Experts warn against spraying perfume on the neck over hormone risks

A growing number of health professionals and dermatologists are warning consumers to rethink the popular habit of spraying perfume directly on the neck, citing potential long-term health risks linked to chemical exposure from fragrances.

According to experts, many perfumes contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates and synthetic musks, which are commonly used to enhance fragrance longevity and stability.

These substances have been associated in scientific studies with interference in the body’s hormonal systems when exposure is prolonged or cumulative.

Dermatologists explain that the neck is particularly vulnerable because the skin in that area is thinner and more highly vascularised than in many other parts of the body. This, they say, may allow chemicals applied to the skin to be absorbed more easily into the bloodstream.

“There is a reason we advise caution with what is applied to the neck,” said Dr. Lara Mensah, a dermatologist. “The skin barrier is more delicate, and repeated exposure over years may increase the body’s chemical burden.”

Medical experts are also concerned about the neck’s proximity to the thyroid gland, which lies just beneath the skin at the front of the neck.

The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and hormone balance, making it particularly sensitive to substances that may disrupt endocrine function.

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While specialists acknowledge that there is currently limited direct clinical evidence conclusively linking perfume use on the neck to thyroid disorders, they stress that the potential risk should not be dismissed.

“The concern is largely precautionary,” said an endocrinologist who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Long-term, repeated exposure to endocrine disruptors in close proximity to the thyroid raises valid questions that science is still exploring.”

As a safer alternative, many doctors now recommend applying perfume to clothing, hair, or less sensitive pulse points such as the wrists or behind the knees, rather than directly on the neck. They also encourage consumers to moderate fragrance use and opt for products with fewer synthetic additives when possible.

Experts emphasise that while occasional use is unlikely to cause immediate harm, reducing cumulative chemical exposure over time may help lower potential health risks, particularly for individuals with existing hormonal or skin sensitivities.

The advice forms part of a broader push by health professionals to increase public awareness about everyday sources of chemical exposure and promote more informed personal care choices.