By Breelyn Vanleeuwen, PA-C | Founder & CEO Daily Shade | Physician Assistant with 15 Years of Clinical Experience
On U.S. cosmetic labels, “fragrance” or “parfum” is considered a trade secret. That means companies are not required to disclose the individual chemicals used to create the scent.
A single fragrance blend can contain:
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Dozens to hundreds of chemical compounds
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Phthalates
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Synthetic musks
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Preservative stabilizers
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Solvents
Consumers do not get to see those individual ingredients.
The Environmental Working Group has noted that fragrance mixtures can contain chemicals linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and respiratory sensitization.
What Are Endocrine Disruptors?
The endocrine system regulates:
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Growth
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Puberty
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Metabolism
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Thyroid function
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Reproductive development
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Brain development
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that can interfere with hormonal signaling. They may:
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Mimic hormones
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Block hormone receptors
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Alter hormone production
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Change how hormones are metabolized
Children are uniquely vulnerable because their endocrine systems are still developing.
According to the Endocrine Society’s 2015 scientific statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, early life exposure to EDCs is associated with potential impacts on:
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Neurodevelopment
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Reproductive development
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Pubertal timing
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Obesity risk
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Thyroid function
Children are not just “small adults.” Their detox systems are immature. Their skin barrier is thinner. Their hormone systems are actively programming for life.
The Fragrance–Phthalate Connection
One of the most studied concerns with fragrance is the use of phthalates, particularly diethyl phthalate (DEP), which is sometimes used to stabilize scent.
Phthalates have been studied extensively for endocrine-disrupting potential.
Research has linked certain phthalates to:
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Altered testosterone levels
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Disrupted reproductive development in boys
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Changes in pubertal timing
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Increased risk of asthma
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Behavioral and neurodevelopmental concerns
A 2017 review in Environmental Health Perspectives found that prenatal and early childhood exposure to phthalates may influence male reproductive development and hormone signaling.
While not every fragrance contains high-risk phthalates, the labeling loophole means parents cannot easily know.
Synthetic Musks and Bioaccumulation
Synthetic fragrance compounds such as certain musks have been detected in:
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Human blood
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Breast milk
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Adipose tissue
Some of these compounds are lipophilic, meaning they accumulate in fat tissue.
While long-term human outcome data is still evolving, bioaccumulation itself raises red flags in pediatric exposure scenarios.
When exposure is chronic and cumulative — lotion, shampoo, detergent, sunscreen, hand soap — the total load increases.
Skin Absorption in Children
Children have:
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Higher skin surface area to body weight ratio
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More permeable skin
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Developing liver detoxification pathways
Topical exposure matters.
A 2019 review in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reinforced that dermal exposure is a significant route of endocrine-disrupting chemical absorption.
Fragrance is not just something you smell. It is something that sits on the skin.
Fragrance and Allergic Sensitization
Beyond endocrine disruption concerns fragrance is also one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis.
The American Academy of Dermatology identifies fragrance as a leading cause of allergic skin reactions in children.
Repeated exposure can lead to:
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Eczema flares
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Chronic irritation
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Barrier dysfunction
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Eye irritation
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Respiratory symptoms in sensitive children
For families already managing eczema asthma or reactive skin fragrance often becomes a trigger.
Why This Matters in Sunscreen and Daily Use Products
Daily products matter the most.
If something is used:
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Every morning
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On full body surface
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For years
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Beginning in infancy
The exposure becomes cumulative.
Even if individual ingredient risk is debated the precautionary principle in pediatrics often guides decisions:
When safer alternatives exist choose them.
Fragrance free options exist.
Mineral sunscreen exists.
Products can perform beautifully without added scent.
The Precautionary Principle in Pediatrics
In medicine we often use this framework:
If there is plausible risk
If exposure is chronic
If the population is vulnerable
And if safer alternatives exist
It is reasonable to reduce exposure.
That is not fear based. It is prevention based.
Just like we reduce UV exposure to prevent melanoma decades later we reduce potential hormone disruptor exposure during critical windows of development.
Practical Steps for Parents
If you are concerned about fragrance exposure:
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Look for “fragrance free” not “unscented.”
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Minimize layered exposure (detergent + lotion + soap + sunscreen).
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Choose products that fully disclose ingredients.
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Prioritize daily use products for cleaner formulation.
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Be especially mindful during infancy puberty and pregnancy.
You do not need to panic.
You do not need to overhaul everything overnight.
But awareness empowers better decisions.
The Bigger Picture
Children experience the majority of lifetime environmental exposures before age 18.
Hormone systems are setting their blueprint during these early years.
As parents we cannot control everything in their environment.
But we can control what goes on their skin every single day.
And that is a powerful place to start.
