As global fragrance giants like Coty, L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, Symrise, and Givaudan ramp up efforts to capture the Chinese market, transparency about ingredients is becoming unavoidable. While proprietary formulas are a core part of the industry, the widespread use of phthalates and other synthetic chemicals—recognized endocrine disruptors—raises serious health questions. Consumers increasingly expect to know what they are inhaling and applying to their skin, particularly in markets that are becoming more health-conscious.
China Market
Givaudan, the Swiss fragrance leader, has made significant investments across China to support growing the demand for perfumes. The company has established multiple facilities and creative hubs in cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Changzhou, combining research, development, and local co-creation. These moves underscore China’s importance not just as a consumer market but as a center for fragrance innovation and production.
In Europe, regulatory authorities have restricted several phthalates in cosmetic products due to their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. As regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, fragrance manufacturers will increasingly face pressure to disclose ingredients and ensure their products meet safety standards. Independent testing and certification could become essential tools for maintaining consumer trust and credibility.
Does Fragrance Disrupt Qi?
Fragrance is less commonly worn in everyday life in countries like China and Japan, where strong personal scents can be considered socially inappropriate or even rude. In Japan, for example, it is often viewed as impolite to overwhelm others with perfume or cologne in public spaces. In China, personal fragrance use has historically been modest, possibly in part due to cultural norms around shared environments and also because of traditional approaches to health and wellbeing.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fragrance (xiāng, 香) is apparently associated with the Metal element, linked to the lungs, clarity, and purification. Natural aromas from plants such as agarwood or sandalwood were traditionally believed to disperse stagnation, cleanse the air, and support emotional balance.
Spraying large amounts of synthetic perfume, especially those containing chemical additives and phthalates can, from this perspective, be seen as disrupting the delicate flow of qi. Rather than clearing the lungs and uplifting the spirit, strong synthetic fragrances may introduce “false” or stagnant energy, irritate the respiratory system, and overwhelm the harmonious qualities that natural scents are meant to foster.
Fragrance and Respiratory Health: A Growing Concern
While traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes balance and qi, modern science highlights a more immediate, tangible risk: asthma and other respiratory conditions. For many individuals, fragrances—especially synthetic perfumes, colognes, and scented personal care products—are known triggers that can exacerbate symptoms.
How Fragrance Affects Breathing
- Airway Irritation: Many fragrances contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic musks, and phthalates, which can irritate the lungs and airways. In sensitive individuals, exposure can provoke wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
- Chemical Sensitivity and Allergies: People with asthma or chemical sensitivities may react even to low levels of fragrance. Surveys show that over 40% of adults with asthma report adverse reactions to fragranced consumer products.
- Indoor Air Quality: Fragrance use in enclosed spaces can elevate VOC levels, compounding the risk for asthma attacks. Children, older adults, and those with chronic respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable.
The Rise of Scent-Free Workspaces
Strong guidelines for scent-free policies have emerged as awareness of fragrance sensitivities grows. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) explicitly recommends scent-free environments under occupational health standards, citing fragrances as potential irritants, volatile organic compounds that can trigger asthma, headaches, or dermatitis. Similarly, some healthcare institutions in the UK and US have adopted fragrance-free policies to protect patients and staff with sensitivities. Across offices, clinics, and schools, scent-free policies reflect a broader shift toward health-conscious workplaces.
Why It Matters
Globally, asthma prevalence is on the rise, influenced by urbanization, pollution, and environmental exposures. In this context, synthetic fragrances are not just a matter of etiquette or aesthetics, they are public health considerations. For people already struggling with respiratory issues, fragranced products can turn an everyday routine into a trigger for illness.
