For many years, beauty habits have centred on the idea that perfume lasts longer when applied to the pulse points. The neck has often been the most recommended spot, believed to radiate warmth and help a fragrance develop fully. Modern dermatology and fragrance research, however, present a different picture. The skin on the neck is one of the most delicate areas of the body, and regular exposure to concentrated fragrance can have long-term effects that most people are unaware of.
A closer look at the structure of the skin and the chemical nature of perfume shows why the neck is one of the least suitable places for daily application.
1. The Neck Has Fragile Skin
The skin of the neck is thin and sensitive, with fewer oil glands than other parts of the body. This makes it more prone to irritation when it comes into contact with alcohol-based products. Most perfumes contain alcohol as a carrier. When sprayed directly on delicate skin, this can lead to dryness, redness or irritation over time, especially when combined with sun exposure or tight clothing.
2. Fragrance Compounds Can React with Sunlight
Many perfumes contain essential oils or synthetic fragrance compounds that respond poorly to ultraviolet light. When these substances are placed on an exposed area like the neck, sunlight can trigger a reaction known as photosensitivity. This may cause darkening of the skin, uneven tone or premature ageing in the exposed region. Because the neck ages more quickly than other parts of the body, adding perfume to that area increases the risk of long-term damage.
3. The Neck Is Close to the Thyroid Area
The front of the neck sits over the thyroid gland, which plays an important role in hormone balance. Although perfume does not directly harm the gland, placing chemical compounds repeatedly on this area increases the chance of absorption through sensitive skin. Specialists recommend keeping strong fragrance concentrations away from the throat to avoid unnecessary chemical contact with a region already vulnerable to environmental stress.
These concerns do not mean giving up perfume altogether. They simply point to safer alternatives, such as applying scent to clothing, the back of the knees or the wrists. These areas allow the fragrance to develop without placing stress on sensitive skin.
