Are fragrances endocrine disrupting? Here's what science says.

Fragrance gets a bad rap, and it’s easy to see why. A single listing of “fragrance” on a product label may represent thousands of individual ingredients. Many of these ingredients in the past included compounds such as phthalates and parabens, which have been flagged for potential endocrine‑disrupting effects (i.e., interfering with how hormones work).

What the science shows

• Scientific studies on parabens and phthalates have classified these ingredients as endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and they can interfere with hormone systems, including acting via estrogen or other nuclear receptors. However, the dose the medium of the exposure has the primary impact on the toxicity
  

• Most fragrance companies have excluded the use of parabens and phthalates in fragrance, and The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recorded a study in 2002 that tested the safety of phthalates in cosmetics, and deemed: “At the present time, the FDA does not have evidence that phthalates as used in cosmetics pose a safety risk.” 

• The Health Canada guidance likewise notes that the most commonly used phthalates in cosmetics (such as DEP — diethyl phthalate) are deemed safe at the levels currently used. 

What this means:
Yes, historically there were red flags around fragrance and its hidden components (parabens, phthalates). Today, regulatory bodies in the U.S. and Canada say that for typical use levels, these ingredients (as currently formulated) do not pose documented risks. That doesn’t mean zero risk, but it shifts the conversation toward dose, exposure context and formulation rather than “fragrance = evil”.

What about essential oils?

Given the concerns around synthetic fragrance ingredients, many brands (and consumers) have turned to essential oils as the more “natural” alternative. And yes, they smell beautifully plant‑rich. But they have their own considerations.

• Essential oils don't work for everyone, and have some highly allergic properties, particularly because their chemical composition can vary by plant source, extraction method and storage. 

• Around 80 essential oils have been documented to cause contact allergy. 

• According to the FDA’s list of allergens in cosmetics: fragrances (which may include essential oils) are among the common allergen classes and may not always be clearly labelled.

Bottom line on essential oils:
They offer a more plant‑centric sensory experience, but they are not automatically benign. They have variability in potency and sourcing, they may degrade over time and  for some people, they carry allergy or sensitivity risk. And from a sustainability standpoint, high‑volume harvesting of certain botanical sources can raise ecological questions.

So how do you make a mindful choice?

Here’s how we think about it at Maris Dae, and how you can approach your own ritual.

1. Read labels & demand transparency. Even “fragrance” can mask hundreds of compounds. If you prefer to avoid a specific class (e.g., phthalates, parabens), look for brands that disclose full ingredient breakdowns.

2. Consider exposure context. A small amount of a well‑regulated ingredient (e.g., DEP at low % in a rinse‑off product) may pose far lower risk than heavy use of scented leave‑on products. Regulatory bodies note exposure at typical levels is low.

3. Mind personal sensitivity. If you know your skin or body reacts to scented products, essential‑oil heavy blends might still cause irritation, even though they’re “natural.”

4. Balance sustainability + efficacy. If you're choosing essential oils because of the natural appeal, check the sourcing, production method, and how stable the product is over time.

5. Go with your preference and your values. Because based on current major regulatory assessments, both fragrance and essential oils can be safe (in appropriate doses). It then becomes about your personal preference, your skin/body, your values around sourcing and sustainability.

Our Maris Dae perspective

At Maris Dae, we believe in science‑first, skin‑loved, plant‑powered formulations.
Because of my personal journey (five years of fertility struggle + losing two parents to cancer), I spent years avoiding anything with “fragrance” in it. But over time I realised: the science is more nuanced. So now, we don’t approach fragrance from a place of fear, we approach it from informed choice.

• We commit to sourcing fragrance and essential‑oil blends that meet rigorous standards.

• We prioritize transparent ingredients and keep concentrations safe and well‑below any thresholds of concern.

• We test for both skin compatibility and exposure relevance.

• We're testing all options and will determine what is best for our community after trying both option

TL;DR:
Fragrance has gotten a “bad rap” because of past risks linked to parabens and phthalates. Yes, they can interfere with hormone systems in lab/animal studies. But regulatory bodies in the U.S. and Canada say that the levels currently used in cosmetics are low risk. Essential oils are attractive and luxe, but they’re not risk‑free. They can vary, may be allergenic, and raise sustainability questions. At Maris Dae, we lean into gentle, thoughtful fragrance and essential‑oil blends, backed by science and aligned with your busy, wellness‑oriented life.

For further reading

• Phthalates and their effect on human health - PubMed

• “Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system” — PubMed

• “Phthalates in Cosmetics” — FDA Q&A U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Health Canada: “Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients – Phthalates” Canada

• “Essential Oils and Their Single Compounds in Cosmetics — A Critical Review” MDPI

• “Essential Oils: Contact Allergy and Chemical Composition” — review article ScienceDirect