Experts Advise Against Spraying Perfume Directly on the Neck Over Potential Chemical Exposure

Islamabad: A cancer researcher has advised people to avoid routinely spraying perfume directly on their neck, warning that repeated, long-term exposure to certain fragrance chemicals may pose potential health risks.

Anna Canedas, a PhD researcher in the Department of Pathology at the University of Cambridge, shared the advice in a social media video that recently went viral. She explained that perfumes can contain hundreds or even thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are listed simply as “fragrance” rather than being individually identified.

Citing research published in Frontiers in Toxicology, Canedas said that some ingredients commonly found in cosmetics and perfumes—including phthalates, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These substances may interfere with the body’s natural hormone system or mimic hormonal activity.

However, experts emphasize that there is no conclusive scientific evidence that applying perfume to the neck directly causes cancer. The concern relates to repeated and prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, which may contribute to potential health risks over time.

Researchers stressed that the aim is not to discourage people from using perfume, but to raise awareness about avoiding unnecessary chemical exposure. They noted that even small amounts of chemicals applied daily over many years could accumulate and potentially affect health.

Medical experts also point out that the skin on the neck is thinner and more sensitive than many other parts of the body, making it more likely to absorb certain substances. Applying perfume immediately after a hot shower may further increase absorption because the skin is warm and pores are more open.

Dermatologists recommend several precautions, including spraying perfume on clothing instead of directly on the neck, applying it to less sensitive areas such as the wrists if used on the skin, choosing fragrances made with natural or organic ingredients where possible, and avoiding application immediately after bathing.