New Study Warns: Perfumes and Scented Lotions May Disrupt Skin’s Natural Protective Cloud
Fragranced products reduce the body’s invisible antioxidant barrier, potentially affecting respiratory health, inflammation levels, and vascular function.
Watan-A new study has found that using perfumes or scented body lotions may be harmful to human health.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the study is the first to show that ingredients in fragrances interfere with an invisible protective cloud surrounding human skin—believed to cleanse and purify the air we breathe.
Researchers from the University of California and Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Chemistry explain that this cloud is scientifically known as the “oxidation field.”
In their findings published in Science Advances, they wrote:”We found that ozone in the air reacts with natural oils on the surface of our skin—such as squalene, a compound that keeps the skin fresh—and produces short-lived molecules called hydroxyl radicals through a process known as ozonolysis. This reaction creates a protective bubble around the body.”
They added:”Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and neutralize toxic molecules, earning them the nickname ‘air detergents’ for their ability to break down pollutants.”
While perfumes themselves are not inherently harmful, the researchers emphasized that their interaction with the skin’s oxidation field may reduce its protective benefits.
Experimental Results
To reach this conclusion, the team conducted tests on four volunteers, analyzing the chemical changes in the skin’s protective field before and after using perfume or scented lotion.
They found that:
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Perfumes reduced the protective cloud by 86%
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Scented body lotion reduced it by 34%
These results indicate that fragranced skincare products weaken the skin’s ability to form this beneficial chemical shield, which plays a vital role in:
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Enhancing airway function
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Reducing inflammation
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Lowering biological stress
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Supporting vascular health
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Preventing high blood pressure
Additional Health Concerns
Previous research has also linked fragrance use to:
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Headaches
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Asthma attacks
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Skin rashes and eczema
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Sinus inflammation
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Allergic reactions
A separate British study highlighted the dangers of applying perfume directly to the skin, noting it can cause persistent dark spots that are only removable via laser treatment.
While perfumes and scented products may appeal to the senses, growing evidence suggests they may come at a steep cost to our health, particularly by disrupting the skin’s natural detox system. The study calls for greater awareness and caution in the everyday use of fragranced cosmetics, especially in light of their hidden effects on air quality, inflammation, and long-term wellness.
