Perfume originated in 18th-century French courts, meaning it was labeled a luxury item from its inception. Yet today, the market is flooded with inexpensive fragrances. Given perfume's close contact with the skin, do these budget options pose health risks? To address this, our reporter interviewed Li Hongzhu, Associate Researcher at the Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research.
"High-quality perfumes are extracted from pure natural plants, such as balsam, frankincense, and lemon oil. These natural fragrances pose no harm to the human body and can be used with confidence," said Li Hongzhu. She explained that the high cost of natural aromatics is precisely what makes perfumes expensive.
Li Hongzhu analyzed: "Cheap perfumes are inferior products. Most are made from synthetic chemical fragrances, and some even mix toxic ingredients into low-quality solutions." She pointed out that not only are the raw materials inferior and harmful, but the manufacturing processes often fail to meet hygiene standards.
Beyond perfumes we apply daily, car interiors are another common place for perfume use.Some drivers opt for cheap options costing just a few yuan per bottle. However, such perfumes can easily cause dizziness and nausea. The poor quality of inexpensive perfumes, combined with the confined, enclosed space of a car filled with these chemical fumes, naturally leads to dizziness and nausea. Long-term use may even result in serious consequences like diminished sense of smell or weakened vision.
"Even perfumes marketed as containing natural floral ingredients—if priced low—cannot possibly use only natural scents. They likely contain added aromatic compounds. These fragrant volatile substances can irritate human organs, particularly the respiratory system, to varying degrees. Therefore, I strongly advise against using cheap perfumes," Li Hongzhu cautioned.
Li Hongzhu suggested that for spaces requiring air freshening, dried orange or lemon peels, or dried citrus and floral tea can be placed in a breathable pouch.