This everyday personal-care product could be risky, oncologists warn

The scent that makes a shower gel feel fresh may also conceal a mixture of ingredients that consumers cannot identify from the label alone. Oncologists are urging caution, while acknowledging that research into long-term exposure remains incomplete.

Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam told Parade that repeated exposure to some chemicals could increase certain health risks over time. Product labels may list them broadly under “fragrance” or “parfum,” without naming every individual ingredient.

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It is important to be aware of the products we use because repeated exposure over time could increase certain health risks.

Some studies have examined possible links between phthalates and parabens and hormonal disruption. Researchers are also investigating preservatives and substances such as formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane because of possible carcinogenic effects.

Kollimuttathuillam says people with sensitive skin, asthma or migraines, as well as pregnant people and those choosing products for children, may reasonably reduce their use of strongly scented products. He also cautions against alarm. “Most cancer risk results from many factors over a lifetime, not one shower gel or one ingredient.” There is no clear evidence that every product carrying the word “fragrance” is harmful, and studies continue to assess whether years of exposure could raise health risks for some people.

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Most cancer risk results from many factors over a lifetime, not one shower gel or one ingredient.