As someone who has spent her entire career in the Fragrance Industry, a question I frequently hear is “why do I get headaches and allergies from many fragrances these days”?

That’s definitely a trend I’ve noticed too. More people seem to be experiencing fragrance-related headaches and sensitivities, possibly due to the increased use of synthetic ingredients and constant exposure in daily products.

I have been in the Fragrance Industry for the past 45 years (yikes!) starting my career at Elizabeth Arden in Training, Product Development & Marketing; then to Lancôme as Marketing Director for Fragrance and Men’s Skincare; and then was hired to be Vice President Fragrance at TIFFANY &CO.  I LOVE fragrance and have just celebrated 33 years in my own business.  I have always believed in creating QUALITY perfumes and so it saddens me that so many people are suffering from this situation.

Has the reader personally had any reactions to sensitivity?

Fragrance sensitivity, including headaches and allergies triggered by scented products, is a growing concern. Here are some statistics:

• About 30.5% of the U.S. population (over 1 in 4 people) report experiencing health issues from exposure to fragranced products, according to research by Dr. Anne Steinemann, a leading expert on fragrance sensitivity.
• 19% report headaches and migraines as a result of exposure.
• 8-10% of the population is estimated to have moderate to severe chemical sensitivity, often linked to fragrance intolerance.
• Among people with asthma, 64% report fragrance as a trigger for their symptoms.
• Workplace exposure is also significant: 20% of people say they leave a place early or avoid public spaces due to scented products.

This trend aligns with what I’ve noticed—more people seem to be complaining about fragrance-related headaches over the past seven years.

The rise in complaints about fragrances causing headaches and allergies could be due to several factors:

1. Increased Use of Synthetics & Chemical Complexity

Modern perfumes contain more synthetic aroma chemicals, preservatives, and fixatives than ever before. Some of these, like certain phthalates, synthetic musks, and aldehydes, can trigger headaches and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

2. Fragrance Overload in Everyday Life

Fragrances are now in everything—not just perfumes but also lotions, shampoos, household cleaners, detergents, candles, and air fresheners. This constant exposure can lead to sensory overload and increased sensitivity over time.

3. Poorer Air Quality & Environmental Changes

Pollution and indoor air quality may amplify fragrance sensitivities. When volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fragrances mix with pollutants, they can create irritants that trigger headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues.

4. Increased Awareness & Changing Consumer Preferences

More people are paying attention to how fragrances affect their well-being. With growing conversations about clean beauty and non-toxic living, consumers are more vocal about their reactions to strong or synthetic scents.

5. Oxidation & Aging of Fragrance Ingredients

Even natural essential oils and fragrance compounds oxidize over time, becoming more prone to causing allergic reactions and headaches. This could explain why some scents that were once tolerable now seem more irritating.

6. Heightened Sensitivities Due to Lifestyle & Health Factors

1. Increased stress levels can make people more prone to fragrance-induced migraines.
2. Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, thyroid imbalances) can affect scent tolerance.
3. Long-term exposure can cause a buildup effect, leading to newly developed sensitivities.

People ask me if there are specific types of fragrances which cause more complaints?

Reactions to fragrances vary depending on the type of product, but research and consumer reports suggest that personal care products and perfumes are the most common triggers, followed by home scents. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Personal Care Products (Most Reported Reactions)

• Lotions, deodorants, shampoos, and body sprays tend to cause the most complaints because they are applied directly to the skin and worn throughout the day.
• Scented laundry products (detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets) are also major culprits, as they linger on clothing and bedding.
• Many people react not just to the fragrance but also to hidden chemicals like phthalates and preservatives.

2. Perfumes and Colognes

• Fragrances worn by others often trigger headaches, respiratory issues, and allergies in public spaces.
• Some people develop instant reactions when exposed to strong perfumes, especially in enclosed spaces like offices, airplanes, and public transportation.

3. Home Fragrances (Candles, Air Fresheners, Plug-Ins)

• Synthetic air fresheners and plug-in diffusers are frequently reported as problematic. Studies show they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can trigger headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation.
• Scented candles can also be a concern, especially if they contain paraffin wax, which emits pollutants when burned. However, natural alternatives like soy or beeswax with essential oils may be less irritating for sensitive individuals.

Emerging Trends

• Many consumers are actively seeking fragrance-free or naturally scented alternatives, especially for skincare and household products.
• Companies are now marketing hypoallergenic or “clean” fragrances, though these can still contain potential irritants.

There are several key reasons why many iconic fragrances and others, have been discontinued:

1. Changing Consumer Preferences

• Consumers are shifting towards lighter, fresher, and more natural scents. Heavy florals, aldehydes, and musky scents that were popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s are less in demand.
• The rise of clean beauty and hypoallergenic fragrances has also led brands to reformulate or discontinue certain perfumes that contain potential allergens.

2. Ingredient Regulations & Reformulations

• IFRA (International Fragrance Association) and other regulatory bodies have placed restrictions on certain ingredients due to potential allergens or environmental concerns.
• Oakmoss, certain musks, and specific essential oils have been banned or restricted, leading to reformulations or discontinuations.
• Reformulated versions often fail to capture the original scent’s magic, causing sales to drop.

3. Brand Strategy & Market Demand

• Some fragrances get discontinued due to low sales performance or because they no longer fit the brand’s current image.
• Luxury brands like Tiffany often refresh their fragrance lines to align with modern trends and new marketing campaigns. The original Tiffany perfume (1987) was a classic floral-aldehyde, which I introduced and created as Vice President, was discontinued, which while the newer Tiffany & Co. perfumes (like Tiffany Eau de Parfum 2017) are fresher and more contemporary – yet not necessarily better.

4. Licensing & Ownership Changes

• Fragrance brands frequently change ownership or licensing deals, leading to discontinuations.
• If a brand switches to a new fragrance manufacturer, they may not retain rights to older formulas.

5. Cost of Production vs. Profitability

• Some classic fragrances used high-quality natural ingredients that became too expensive or difficult to source.
• As synthetic alternatives and mass-market trends took over, brands chose to discontinue costly niche scents in favor of high-margin bestsellers.

If iconic fragrances are disappearing, yet people still love them (and many dislike reformulations), here are a few strategic ways to address this:

1. Recreate and Modernize Classics Thoughtfully

• If a fragrance is discontinued, it can be reverse-engineered using scent analysis and ingredient research. This is expensive, but for big companies they can afford it.
• Modern perfumers can reformulate classics while staying as close to the original as regulations allow.
• Use natural or IFRA-approved alternatives to replace banned or restricted ingredients like oakmoss or certain musks.
• Market these as “heritage-inspired” or “modern reimaginings” of beloved scents.

2. Offer Custom Fragrance Duplication

• Many people search for replacements when their signature scent is discontinued.
• We provide a custom scent-matching service, where clients bring their last bottle, and we create a personalized recreation.
• This is an exclusive luxury service, emphasizing personalization and ingredient quality.

3. Capitalize on the Vintage Fragrance Trend

• There’s a growing collector’s market for vintage perfumes. Some discontinued scents sell for hundreds (or thousands) of dollars per bottle.
• Brands can tap into nostalgia by relaunching limited-edition versions of past bestsellers.

4. Create New Fragrances with a Classic Soul

• Instead of outright duplication, design new perfumes that capture the essence of discontinued classics but with a modern twist.
• Use natural materials, sustainable practices, and cleaner formulations to appeal to today’s consumer.
• Storytelling is key: market them as “modern heirlooms” or “the scents of a lost era, reborn.”

We’ve been involved in custom perfumery for the past 15 years and we are frequently asked to recreate or modernize classic scents for clients looking to bring back their signature fragrances. While we state that we can NEVER recreate it 100%, we have been able to recreate several iconic fragrances to between 80%- 95% and the response has been positive and successful.

Sue Phillips

CEO Scenterprises & Sue Phillips Fragrance