Should Children Under the Age of 12 Wear Perfume?

Fragrances are supposed to be fun even for kids under the age of 12. But, when do you draw the line as a parent. Is it age appropriate for your child to wear “Rihanna’s Reb’l Fleur Perfume” or “Don’t Tell Jasmine by Vilhelm Parfumerie?”

Children under the age of 12 should be permitted to have fun with perfumes especially if the parent has control over it. Two or three sprays or spritzes are harmless. Perfumes for kids should be be light , subtle and contain no darker richer notes.

Are there any scientific reasons why parents should be concerned about their child wearing perfume? Is there any empirical evidence to support the concern that perfume might be unsafe for kids? These questions can be unsettling for parents who worry about the safety and wellbeing of their children. Find out more about the potential risks and considerations when it comes to children and perfume in this article.

Related Reading: Why Do Girls Spray Perfume on Their Ankles?

Is It Ok for Kids to Use Perfume?

It is perfectly fine, as long as you choose a fragrance that is age-appropriate and take steps to minimize any potential risks.

Again it is equally important to take safe precautions to ensure that perfume use is safe for your child. This may include choosing simple, light, subtle fragrances and avoiding strong, overwhelming scents.

You may also want to patch test any new fragrances and be mindful of any potential sensitivities or allergies.

Fun Fact: Perfumes do not always have a sexual connotation to them. Mummy or daddy should have absolute control .This is because younger children may be more sensitive to strong fragrances, and heavy perfumes can be overwhelming and even trigger allergic reactions in some cases.

Scented Surprises: Why Giving Your Kid a Perfume Could Be the Perfect Present?

As a parent my self, I was 50/50 on letting my 13 year old daughter wear a perfume but after doing some research I changed my mind.

Here are some reasons on why you should probably gift your kid a fragrance;

1)Self-expression

Gifting your kid a perfume is a fun and creative way to let/her express their own unique personal style and individuality.

Just like choosing their favorite shoes, clothes or accessories, selecting a signature scent can be a meaningful part of their self-expression.

Simultaneously, the process of selecting a perfume with your child can also be an enjoyable bonding experience for both of you.

This will also give you abetter understanding of your child’s likes and dislikes plus provide an opportunity to have an open honest conversation about their individuality.

For instance,, introducing your child to the world of fragrance at a young age can teach them the importance of grooming and personal hygiene, which can be useful skills to carry into adulthood.

All in all: A personal signature scent is more than just a pleasant fragrance; truth is it can be a representation of your child’s personality.

2)Boost Confidence

Does your child have moments of self low -esteem? Low self-esteem is a common issue for many children even 12 year olds, and it can significantly impact their daily lives, including their academic performance , mental health and social interactions.

However, a pleasant fragrance can help boost a child’s confidence and self-assurance.

How does this happen? Wearing a signature scent that he/she loves will provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, making children feel more at ease in unfamiliar situations even among bullies.

Expert Advice: Please note that fragrance should not be used as a substitute for addressing underlying self-esteem issues. Incorporating a pleasant scent into a child’s routine can be a simple yet effective way to boost their confidence and help them feel more comfortable in their own skin.

3)Sensory development

My daughter’s sense of smell was reducing so one day I bought really floral scented cheap perfumes online( lavender, orchids, jasmine, lily of the valley, gardenia , you name it ) lined them up and asked her to smell each scent .

We did this every Sunday for 2 months. After 2 months, she was finally able to identify each smell. So, for children who are sensitive to smells or have difficulty with sensory processing, introducing them to different fragrances can be a valuable tool for helping them build their sensory processing skills and sense of smell.

As children explore and discover different scents, they are not only expanding their sense of smell but also their vocabulary.

Being able to describe and differentiate between different fragrances can be helpful in building communication skills and improving language development.

Moreover, developing a love for fragrance can also be a gateway to other creative pursuits. Children who are naturally drawn to perfume or later on introduced may also be interested in exploring other forms of art, such as music, painting, or writing.

Pro-Tip: learning about scents and the art of perfumery can also be an opportunity for children to learn about different various cultures and traditions from all over the world. Perfumes have been used for centuries in many different cultures, and each one has its own unique history and significance.

• In summary , introducing your child to fragrances is a wonderful way to nurture their creativity, improve sensory processing skills, improve their language development, and give them an opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions.

4)Aromatherapy

Make your kid smell different smells and watch him/her smile . certain scents can have a profound effect on general mood and emotions.

Take for example , lavender and labdanum are both known for its relaxing properties, which are helpful for reducing stress and anxiety. Similarly, citrus scents such as lemon or orange can be energizing and invigorating, helping to inspire motivation.

Overall, this is beneficial for children who struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues.

Expert Advice: Like I said before , fragrances should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health treatment( if your child is suffering from mental health related issues, please see a doctor) However, incorporating aromatherapy into a child’s routine can be a simple yet effective way to promote their mental and emotional wellbeing but it is not a substitute for medication.

5)Celebrating Special Occasions

In the past decades, gifting perfumes was seen as something you would only gift an adult. But, times have changed and the world of perfumes as evolved since then.

MATTER of FACT- There are now children’s perfumes being manufactured that are light , subtle and innocent.

Don’t know what to gift your daughter or teenager on their birthday.? Well, a perfume is one of the gifts to make their day memorable.

This will also make your kid feel more confident and self- assured. It will also boost their confidence in the future especially among friends.

Overall, it is a fun way to create lasting memories for your child.

Does Age Matter in Perfume? At what Age Should Kids Wear Perfume?

Generally, children can start wearing perfume at the age of 12-13 years old . At this age, they may become more self-conscious about their appearance .

Without reservation, parents should ensure that the perfume is light , mild and does not contain any harsh chemicals that could cause itching, skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Please REMEMBER that using a perfume is not a substitute for good hygiene practices. You should always encourage your child to maintain good personal hygiene .

Exploring the Possible Side Effects of Fragrances for Kids

Perfumes are a great way to introduce children to the world of scents, it is important to note that they can also have some potential side effects. Some common side effects of fragrances for kids include;

• Skin Irritation: Some perfumes may contain a variety of chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can cause skin irritation, especially in children with sensitive skin. Symptoms can include itching, redness, rashes, and even blisters. Always look at the label perfume purchase.

• Allergic Reactions: They can also trigger allergies in susceptible children, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. In severe cases, they can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

• Respiratory Issues: For children with asthma, perfume can trigger respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

• Headaches and Dizziness: Overuse of fragrances can lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This can be especially true if a child is sensitive to strong scents or has been exposed to a high concentration of fragrance.

• Behavioral Issues: In some cases, fragrances can cause behavioral issues in children. They can make them feel overstimulated or agitated, leading to difficulty concentrating or even behavioral outbursts. So, it is advised to have full control of your child’s perfume usage.

Parental Advice: To minimize the risk of side effects, parents should choose mild, natural fragrances that are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. They should also teach their children to use fragrances in moderation and avoid overuse. If a child experiences any adverse reactions to fragrances, parents should stop using the fragrance and seek medical attention if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it. There is absolutely no reason as to why your child, niece , nephew or goddaughter should not wear a perfume.

Always go for mild, light and non-darker scents if you want to throw a mini- surprise.

Note that perfume may contains various chemicals that can be harmful to a child’s skin, especially if they have sensitive skin. If you notice any rash, redness or any skin reaction on your child’s skin , stop perfume using immediately .

Lastly and importantly , parents, guardians, or caretakers must always consider the safety and well-being of the child when selecting/buying a perfume for them.

SOURCES

Quora: What age should a little girl be allowed to use perfume? I’m asking because of my little daughter (soon 7 years old) who wants to use a perfume as some of her classmates do.

Reddit: When do you believe is the right age for using perfume?

Yahoo: How Young Is Too Young for a First Perfume?