5 Toxins “Big Perfume” Doesn’t Want You To Know About

Don’t let the sweet smells fool you… do you really know what’s in your favorite scents?

When you shop for groceries, you probably take a look at the ingredient deck… to see what you’re putting in your body.

You may even do the same when shopping for skincare, knowing that whatever you put on your body inevitably ends up in your body (check out our ingredient decks; you’ll like what you see).

And, if you’re REALLY committed to toxin-free living? You may even double-check the ingredients in your go-to cologne, fragrance, or perfume…

Oh, wait. You can’t really do that.

The “Fragrance” Loophole

There’s a regulatory gap in the cosmetic industry.

Companies can list entire proprietary blends (which can include HUNDREDS of chemicals) under one name:

“Fragrance.”

This is done to protect trade secrets, which is all fine and good. But if you give the cosmetic industry an inch they’ll often take a mile…

So in many luxury scents, the word “fragrance” masks harmful chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens. 

This is why we couldn’t be more proud of our 75% Organic Presence Eau de Parfum, which is meticulously formulated to be gluten-free with ZERO common toxins like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, aluminum, dye, gluten, mineral oil, and silicone. More on that later.

5 Hidden Toxins In Popular Scents

Reading a fragrance’s ingredient deck is like taking a puff of Eau de Toilette straight to the eyes. It’s hard to see the difference between clean & toxic ingredients.

The “proprietary nature” of the fragrance industry blurs the line. Gives big-brand perfumers a pass to cut corners with undisclosed fillers, shortcuts, & harmful chemicals.  

These 5 are particularly important chemicals to look out for… and they ALL can hide behind the word “fragrance” on an ingredient deck.

 

#1 - Phthalates

Phthalates are widely used to enhance the longevity of luxury scents, serving as solvents and fixatives that bind the overall formula together. 

The EPA considers Phthalates like Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) — which can be found in some perfumes — to be a “probable human carcinogen,” but that’s not the only thing you have to worry about here.

Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), which is a go-to ingredient for many big-brand perfumers, is linked to endocrine disruption and potentially life-changing issues.

A 2020 study found that prenatal phthalate exposure can disrupt reproductive hormone levels in offspring, affecting puberty and fertility. Another study from 2021 cites this chemical’s danger as a neurotoxin, associating prenatal exposure with neurodevelopmental issues, such as ADHD and cognitive impairments.

Even in healthy adults, exposure to certain phthalates has also been linked to reproductive problems, such as lower sperm count, infertility, and genital abnormalities.

If your favorite fragrance doesn’t boldly say “Phthalate-FREE”... assume the worst.

 

#2 - Camphor

Ever wonder why many universities, gyms, and other public spaces are enforcing fragrance-free policies? Camphor might be one of the main culprits.

Camphor is a white crystalline substance with a strong odor extracted from the Cinnamomum camphora tree. While it's been used in traditional medicine for centuries, it’s now commonly produced synthetically… and recent scientific research has revealed its darker side.

A 2024 study found that Cinnamomum Camphora essential oil (which contains 32.28% Camphor) can significantly alter brain activity and physiological responses. While the study notes a slight relaxation effect, it also shows that Camphor dramatically changes EEG patterns, affecting beta and gamma brain waves. Trust us, there are better ways to unwind.

Even more concerning, a February 2025 case report in the medical literature documents camphor toxicity in a one-year-old patient, noting that Camphor has been "associated with toxic effects" and can cause "seizures, irritability, confusion, gastrointestinal distress, and other central nervous system-related disorders".

Some of us are more susceptible to scents than others… so at work, school, and the gym, it’s good to know that rules are beginning to form around exposing others to these harmful ingredients.  

The U.S. FDA established an 11% limit on Camphor concentration in products back in 1983, but many imported products still contain dangerous levels of this neurotoxic compound. 

When your luxury perfume lists "fragrance" as an ingredient, there's no way to know how much Camphor you're exposing yourself and others to with every spritz.

 

#3 - Musk Ketone

You've probably never heard of Musk Ketone, but this synthetic fragrance ingredient is hiding in countless luxury perfumes—and the science on its health effects is alarming.

A 2014 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that Musk Ketone increased the proliferation of human breast cancer cells by 97% compared to controls, acting as an endocrine disruptor. The study also found that women with premenstrual syndrome had higher blood levels of musk ketone than women without symptoms, and women presenting as infertile had significantly higher serum levels of related nitro musks.

And while a 2016 study suggested Musk Ketone might have anti-cancer properties in certain contexts, the same research confirmed it "strongly induced growth repression and apoptosis" of cells—highlighting its potent biological activity and potential for unintended consequences in the body.

Canadian Health Authorities have noted decreased growth, reduced food consumption, and liver effects linked to musk ketone exposure. Despite these findings, this chemical continues to be used in fragrances without disclosure.

 

Let’s Take An All-Natural Intermission…

Hormone disruption… neurotoxicity… cancer risks…

Learning about the toxins in everyday products can be disheartening.

But knowledge is power, and you can use it to seek healthier (and better) alternatives.

For a sensual, uplifting, and irresistibly sexy scent you can use daily with confidence, Presence Eau de Parfum is the cleanest luxury fragrance on the market.

Now, back to the last two toxins…

 

#4 - Benzyl Acetate

That sweet, floral, jasmine-like scent in your luxury perfume? It might be Benzyl Acetate, a chemical with a concerning toxicity profile that's rarely disclosed on labels.

A toxicology review found that high doses of benzyl acetate caused necrosis of the brain involving the cerebellum and/or hippocampus in laboratory animals. This neurological damage affected both rats and mice exposed to the chemical.

Even more concerning, Benzyl Acetate has been linked to pancreatic cancer. Beyond cancer concerns, Benzyl Acetate exhibits notable acute toxicity. Recent toxicology assessments report lethal dose fifty (LD50) values around 2.0 to 4.0 grams per kilogram in animals. While dermal studies indicate lower toxicity, the chemical's effects when inhaled (as with perfume sprays) remain concerning.

Long-term exposure studies in mice revealed dose-related degeneration and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium, cystic hyperplasia of the nasal submucosal glands, and pigmentation of the nasal mucosal epithelium. These findings suggest that regular exposure to Benzyl Acetate through perfume use could potentially damage your respiratory system over time.

We’ll take the sweet pop of Ylang-Ylang flower any day… big perfume can keep the Benzyl Acetate to itself. 

 

#5 - Lilial

Unlike the other harmful chemicals on this list, this one sounds innocent enough. Named for the lily-of-the-valley scent it tries to artificially emulate, Lilial has been completely banned in cosmetics throughout the European Union (as of March 2022)

Why such a dramatic step? The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety classified Lilial as a "reprotoxic" substance—a chemical that adversely affects fertility and fetal development. A 2021 toxicology assessment concluded that Lilial "cannot be considered as safe," leading to its ban across Europe.

A 2023 screening assessment from Health Canada's confirmed these findings, noting "developmental effects were the critical health effects identified" and classifying Lilial as a "reproductive toxicant." The substance is now included on their candidate list for substances of very high concern.

2023 research found that Lilial can cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions at concentrations as low as 2.5%, while reproductive toxicity was observed at even lower doses in animal studies.

Despite being banned in Europe since 2022, product recalls continue throughout multiple European countries as recently as 2023, showing how prevalent this toxic ingredient remains in the fragrance industry.

When your perfume simply lists "fragrance" on the label, there's no way to know if this reproductive toxin is hiding inside. 

That's exactly how the fragrance industry likes it.

 

Join The Clean Fragrance Club…

Your signature scent shouldn't come with hidden health risks. While the fragrance industry continues to hide harmful ingredients behind the "fragrance" loophole, you deserve better.

Presence Eau de Parfum stands apart as a revolutionary clean fragrance, formulated with 75% organic ingredients and absolutely ZERO Phthalates, Camphor, Musk Ketone, Benzyl Acetate, or Lilial. Instead, you'll find natural essential oils and botanical extracts that create a sensual, uplifting scent profile.

Why compromise your health for a beautiful scent when you can have both?

Experience Presence today – the luxury fragrance that respects your body and the planet. 

Your skin will be glad… your hormones will rejoice… and everyone who gets close enough to experience your natural, toxin-free signature scent will be better off for it.

Make the switch to clean fragrance. Your body deserves it.

Presence Eau de Parfum — A Statement Without Words

Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure, or prevent disease. If you have a pre-existing skin condition, please consult a physician prior to use.