I’m pretty sensitive to smells, especially when it comes to perfume. The fragrance section in a department store is a guaranteed trip down Migraine Lane, leaving me no choice but to pop copious amounts of ibuprofen, draw the blinds and don a cold wash cloth for the rest of the night. Until recently, I chalked this phenomenon up to a weak stomach, weird DNA, whatever—all I knew was that perfume was not for me.

After doing some research, I learned there are plenty of reasons why perfume makes people sick.

95% of scented products on the market are made largely or entirely of synthetic chemicals, usually derived from petroleum or coal tar [1].

These synthetic chemicals can cause asthma, headaches (hello, department store!), dizziness, allergic skin reactions and nausea [2]. They can disrupt the endocrine system, instrumental in regulating hormones, growth, development and puberty. Some perfumes contain carcinogenic compounds that can cause birth defects and cancer.

Which perfumes are the worst culprits? Unfortunately, most of the top sellers. The EWG’s (Environmental Working group) Skin Deep cosmetic safety database rated Ralph Lauren’s Romance an 8 out of 10 for health hazard (10 being the most dangerous); Lancome’s Attraction a 9, and Diesel’s Fuel for Life a 10 (maybe that stuff really does contain diesel?).

Does it mean we should never wear perfume again? Perhaps we just need to be more cautious when choosing a scent.

Look up your scent. If it doesn’t score well, consider switching to something less harmful, especially if you have been experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms. There are plenty of alternatives free of harsh chemicals. Some even have samples for less than $3!

Please post recommendations!

8/27/2009: Update from our friend Swallowfield.  Apparently Indie Fixx offers a good do-it-yourself perfume alternative.

[1 & 2] Neurotoxins at Home and In The Workplace. Report 99-827. Committee on Science and Technology September 16, 1986.

Despite my sensitive skin, I used to think buying a new face wash was a quick easy task. Until I had a particularly traumatic experience with a store-bought facial masque, that is: it resulted in a low-level chemical burn.

After that scare, standing amidst the sea of product ingredient labels became overwhelming. I realized I had no idea which ingredients were safe, or which could trigger such a severe reaction. What's a girl to do when there is no computer around to quickly check Skin Deep, the online cosmetics safety guide?

I did some research and found my answer with Smart Skin Care, a website that provides valuable instructions for reading skin care product labels. It also provides valuable information about what ingredients can be hazardous and should be avoided. According to the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, all ingredients must be listed on the label. Generally, the ingredients are listed in descending order based on concentration. Smart Skin Care provides some valuable information to this, by explaining there are exceptions to this rule. For example, colors and fragrances are typically listed last, regardless of concentration. This is unsettling because, while some synthetic fragrances and colors may be safe, others may pose serious health risks to women. Synthetic fragrances have been linked to a wide spectrum of health complications, ranging in severity from cancer to slight skin irritation.

Scrutinizing labels can be tedious and time-consuming. I have decided to make a list of "absolutely not" ingredients to make faster decisions I don't second guess.  Any tricks you want to share?