10 Toxic Perfume Ingredients to Avoid

January 7, 2026

If you love True Born London for its refined scents and luxurious bath-and-body experience, you probably care just as much about what goes on your skin as what you smell like. The fragrance industry can be a labyrinth of ingredients, some of which have raised safety concerns or consumer alerts over the years. To help you make safer, smarter choices, we’ve compiled a clear guide to 10 toxic perfume ingredients to avoid. This list focuses on components most often linked to irritation, allergies, endocrine disruption, or other health concerns—along with practical alternatives that keep your scent experience elegant and worry-free.

Note: This article uses the phrase “toxic ingredients” in the consumer-safety sense (potential for irritation or adverse reactions) rather than implying they are proven poisons. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

Phthalates (including Diethyl Phthalate, DEP)

Why avoid: Phthalates are used as scent carriers or fixatives in some perfumes. They’ve been linked to hormone disruption concerns in several studies, and many brands have moved away from them due to consumer demand and regulatory scrutiny.
Red flags: DEP and certain phthalate blends in ingredient lists.
Safer alternatives: Look for fragrances labeled “phthalate-free” or “no synthetic phthalates.” Brands increasingly use natural fixatives or water-based fragrance systems to reduce reliance on phthalates.
True Born angle: If you’re shopping our True Born London line, verify the product page for ingredient clarity and opt for scents with transparent ingredient disclosures.

Musk Ketone and Traditional Musk Compounds (nitromusk musk xylene, musk ambrette)

Why avoid: Some classic musks like musk xylene have faced regulatory restrictions due to environmental persistence and potential adverse health effects. They can also be irritating to sensitive skin.
Red flags: Names ending in “musk” that aren’t clearly synthetic-free or lab-derived.
Safer alternatives: Plant-based or ethically sourced musk substitutes, or modern synthetic musks that are clearly tested for safety and have clean compliance.
True Born angle: Seek musk notes described transparently on the label; prefer brands with modern, safer musk formulations.

Lilial (Butylphenyl Methylpropional)

Why avoid: Lilial is a fragrance ingredient with raised concerns about reproductive toxicity. It has been restricted or banned in several regions, including the EU, due to safety concerns.
Red flags: Any listing of “butylphenyl methylpropional” or lilial in the ingredients.
Safer alternatives: Scent notes designed with alternative aldehydes or safer synthetic substitutes, or natural fragrance components.
True Born angle: If lilial appears in a product, avoid it and choose a lilial-free fragrance from True Born London catalog.

HICC/HICC–2 (Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde and related isohexyl compounds)

Why avoid: These synthetic fragrance ingredients have been associated with skin sensitisation and contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Red flags: Names ending in “HICC” or “isohexyl.”
Safer alternatives: Fragrances built with milder, well-tolerated notes and clearly labeled as hypoallergenic or fragrance-free when desired.
True Born angle: For sensitive skin, check product pages for dermatologist-tested claims or fragrance-free options within the True Born line.

Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri) and Certain Balsams

Why avoid: Oakmoss is a classic fragrance note, but it can be irritating for sensitive individuals and is sometimes mixed with other irritants in complex formulas.
Red flags: Oakmoss-heavy blends without clear safety disclosures.
Safer alternatives: Fragrances that use milder, synthetic substitutes or responsibly sourced, patch-tested natural notes with transparent ingredient lists.
True Born angle: If you’re shopping for a soothing, skin-friendly scent, review notes and customer comfort data in the True Born London collection.

Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile (MDBGN) and other DBNs

Why avoid: MDBGN has been restricted in many regions due to dermatitis risk and potential allergic reactions. It’s part of broader categories of allergenic fragrance ingredients.
Red flags: Any MDBGN or similar DBN-listed chemical in the ingredient panel.
Safer alternatives: Fragrances with clearly labeled allergen-free or low-allergen formulations, or those that disclose all components upfront.
True Born angle: Choose fragrance products with transparent allergen information and a commitment to skin safety.

Synthetic musks with environmental concerns (polysorbates or allergen-heavy scent carriers)

Why avoid: Some synthetic musks and carriers can accumulate in the environment and have raised concerns among ecologists and dermatologists for persistence and bioaccumulation.
Red flags: Complex carrier systems without clear safety disclosures; vague “fragrance” listings.
Safer alternatives: Fragrances built on safer carriers and clean, well-vetted scent molecules; brands that publish eco-safety data.
True Born angle: Prioritize fragrance lines with safety data sheets and environmental stewardship notes.

BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene) and similar antioxidants

Why avoid: BHT is used as a stabiliser in cosmetics and fragrances. While generally considered safe in trace amounts, it’s best avoided by consumers seeking minimalist, “clean” ingredient profiles.
Red flags: Ingredient lists that highlight BHT as a main stabiliser without further safety context.
Safer alternatives: Fragrances with natural preservative systems or milder antioxidants; read on packaging for “paraben-free” and “phenoxyethanol-free” claims as well.
If you prefer minimal processing, look for True Born London products that emphasise natural or minimal additive approaches.

Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)

Why avoid: Parabens have a long-standing debate around potential endocrine disruption, though regulatory bodies have varied conclusions. Many consumers still seek paraben-free products.
Red flags: Ingredient names ending in “paraben.”
Safer alternatives: Paraben-free fragrances, or those relying on natural preservatives and synthetic preservatives with safer profiles.
True Born angle: If you prioritise paraben-free options, filter product pages on True Born London accordingly.

Synthetic colorants and fragrance allergens (e.g., CI numbers, harsh color dyes)

Why avoid: Some synthetic colorants can irritate sensitive skin, and certain fragrance allergens can oxidise to irritating compounds over time.
Red flags: Colorant codes (CI) without safety notes; fragrance allergens listed on the INCI panel.
Safer alternatives: Color-free or naturally tinted packaging; fragrance notes and allergen information clearly disclosed; products with added skin-soothing ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

Is fragrance inherently dangerous? Most fragrance ingredients are safe for many people when used as directed. Some individuals can be sensitive or allergic to particular components. Patch testing is your best defense.
Do natural fragrances avoid toxins? Not always. Natural does not guarantee safety; some essential oils can irritate or cause photosensitivity. Natural ingredients should still be disclosed clearly.
How can I support True Born London’s safety commitments? Choose products with clear ingredient lists, request SDS sheets if needed, and engage with the brand’s customer-care team for information about specific ingredients.

Conclusion
For True Born London fans, choosing fragrances and bath-and-body products with safety in mind is part of the luxury experience. By avoiding the 10 commonly scrutinized toxic perfume ingredients and opting for transparent, tested formulations, you can enjoy a signature scent that aligns with your health and wellness priorities. Always consider your skin type, scent preferences, and lifestyle when selecting a fragrance, and remember: the best perfume is the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and true to you.