The word 'parfum' can include thousands of different chemicals - many of which may be toxic of carcinogenic. Synthetic scents and musks, which are particularly linked to allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities, are typically made up of 95% chemical compounds derived from petroleum.
A loophole in current legislation - designed to protect the commercial secrets of manufacturers can mean that even hormone disrupting phthalates, which may be present in most types of body care preparations, doesn't have to be listed by name.
This is because it is used as part of the fragrance, and are therefore hidden within the all embracing term 'parfum'. Of the thousands of chemicals used in fragrance, only a few have been safety tested.