Top News

Perfume has become a daily essential for many—used to mask sweat and add a touch of freshness—but could your favorite fragrance be silently harming you?
A recent expert review clears the air around the question: Can perfume be deadly? and uncovers the lesser-known health risks of overuse.

No, perfume itself cannot cause death, experts confirm. Dr. B.L. Jangid, a dermatologist, states that although perfumes contain alcohol and various chemicals, they are not lethal. However, people with asthma or respiratory conditions may experience worsened symptoms after exposure to strong scents.

Perfumes can cause skin allergies, rashes, and irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. Dr. Jangid explains three major risks:

• Allergic reactions to fragrance chemicals

• Photo-dermatosis, a condition triggered by sunlight reacting with perfume ingredients

• Alcohol-induced irritation, which may result in itching or red patches

Using too much perfume can:

• Irritate the respiratory tract

• Trigger asthma attacks

• Provoke migraines in sensitive individuals

The takeaway: less is more. Even pleasant fragrances can become overpowering and harmful in excess.

According to experts and sources like Healthline, there is no concrete evidence that the chemicals in perfumes cause cancer. The most toxic components, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, are used in moderate, regulated quantities. Harm typically occurs only with large-scale exposure (more than 30 ml ingested or absorbed), not through casual use.