Fragranced Soaps: Skin Friend Or Foe?

Are soaps with fragrance bad for your skin? The short answer is no, but it's not quite that simple. While some fragrances are made from natural ingredients, others are compounded using synthetic aromatic compounds. These synthetic fragrances can contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation and even respiratory problems.

The FDA does not require companies to disclose the ingredients used to make the fragrance in their products, so it can be hard to know exactly what you're putting on your skin. However, some companies choose to voluntarily disclose their ingredients, so it's important to read the labels carefully.

If you have sensitive skin or are prone to skin conditions such as eczema, it's best to opt for fragrance-free or natural soaps to avoid potential irritation.

Fragrance in skincare products can cause skin irritation and allergies

While fragrance in skincare products can be derived from natural ingredients, it can still cause skin irritation and allergies. Fragrance is commonly added to skincare products to enhance the user's experience, but this is often done at the expense of skin health, particularly for those with skin sensitivities.

Fragrance allergy is a common cause of skin irritation and usually presents as contact dermatitis. This can cause rashes, redness, itchiness, burning sensations, or blistering on the skin. Fragrances can also cause heightened sun sensitivity, which triggers allergy-like symptoms when exposed to the sun.

People with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, or rosacea, may experience a worsening of their condition due to fragrances. Fragrances are also known triggers for migraines and respiratory, neurological, and immune system problems.

The term "fragrance" on ingredient lists can encompass a mix of around 3000 chemicals, including those known to irritate the skin and cause rashes. The specific chemicals used in fragrances are often not disclosed, as companies are not required to do so by the FDA, allowing them to preserve their "trade secrets."

To avoid potential skin irritation and allergies, consumers can opt for fragrance-free, natural, or organic skincare products with short ingredient lists.

Fragrance chemicals can be toxic and cause adverse health effects

A 2018 study by Women's Voices for the Earth found that of the 3,000 chemicals used for fragrances, 1,242 were chemicals of concern, including at least seven possible carcinogens. A similar report by the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners found that fragrance chemicals made up the vast majority of chemicals linked to adverse chronic health effects in beauty, personal care, and cleaning products.

Fragrance chemicals can cause a range of health issues, including disrupting the hormone system, harming the reproductive system, and causing allergic reactions in both children and adults. They can also lead to respiratory, neurological, and immune system problems.

Some specific fragrance chemicals and their known adverse effects include:

• Acetaldehyde: adversely affects the kidneys, reproductive system, nervous system, and respiratory system.
• Benzophenone: linked to endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity, and may lead to tumors.
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA): can disrupt endocrine functioning.
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): irritates the eyes and skin and may affect growth rate and liver function.
• Benzyl Salicylate: a fragrance allergen and potential endocrine disruptor.
• Benzyl Benzoate: can irritate and burn the skin, scalp, and genitalia.
• Butoxyethanol: can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and lead to long-term damage to the kidneys, liver, nervous system, and blood cells.
• Butylphenyl methylpropional: restricted in the European Union due to its potential for dermal sensitization.
• Diethyl phthalate (DEP): an irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and a potential endocrine disruptor linked to reproductive and nervous system toxicity.

The list of fragrance chemicals and their potential adverse health effects is extensive, and it is important for consumers to be aware of the possible risks associated with exposure to these chemicals.

Fragrances can trigger migraines and respiratory problems

While fragrances in soaps can be derived from natural ingredients, they can still trigger migraines and respiratory problems in some individuals.

According to a report, 34.7% of people exposed to fragranced products suffered from health issues, including migraines, headaches, and respiratory problems. Fragrances are the second most common cause of migraines, after stressful events.

The strong scents in perfumes can cause the blood vessels in the brain to expand and contract, resulting in headaches or migraines. These scents can stimulate parts of the brain and the nervous system that trigger headaches. The olfactory chemical irritants are transferred by the sensory nerves and can harm the trigeminovascular system, which is responsible for causing headaches.

Perfumes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as limonene, beta-pinene, and ethanol, which are known to trigger headaches. These compounds can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact directly with receptors in the central nervous system.

In addition to migraines, fragrances can also cause respiratory problems. Fragrance allergy is the leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis in the US, and contact dermatitis accounts for about 5.7 million physician visits annually.

The link between fragrances and adverse health effects is concerning, and it highlights the importance of choosing natural, non-toxic products that are safe for all skin types.

Fragrance-free products are a good alternative for sensitive skin

While fragrances in skincare products are not inherently bad for your skin, they can cause adverse reactions for some people. Fragrances are a common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis, a red, itchy rash. They can also cause respiratory, neurological, and immune system problems, as well as trigger migraines.

For this reason, fragrance-free products are a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Even natural fragrances derived from essential oils can cause contact dermatitis, so it's important to be cautious when choosing skincare products.

It's worth noting that "fragrance-free" does not necessarily mean a product will be completely odourless. Some products labelled as "fragrance-free" may still contain "masking fragrances" to hide offensive odours from other ingredients. However, choosing fragrance-free products can help those with sensitive skin avoid potential allergens and irritants.

Some fragrance-free skincare products recommended by dermatologists include:

• Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Dove Soothing Relief Body Wash
• SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
• Covey Sun & Done Moisturizing SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
• Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water
• Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
• Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
• Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Moisturizer
• Fenty Beauty Fat Water Fragrance-Free Pore-Refining Toner Serum
• Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer
• Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water
• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
• Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Paula's Choice The UnScrub Gentle Cleansing Scrub
• Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash

Natural fragrances, such as essential oils, are safer options

While synthetic fragrances can be harmful to the skin, natural fragrances, such as essential oils, are safer options. Essential oils are plant extracts made from flowers, leaves, seeds, barks, roots, and rinds. They are highly concentrated aromatic compounds that are often steam-distilled to obtain the highest levels of purity.

When it comes to skincare, essential oils offer various benefits. For instance, lavender oil is a multipurpose oil that can help balance moisture levels in the skin, reduce redness, and repair dry skin. Similarly, chamomile oil, which contains azulene, can increase moisture and reduce inflammation. However, those with ragweed allergies may want to avoid chamomile as it may be a trigger. Sandalwood is another excellent option for reducing inflammation and promoting skin moisture.

For oily skin, clary sage is a popular choice as it contains active compounds like linalyl acetate and geranyl, which help control excess sebum. It also helps control acne and reduce wrinkles. Rosemary oil is another effective option for oily skin due to its anti-inflammatory, stimulating, and analgesic properties. Its key ingredients, such as esters, are known to keep excess sebum at bay.

Essential oils are also beneficial for sensitive skin. Oils like lavender, chamomile, and rosewater are known to have calming and soothing effects, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. However, it is important to note that natural substances can still cause irritation, allergic reactions, or toxic effects, so it is always advisable to test a small amount on the skin first.

When using essential oils, it is crucial to dilute them with carrier oils, such as almond or olive oil, before applying them to the skin. This ensures that the concentration is safe and reduces the risk of irritation. Additionally, it is important to store essential oils safely, especially if there are young children in the home, as they can be dangerous if ingested in their concentrated form.

In summary, while synthetic fragrances may pose health risks, natural fragrances like essential oils offer a safer alternative with numerous benefits for the skin and overall well-being.

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