and confidence and not uncertainty. That's why we’ve committed to clean, transparent, and science-aligned formulation practices. Let’s take a closer look at what’s often hiding in conventional perfumes, and why our “No Nasties” approach matters.
The Hidden Side of “Fragrance”
When you see the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on a product label, you might assume it refers to a handful of aromatic oils or essential compounds. In reality, it can legally represent hundreds of individual chemicals, many of which are not listed on the ingredient list. This is partly due to trade secret protections, but also because those terms can be used as “catch-alls” for some rather unpleasant stuff.
The fragrance industry is self-regulated in many regions, which means ingredients used in blends are not subject to the same public scrutiny or mandatory disclosure as food or pharmaceuticals. This system leaves us as consumers (especially those managing pregnancy, early motherhood, or health sensitivities) with limited information and limited ability to make informed choices.
Common Chemicals Found in Synthetic Fragrance
1. Phthalates
Phthalates are used in fragrances to help the scent "stick" to the skin and last longer. While this might sound desirable, certain phthalates, particularly diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are known endocrine disruptors. They’ve been shown to interfere with hormone function in laboratory studies and are of particular concern during foetal development, where hormonal balance is critical for health.
2. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to prolong shelf life. They are frequently found in cosmetic and personal care products, including scented ones. While parabens are effective at preventing microbial growth, several forms (such as methylparaben and propylparaben) have weak estrogenic activity, which means they can mimic the body’s natural hormones. Emerging data links chronic exposure to concerns around reproductive health, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals and infants.
3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are a group of carbon-based chemicals that readily evaporate into the air. In fragrance, these may include ingredients like ethanol, acetone, and formaldehyde-releasing agents. VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and are associated with headaches, respiratory irritation, and in some cases, longer-term respiratory or neurological effects with high or prolonged exposure.
4. Synthetic Musks
Synthetic musks are used for their long-lasting scent profile. However, they are also persistent environmental pollutants. These compounds tend to bioaccumulate in human tissue and breast milk, and early research raises concerns around hormone receptor interference.
1. Polycyclic Musks
These are among the most widely used synthetic musks and are often found in mainstream perfumes, personal care, and household products.
Galaxolide (HHCB)
Very common in perfumes and laundry products.
Persistent, bioaccumulative, and widely detected in human tissue and the environment.
Tonalide (AHTN)
Second only to galaxolide in usage.
Accumulates in fat tissue and breast milk; suspected endocrine disruptor.
Celestolide (ADBI)
Used for its sweet, fruity musk aroma.
Detected in environmental samples; less studied but structurally similar to HHCB.
Phantolide (AHMI)
Slightly woody, musky scent; used in fine fragrances.
Limited toxicity data available, but often grouped with other polycyclic musks.
Traseolide (ATII)
Subtler musk scent, used in lower concentrations.
Environmental persistence and potential for bioaccumulation.
2. Nitromusks
An older class of synthetic musks, now restricted or banned in several regions due to toxicity concerns.
Musk xylene
Associated with neurotoxicity and potential carcinogenic effects.
Restricted or banned in the EU, but still found in older formulations or unregulated markets.
Musk ketone
Similar concerns to musk xylene; lipophilic and persistent.
Some ongoing use in non-EU regions, but declining globally.
Musk ambrette
Historically used, now largely discontinued due to phototoxicity and neurotoxicity risks.
3. Macrocyclic and Alicyclic Musks
Considered more biodegradable and less bioaccumulative than other classes, but still synthetic.
Habanolide
Clean, musky scent; popular in high-end perfumes.
Less persistent in the environment compared to polycyclic musks.
Ethylene Brassylate
Sweet, powdery musk used for soft, skin-like effects.
Often considered more “biocompatible,” but still synthetic.
Exaltolide
Smooth, animalic musk, originally derived from natural sources but now synthesized.
Present in niche and luxury formulations.
Helvetolide
Fruity-musky; often used in fine fragrance and laundry care.
Structurally macrocyclic with lower environmental persistence.
Why This Matters for Mothers and Young Families
During pregnancy and the postpartum period, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes that influence not only physiology but also sensory perception. Many women become more sensitive to smells during this time, an evolutionary trait that likely served to help avoid environmental threats and toxins.
For newborns, the situation is even more delicate. Infants are developing rapidly, and their systems for metabolising and eliminating chemicals are still immature. Exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting or irritant compounds may have implications that are not immediately visible but could affect developmental pathways.
This is why evaluating fragrance exposure, in perfumes, skincare, cleaning products, and household items, becomes particularly important during these life stages. The goal isn’t fear, but clarity. Understanding what you’re using allows you to make informed decisions that reflect your needs and priorities.
De(ux) Mains: The “No Nasties” Commitment
We created De(ux) Mains with a singular goal: to offer thoughtfully designed fragrance for modern motherhood, formulations that respect biological nuance, developmental science, and lived experience.
Our commitment includes:
No phthalates – We do not use synthetic fixatives that interfere with hormonal systems.
No parabens or formaldehyde donors – Our products are free from preservatives with documented endocrine or respiratory effects.
No synthetic musks – We avoid ingredients that are bioaccumulative or environmentally persistent.
No VOC-heavy formulations – We do not include volatile carriers that contribute to air pollution or irritation.
Instead, we formulate with botanical and biodegradable aroma molecules, low-impact carriers, and soft scent profiles designed to sit close to the skin, not linger aggressively in the air. Our perfumes are developed for emotional resonance, not chemical performance.
How to Read Labels More Critically
If you're navigating fragrance purchases, whether for yourself, your child, or your household, here are a few tips:
Watch for generic terms like “fragrance” or “parfum.” Without disclosure, these may include phthalates or musks.
Look for full ingredient lists. Brands committed to transparency will share what's actually inside.
Be cautious of “long-lasting” or “intense” claims. These often rely on synthetic fixatives.
Not all “natural” claims are regulated, look for independent ingredient transparency where possible.
A New Standard for Modern Fragrance
The world of scent is changing, and it should. What we apply to our bodies shouldn’t be obscured by industry secrecy or chemical shortcuts. It should reflect where we are in life, how we want to feel, and what matters most.
At De(ux) Mains, we’re not just removing questionable ingredients, we’re rebuilding fragrance with a different purpose: connection, care, and quiet confidence. For mothers, for families, and for those who simply want to know what they’re wearing.
