A perfume allergic reaction occurs when your body mistakes a particular substance – an irritant – for a dangerous virus or bacteria, resulting in your immune system reacting with symptoms like a runny nose, itchiness, or a rash. An allergic reaction can be triggered simply by coming into contact with a perfume liquid or substance, getting sprayed, or even breathing it in.
Common perfume ingredients that cause reactions include citronella, oak moss, rose, honey, Peru balsam, as well as essential oils or synthetic ingredients like acetone and linalool. You may also encounter these substances in various moisturizers, soaps, deodorants, and aftershave.