Researcher warns against neck perfume

A cancer researcher has advised people not to spray perfume directly on their neck as part of their daily routine.

She says that repeated long term exposure to some fragrance chemicals may pose possible health risks.

Anna Canadas, a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Pathology shared this advice in a viral social media video.

According to her perfumes can contain hundreds or even thousands of chemicals.  Many of these ingredients are listed simply as “fragrance” instead of being named individually making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they are using.

Referring to research published in Frontiers in Toxicology she explained that some ingredients commonly found in perfumes and cosmetics including phthalates formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals.

These substances may interfere with the body’s hormone system or act like hormones which could affect normal body functions.

However experts stress that there is no clear scientific evidence showing that spraying perfume on the neck directly causes cancer.

The concern is about repeated exposure to certain chemicals over many years which may increase potential health risks.

Researchers say the goal is not to scare people away from using perfume but to encourage safer habits and reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals.

Doctors also point out that the skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive than many other parts of the body.

This may allow some ingredients to be absorbed more easily. Applying perfume right after a hot shower may increase absorption because the skin is warm and pores are more open.

Dermatologists recommend a few simple precautions. Spray perfume on clothes instead of directly on the neck.

If applying it to the skin choose less sensitive areas such as the wrists.

Consider perfumes made with more natural ingredients. Avoid applying perfume immediately after a hot shower.