Perfume is always a popular Christmas gift, but a doctor warns that if you unknowingly buy a fake product, you could be putting your loved ones at risk.
Explaining the risks associated with fake perfumes, Dr. Rimas Geiga, a doctor and nutritionist at GlowBarLDN , shared the warning along with HalfPricePerfumes, a price comparison site that wants to raise awareness.
"Using fake perfumes may seem like an enticing way to save money, but it poses serious health risks that should not be ignored," Geiga said.
"In this case, it is important to address the risk of harm. Fake perfumes are often made with harmful chemicals and toxins that are not regulated, unlike the ingredients in real perfumes," the doctor explained.
"These chemicals can irritate the skin, lead to rashes, allergies or even chemical burns. Some fake perfumes also contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive problems, especially in women. Continuous exposure to such chemicals can have long-term health effects, including damage to the liver, kidneys and even the nervous system," he stressed.
The expert said counterfeit products can also be contaminated.
"The safety of ingredients used in fake perfumes is rarely guaranteed. While legitimate perfume undergoes extensive testing to ensure its safety and efficacy, counterfeit versions may contain untested or substandard ingredients"
"These products are often produced in unsanitary conditions, leading to contamination and increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions such as infections. For people with sensitive skin or allergies, fake perfumes can cause severe reactions such as respiratory problems, asthma attacks or severe skin irritation," Geiga added.
It's a message that was backed up by Ant Robinson, perfume expert at HalfPricePerfumes.
"Real perfumes often contain preservatives - chemicals that prevent bacteria from growing - but fake products are much less likely to include them. Even worse, they are often produced in unsanitary conditions, which can lead to bacterial contamination," Robinson said. | BGNES
