Since the end of World War II, the output of chemical molecules into the environment has risen drastically. Today, these toxins find their way into our bodies every day, especially through personal care products, most of which list “fragrance” as an ingredient but do not elaborate on what that means. Companies are not required by law to list ingredients contained in fragrances, which can contain chemicals that are harmful to human health.
Environmental medicine was born in the 1960s. During this time, one scientist worked to show how environmental toxins damage the body’s health at the very core of the cells—the DNA. Mirko Beljanski, Ph.D., a biologist and biochemist, worked for more than 40 years at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, studying DNA destabilization. It was this research that provided the scientific explanation of how chemicals in the environment negatively affect the body’s DNA, as well as the cumulative effect of those toxins.
Certain common chemicals used in fragrances can be dangerous to human health. Formulators should be aware of the concerns surrounding phthalates and parabens.
Phthalates are plasticizers that give substances flexibility. They can be found in thousands of personal care products that contain fragrance. Recent studies confirm phthalates act as endocrine disruptors, which change normal hormone levels and can cause birth defects. The Environmental Working Group warned in a 2008 report, “Epidemiology studies consistently linked these chemicals to birth defects in baby boys, reproductive problems in men and thyroid problems in both men and women.”
Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl) are used in the vast majority of cosmetic products as synthetic chemical preservatives. In late 2007, Julie Deardorff wrote in the Chicago Tribune, “Studies have shown that some parabens can mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen in the body’s cells. Estrogenic activity in the body is associated with certain forms of breast cancer. And parabens are turning up in breast tumors.” Preservatives are used to prevent the growth of microorganisms in cosmetic products, including fragrances; however, alternative options to parabens are available that can extend shelf life to an acceptable degree. Natural preservatives are not dangerous to human health yet still prevent the growth of microorganisms. Responsible companies can also help educate consumers about the ingredients used in their personal care products. Discussing the health effects of ingredients, as well as the options available, can position a company as a leader in the area.
Sylvie Beljanski is the president of Natural Source International Ltd. (Natural-Source.com), which offers dietary supplements stemming from her father’s lifetime of research at the Pasteur Institute in France. She is overseeing the development of a preservative-free line of skin care and mineral makeup products called French Secret™ (FrenchSecretInc.com) and developed a new perfume called Fleur d’Amour by Sylvie Beljanski (FleurdAmourbySylvieBeljanski.com) which is phthalate and paraben-free.