CLAIM:
Spraying perfume directly on the neck can damage the thyroid gland and negatively affect metabolism because the skin in that area is thin and absorbs chemicals quickly. It also suggests that ingredients in synthetic perfumes, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormones and irritate the skin.
FACT:
Scientific studies show that some chemicals used in perfumes, such as phthalates, may act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. However, no evidence that spraying perfume on the neck directly affects the thyroid because of its proximity. Any potential concern discussed by scientists relates to overall long-term exposure to certain chemicals, not where perfume is applied.
You must be putting your favourite perfume on your neck or collar before stepping out, a quick spray that feels like the finishing touch to getting ready. But a viral claim on social media is now questioning this everyday habit: could spraying perfume directly on the neck harm your thyroid or affect your metabolism?
In a viral Instagram reel posted by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta, who has around 1 million followers, this claim is explored through a conversation between Mehta and a woman.
The reel, which has garnered over 3.23 lakh views, 2,960 likes, and more than 9,300 shares, unfolds as a back-and-forth dialogue between the two.
Mehta begins by warning her against spraying perfume on the neck. “Babe, don’t put perfume on your neck. It will damage your thyroid, metabolism and neck skin,” he says. The woman quickly dismisses the statement, responding, “What nonsense?”
He then explains his reasoning, saying that the skin on the neck is very thin and has a rich blood supply, which could allow alcohol-based perfumes to be absorbed more quickly. When the woman asks if that means the chemicals directly enter the bloodstream, Mehta clarifies that the concern is about faster absorption. He adds that many synthetic perfumes contain ingredients such as phthalates, solvents, and fixatives.
When the woman asks whether this means the thyroid can get damaged, Mehta says that it may not necessarily cause direct damage but claims that some studies classify phthalates as endocrine-active chemicals. The conversation then shifts to skin effects, with the woman mentioning that she sometimes notices a slight dark patch on her neck. Mehta responds that the neck is often an exposed area and suggests that alcohol in perfumes combined with sunlight could irritate the skin.
For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH
The reel concludes with his advice that people should avoid spraying perfume directly on the neck and instead apply it on clothes, wrists, or arms.
What does scientific research say about perfume chemicals and thyroid health?
While the broader discussion around endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products is valid, the claim that spraying perfume on the neck directly harms the thyroid due to its physical proximity is not supported by scientific evidence.
At most, experts discuss potential hormonal effects from long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, not perfume placement on the neck.
Concerns about perfumes affecting the thyroid often stem from broader research on chemicals used in fragranced products, particularly substances classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
A 2022 systematic review examined the presence of potentially harmful compounds in fragrances and their possible health effects. The review noted that certain aromatic compounds with endocrine-disrupting properties can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, potentially influencing hormonal systems, including the thyroid.
However, this research does not support that perfume sprayed on the neck travels directly to the thyroid gland. The research does not state that the thyroid is highly absorbent, that perfume reaches the thyroid faster because it is sprayed near the gland, or that applying perfume on the neck is more harmful than spraying it on the wrist or clothing.
Instead, the review explains that if chemicals are absorbed, they enter systemic circulation, meaning they travel through the bloodstream and may interact with different organs throughout the body rather than moving directly to nearby tissues.
Other research has focused on specific chemicals found in perfumes, particularly phthalates, which are sometimes used as solvents or fragrance stabilisers.
A study analysing 47 branded perfumes investigated the presence of several phthalate esters using headspace solid phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The researchers reported that phthalates were detected in nearly all samples.
The study noted that diethyl phthalate (DEP) was found at the highest levels. The researchers described the findings as noteworthy, stating that “the results of this study are alarming and definitely need to be brought to the attention of the public and health regulators.” At the same time, the paper clarified that diethyl phthalate (DEP) is not currently restricted in the perfume industry because it has not been proven to pose a clear health risk to humans.
The study also pointed out that concerns about phthalates stem from their classification as potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals, with scientists arguing that their widespread presence in everyday products, from cosmetics to food packaging and medications, means people may be exposed to them from multiple sources.
What’s the safest way to apply perfume?
While spraying perfume on the neck is not proven to harm the thyroid, experts suggest avoiding spraying fragrance very close to the face. This is because perfume particles can be inhaled through the nose or mouth and may irritate the lungs or trigger respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Doctors also caution that strong fragrances can worsen asthma or trigger respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals. Because of this risk, people with asthma are often advised to avoid perfumes or use them cautiously. They recommend spraying perfume lightly into the air and walking through the mist rather than applying it directly near the face.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
