Are deodorants harming your health? The hidden risks behind everyday fragrance

Deodorants and antiperspirants are daily essentials—but their hidden fragrance chemicals could be doing more harm than you think. Experts reveal what’s inside and how to stay safe. (Image: Pexels)

Many of the products that we use daily are scented, shampoo, soaps, hair gel, and even detergents. We use these products without even thinking about the amount of fragrant products we use daily. For most of us, spritzing on deodorant or antiperspirant is as routine as brushing our teeth. Its instant freshness is comforting, particularly on humid days. But what if there is a hidden cost associated with that "clean" scent? Researchers are becoming more concerned about fragrance chemicals that may be harmful to one's health and are present in deodorants, perfumes, and other scented products.

Men's Health reported that Dr Anne Steinemann, a fragrance expert at the University of Melbourne, says that exposure to scented products is a common but under-recognised health trigger. Her studies show that everyday use of fragranced products can cause headaches, breathing problems, skin rashes, and even neurological effects.

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Among the biggest culprits are phthalates—used to make scents last longer. These chemicals can interfere with hormones, block testosterone, and even affect reproductive health. Equally concerning is styrene, a chemical flagged by the US National Toxicology Program for its potential cancer risk. The worrying part? You’ll rarely find these names on the label. Instead, they are bundled under one vague word: “fragrance.”

The biggest culprit is phthalates within flavour compounds. These substances are capable of blocking testosterone and having a reproductive negative impact. Also of great concern is styrene, which the US National Toxicology Program has identified as possibly having a carcinogenic property. The troubling part? These names are rarely seen emblazoned on the label. Rather, they are subsumed under the catch-all phrase, ‘fragrance.’

As with other cosmetic products, deodorant does not receive the level of attention and scrutiny as a drug or food item. Regulatory seams permit the manufacturer to conceal a fragrance under the “trade secret” shield. Thus, a single word on the ingredient list may mask the presence of hundreds of substances, some of which are associated with cancer, hormonal disruptions, and skin irritations.

The presence of multiple synthetic fragrances has been associated with hormonal disruptions, reproductive difficulties, migraines, and oddities within the nervous system. Although the science is incomplete, the trend is alarming enough for experts to recommend avoidance.

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How to Remain Fresh in a Safe Manner

Choose fragrance-free: Seek out products which are “fragrance-free” instead of just ‘unscented.’

Simplify your space: Reduce your exposure to multiple scented sources like candles, detergents, or room sprays.

Seek transparency: Prefer brands that list all ingredients and avoid phthalates.