Cologne is a type of fragrance that is used to emit a pleasant odor. It is a liquid mixture that typically contains fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents. However, the term "fragrance" or "parfum" on an ingredient list is not technically an individual ingredient or chemical but rather an umbrella term that refers to all the compounds and chemicals that comprise a products fragrance. Typically, this is dozens of ingredients, and companies are not required to disclose the individual fragrance elements as the fragrance "blend" is considered proprietary information.
While most fragrance chemicals are not disclosed, some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities. Some fragrances might contain ingredients that could cause allergic reactions including asthma, allergies, migraines, and contact dermatitis in sensitive populations. Additionally, some reports raise concerns about some fragrance ingredients, especially phthalate ingredients.
It is important to note that fragrance companies are not legally required to list their ingredients on the labels, and regulations have made it legal to keep their ingredients undisclosed by simply disguising them under the term "fragrance". If you are concerned about the ingredients hiding in your products, it is recommended to look for products that contain recognizable, natural ingredients and scent their products with organic essential oils.
