Overview
- Mexico City’s health secretariat issued an advisory on Feb. 4–5 cautioning that applying perfume to the neck can pose health risks.
- Officials note the neck’s thin, highly vascular skin sits over the thyroid, enabling faster uptake of fragrance chemicals.
- The alert highlights phthalates in some perfumes as potential endocrine disruptors when exposure is chronic.
- Dermatologists warn of irritation, allergic reactions and photosensitivity on the neck that can lead to persistent dark spots.
- Authorities recommend applying fragrance to wrists or clothing to reduce direct skin exposure, emphasizing guidance over bans.