Doctors Weigh In on Safety of Spraying Perfume on Neck

Experts explain whether concerns about thyroid risks from neck sprays are valid.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Doctors are addressing concerns that spraying perfume on the neck could affect thyroid function. While some fragrance ingredients are endocrine disruptors, experts say the amount absorbed through the skin is unlikely to impact the thyroid gland. They recommend limiting exposure to certain chemicals when possible, but note that perfume on the neck is no more risky than applying it elsewhere on the body.

Why it matters

The idea that perfume on the neck could disrupt thyroid hormones has gained traction on social media, leading some people to worry about their morning routine. Understanding the science behind this claim can help people make informed decisions about fragrance use.

The details

Endocrine disruptors in fragrances may affect hormones like estrogen and thyroid hormones, but experts say the amount absorbed through the skin from neck sprays is unlikely to reach the thyroid gland. Most of the fragrance components will be absorbed into the bloodstream before reaching the thyroid. While some fragrance ingredients are concerning, the overall impact on thyroid function is still unknown.

  • The article was published on March 1, 2026.

The players

Elizabeth Pearce, MD

An endocrinologist at Boston Medical Center.

Kathleen Wyne, MD, PhD

An endocrinologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Florence Comite, MD

An endocrinologist based in New York City and the author of the forthcoming book.

Daniel Croft, MD, MPH

A pulmonologist at the University of Rochester Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“Some fragrances may have thyroid-disrupting properties, but this would have nothing to do with direct absorption from spraying on the neck.”

— Elizabeth Pearce, MD, Endocrinologist

“Whether the amount of absorption you get from spraying on a perfume would be enough to alter thyroid status, even if you were doing it on a routine basis, we don't know.”

— Elizabeth Pearce, MD, Endocrinologist

“Due to the risk of perfumes exacerbating asthma, we recommend that patients with asthma avoid perfumes.”

— Daniel Croft, MD, MPH, Pulmonologist

The takeaway

While it's wise to limit exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products when possible, spraying perfume on the neck is unlikely to directly impact thyroid health. Maintaining overall thyroid health through a balanced diet, iodine intake, and monitoring symptoms is more important than worrying about neck sprays.