Moisturizers With Fragrance: Good Or Bad For Your Skin?

There is a lot of debate surrounding the use of fragrances in skincare products, with some people believing that they are unnecessary and can cause skin irritation, while others enjoy the sensory experience that scented products offer. While some people may be able to use fragranced products with no issues, for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, fragrances can be an irritant and lead to redness, itching, and even hives. Fragrances are often composed of several isolated compounds with an aroma, such as terpenes, which are usually sourced from plants. These compounds can cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin, and can also lead to non-eczematous contact reactions, irritation, and photosensitivity. However, it's important to note that fragrance sensitivity is relatively rare, and not everyone will experience negative effects from using fragranced products. Ultimately, the decision to use fragranced or fragrance-free products comes down to personal preference and skin type.

Natural vs synthetic fragrances: which is worse for your skin?

Natural fragrances are derived from natural sources such as trees, flowers, and other plants. Essential oils, oleoresins, distillates, and isolates are examples of natural fragrance sources. On the other hand, synthetic fragrances are man-made and created in laboratories. While some synthetic fragrances contain natural plant-based extracts, they are often paired with chemicals.

The Pros and Cons of Natural Fragrances

Natural fragrances are generally considered safer than synthetic fragrances as they typically do not release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that negatively affect health and the environment. However, some people may be allergic to certain natural ingredients, and natural fragrances can cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes.

The Pros and Cons of Synthetic Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are more stable and cost-effective than natural fragrances, making them a popular choice for manufacturers. However, synthetic fragrances have been associated with potential health risks. Some synthetic fragrances found in household products release VOCs, which can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, and headaches in sensitive individuals. Long-term exposure to VOCs may increase the risk of liver, kidney, nervous system problems, and certain types of cancer.

So, Which is Worse for Your Skin?

The short answer is that it depends. While natural fragrances are generally considered safer, they can still cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, are more stable and cost-effective, but they have been linked to potential health risks due to the release of VOCs.

It's important to note that not all synthetic fragrances are harmful, and some people may find that natural fragrances irritate their skin more than synthetic ones. The best way to determine which type of fragrance is suitable for your skin is to patch test products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or allergies.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that fragrance sensitivity can develop over time, and using heavily fragranced products can increase the quantity of exposure, potentially leading to irritation. Therefore, it's generally recommended to use fragranced skincare products in reasonable amounts and opt for fragrance-free or unscented products if you have sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions.

How to determine if you're sensitive to fragrance

It's important to note that fragrance sensitivity is not the same as a fragrance allergy. A true allergy involves an immune response, whereas sensitivity suggests that some component of the fragrance is irritating to your airways and eyes. That being said, fragrance sensitivity can sometimes trigger an allergic response.

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• A ticklish feeling in your nose
• A raw or burning sensation in the nasal passages
• Watery eyes
• Redness
• Irritation
• A prickly rash
• Nausea
• Dizziness

These symptoms generally develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can last from a few minutes to several hours. They tend to be worse the longer the exposure or the stronger the scent.

If you think you might be sensitive to fragrance, the best way to find out is to get an allergy test performed by an allergist. After using a fragranced product, most people notice that their skin shows signs of inflammation, which can range from mild itching and redness to more severe symptoms like stinging, pain, or a raised rash.

Another way to test for sensitivity is to do a patch test on clean skin on your forearm or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours, and if there is no redness or irritation, you are likely safe to use the product.

What to do if you're sensitive to fragrance

If you are sensitive to fragrance, the best way to manage it is to avoid offending fragrances. This can be done by buying unscented soaps and lotions, using air purifiers with HEPA filters, and asking friends, family, and colleagues to refrain from wearing strong fragrances around you.

If you can't avoid exposure, over-the-counter medications can help treat the symptoms, including pain relievers and nasal decongestants.

How common is it to have an allergy or sensitivity to fragrance?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, only about 1% of the population has a true fragrance allergy. However, a larger proportion of people have a sensitivity to fragrance, which is different from an allergy. While an allergy involves an immune response, sensitivity means that some component of the fragrance is irritating to your airways and eyes.

A 2009 survey on fragrance sensitivity found that up to about 30% of the population of the United States had irritation from a perfume. As many as 19% of participants in the survey had actual health effects from fragrances. Another source estimates that up to 4.5% of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials.

It is worth noting that fragrance sensitivity or allergy can develop over time. So, a product that does not cause any issues initially could become a problem if an allergy develops over time.

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity or allergy

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity generally develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can last from a few minutes to several hours. They include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• A ticklish feeling in the nose
• A raw or burning sensation in the nasal passages
• Watery eyes
• Redness
• Tingling
• Burning
• Itching

In more severe cases, symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Skin redness
• Irritation
• A prickly rash
• Swelling in the mouth, lips or tongue
• Anaphylaxis

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to manage fragrance sensitivity or allergy is to avoid offending fragrances. This can be done by purchasing unscented products and asking friends, family members and colleagues to refrain from wearing fragrances around you.

Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and nasal decongestants can also be used to treat the symptoms of fragrance sensitivity or allergy. For those with a fragrance allergy, treatments include antihistamines, topical steroid creams and prescription-strength steroids.

Why is fragrance sensitivity on the rise?

According to Martin A. Smith, MD, a double-board-certified allergist and immunologist, fragrance is the main culprit responsible for the surge in skin allergies and sensitive skin. "At a time when more than 70 percent of U.S. consumers report having sensitive skin, which keeps increasing, it is no surprise that fragrance receives unwanted attention. If I ask patients with eczema, sensitive skin, or psoriasis to avoid one ingredient, it's always fragrance."

Up to 4.5 percent of the general adult population may be allergic to fragrance materials, and about 7 percent of the population has skin sensitivities and allergies. However, fragrance sensitivity is not always a true allergy. Fragrance sensitivity can be defined as an irritation or an allergic reaction to some chemical or combination of chemicals in a product.

Causes of Fragrance Sensitivity

The most common substances that induce fragrance sensitivity include α-pinene (APN), limonene (LIM), linalool (LIL), and eugenol (EUG). These can be found in perfumes and colognes, detergents or fabric softeners, incense, and cigarettes.

Symptoms of Fragrance Sensitivity

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include headaches, nausea, and a skin allergy like contact dermatitis, which causes redness, itching, and burning. Watery, itchy, burning, and red eyes; sneezing; a runny nose; and congestion are also common. In some cases, individuals experience breathing difficulties, such as wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, or worsening of asthma symptoms.

Treatment and Prevention of Fragrance Sensitivity

Avoiding offending fragrances is generally the best way to manage fragrance sensitivity. This can be done by buying unscented soaps and lotions, decorating with fake flowers instead of real ones, or banning cigarettes indoors. It may also be helpful to speak up and politely inform friends, family members, and work colleagues about your sensitivities.

What are the best fragrance-free skincare products?

The addition of fragrance to skincare products is a highly debated topic. While some people enjoy the sensory experience of using fragranced products, others believe that fragrance is an unnecessary additive that may cause skin irritation.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Josh Zeichner, about 7% of the population has skin sensitivities and allergies. For this group of people, dermatologists recommend fragrance-free products. However, Dr. Zeichner also notes that fragrance does not always negatively impact the skin, and many people can use fragranced products in their regular beauty routines without issue.

If you are someone who experiences skin irritation or inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, fragrance-free skincare products are likely a better option for you. Fragrances are a common cause of skin allergies and sensitivity, and they can lead to allergic reactions, irritation, and photosensitivity.

• Nurture My Body offers a wide range of fragrance-free skincare and hair care products, including shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, and body lotion.
• Pai Skincare has a selection of fragrance-free moisturizers, face oils, serums, and masks that are suitable for sensitive skin.
• Dermstore carries a curated collection of fragrance-free skincare, bath, body, and hair care products from professional brands like Avene, EltaMD, Paula's Choice, and Glytone.
• First Aid Beauty, a popular skincare brand, is known for its fragrance-free formulas.

Remember, while fragrance-free products may be ideal for those with sensitive skin, not everyone will react negatively to fragranced skincare. The decision to use fragrance-free products is a personal one and should be based on your individual skin's needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions