Is it safe for older adults to use scented personal care products daily?
Use caution. Fewer scented products can lower phthalate and phenol exposure.
Short answer
Using one scented product is not the issue. Using many scented products every day can add up. A simpler routine is a good move, especially for older adults who want fewer hormone-active chemicals on skin.
What is in it
Fragrance can hide phthalates such as diethyl phthalate. Some personal care products also use parabens, phenols, or UV filters. These can show up in urine after use.
What the research says
A 2013 Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology study found perfume and fragranced personal care product use was linked with higher urinary monoethyl phthalate, a marker of diethyl phthalate exposure.
A 2026 Environmental Pollution study measured environmental phenols in adults age 45 and older. Higher phenol mixtures were linked with higher cognitive impairment risk. This study does not prove scented lotion causes memory loss. It does support lowering avoidable phenol and phthalate exposure.
What to do
Keep the routine simple. Choose fewer products. Skip perfume when you do not need it. Pick plain soap or shampoo first, then add only the products your skin actually needs. Read the label for fragrance, parabens, triclosan, and benzophenone-3.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Women's exposure to phthalates in relation to use of personal care products. | J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol | 2013 |
| Associations of Environmental Phenols Exposure with Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Nested Case-Control Study. | Environ Pollut | 2026 |
What to use instead
Shop shampoo bars for a simpler daily routine, and check each label before buying.
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