A Deeper Look: The Top 15 Chemical Additives to Avoid in Homemade Perfumes and Body Products

When considering making your own homemade perfumes and colognes, it's crucial to comprehend the potential risks associated with chemical additives commonly found in most every commercial beauty product. By recognizing the hazards certain additives may bring, you can proceed with confidence that your homemade perfume recipe meets the high-quality standards that prioritize health, safety, and eco-friendliness. Always read the ingredients list and do your research to understand just what it is you are putting onto and into your body.  Below is a list of the top 15 chemical additives to avoid, complete with detailed descriptions of their common uses, origins, and potential harms.

Common Chemical Additives in Commercial Perfume Products

Parabens: Parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, are widely used as preservatives to prolong the shelf life of various beauty products. They are synthetically derived from para-hydroxybenzoic acid and have been linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even breast cancer due to their weak estrogen-mimicking properties.

Sulfates: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are surfactants commonly used as foaming agents in shampoos, cleansers, and toothpastes. They are produced from petroleum or plant-based sources like coconut or palm oil. Sulfates can strip away natural oils, causing dryness, irritation, and damage to the skin and hair.

Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals used as plasticizers and solvents in a variety of products, including fragrances, nail polishes, and hair sprays. They are derived from phthalic acid and have been associated with endocrine disruption, developmental issues, and reproductive toxicity.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a preservative used in some nail polishes, hair straightening treatments, and other cosmetics. It is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is a known human carcinogen, capable of causing respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.

Synthetic fragrances: Artificial scents are created using various chemicals and can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues for some individuals. They often contain phthalates, which may be harmful to human health and the environment.

Synthetic colors: These colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources and may be contaminated with heavy metals. They can cause skin irritation and have been linked to behavioral problems and hyperactivity in children.

Triclosan: Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent commonly found in antibacterial soaps and body washes. It is synthesized from chlorinated phenol and is associated with hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and environmental harm, particularly to aquatic life.

Toluene: Toluene is a solvent used in some nail polishes, hair dyes, and other cosmetic products. It is derived from petroleum and has been linked to headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, and potential harm to the nervous system and reproductive system.

Propylene glycol: This synthetic humectant and solvent is used in a wide range of beauty products, including creams, lotions, and serums. It is derived from petroleum and can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Siloxanes: Siloxanes are a group of silicone-based compounds used in hair and skin products for their smoothing and softening properties. They are synthesized fromsilicon and oxygen and may accumulate in the environment, posing potential risks to aquatic life and the ecosystem. 

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (Triethanolamine): These chemicals are used as emulsifiers, foaming agents, and pH adjusters in various beauty products. They are derived from the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia or ethanolamines. They have been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and possible carcinogenic effects, particularly when combined with other chemicals that form nitrosamines.

PEGs (Polyethylene glycols): PEGs are petroleum-based compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, and solvents in a variety of cosmetic products. They are synthesized from the reaction of ethylene oxide and water, and may be contaminated with harmful byproducts like ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) and 1,4-dioxane (a potential carcinogen).

Mineral oil: Mineral oil is a byproduct of petroleum refining and is often used as a moisturizing agent in lotions and creams. It forms an occlusive barrier on the skin, which may clog pores and hinder the skin's natural ability to breathe and detoxify.

Ethanolamines: Ethanolamines, including DEA, MEA, and TEA, are used as pH adjusters and emulsifiers in various cosmetic products. They are produced through the reaction of ammonia with ethylene oxide and have been associated with skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenic effects when combined with certain other chemicals.

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives in lipsticks and other beauty products. They are derived from phenol and are known to cause skin irritation, organ toxicity, and potential harm to aquatic life.

How to Eliminate Chemical Additives in Perfume and Body Products

Once the chemicals are in your chosen perfume, cologne, or body products from the store, there is no way to get them out.  The only true way to be sure there are zero harmful (or otherwise unnecessary) chemical additives in your perfume is to make it yourself.  Thankfully, with the right ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers, the act of making your own custom scented perfumes or body products is simple.  Learn more about how to make your own perfumes using pure Perfumers Alcohol from CulinarySolvent.com