Perfume has long been associated with luxury, beauty, and self-expression. But for those of us with autoimmune conditions or sensitivities, that spritz of scent can come with hidden downsides—especially when alcohol is involved.
While alcohol (usually ethanol) isn’t an endocrine disruptor like PFAS or phthalates, it can still affect the body in ways that matter if you live with allergies, asthma, or an autoimmune condition.
Potential Downsides to Alcohol based Perfume:
1. Respiratory & Immune Irritation
Alcohol is highly volatile—it evaporates quickly, carrying fragrance molecules into the air. That’s why alcohol-based perfumes “project” strongly. But this also means your respiratory system takes in a concentrated burst of both ethanol and fragrance compounds.
For people with asthma, chemical sensitivities, or autoimmune conditions, this can lead to coughing, headaches, dizziness, or an overactive immune response.
2. Skin Barrier Disruption
Alcohol is drying. On skin, it can strip away natural oils and disrupt the protective lipid barrier. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or autoimmune-linked skin sensitivities, alcohol may worsen irritation or inflammation!
3. Enhanced Absorption of Hidden Irritants
Alcohol itself isn’t the biggest concern—it’s what it carries. In conventional perfumes, ethanol acts as a solvent and enhancer for synthetic fragrance chemicals, phthalates, and allergens. It helps them penetrate the skin and diffuse into the air, making them more bioavailable (bioavailability just means the degree and rate at which a substance—like a drug, vitamin, or nutrient—or in this case, a toxin, is absorbed). For sensitive bodies, that’s an extra load to process.
4. Histamine Reactions
Some people with autoimmune conditions also deal with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Alcohol can worsen histamine-related symptoms like flushing, headaches, or congestion, even at small topical exposures.
5. Stronger Sensory Load
Because alcohol makes perfume “louder,” it can feel overwhelming compared to oil-based scents, which stay closer to the skin. For those prone to sensory overload, an oil perfume offers a gentler, more grounding experience.
Why Aurori Chooses Jojoba Oil
At Aurori, we craft perfumes with jojoba oil, not alcohol. Here’s why:
- Jojoba mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it moisturizing and barrier-friendly.
- It allows perfume to linger in a soft, intimate way—without volatility.
- It avoids dryness, irritation, and excess diffusion.
- Most importantly, it creates a perfume that is safer, gentler, and more aligned with autoimmune-friendly living.
My Final Thoughts
Perfume should be a joy, not a risk. For many people, alcohol-based fragrances are just fine. But for those of us managing autoimmune conditions or sensitivities, choosing oil-based perfumes can mean enjoying scent without compromising our health.
That’s the vision behind Aurori—luxury that honors both beauty and health.
Written By: Nancy Wilson
Aurori Founder • Hashimoto’s Warrior • Perfume Atelier