Anisha Riggs
Fragrance is commonly added to beauty products to enhance the user's experience or to mask the smell of other ingredients. However, this addition is often done at the expense of skin health, especially for those with skin sensitivities.
According to dermatologists, fragrance may not be the direct cause of acne, but it can make it worse. Fragrances can cause skin irritation and inflammation, which can trigger breakouts and make acne harder to manage.
People with sensitive skin or a history of breakouts are more likely to experience negative reactions to fragranced products. It is recommended to test new skincare products on a small patch of skin before applying them more liberally to ensure they do not cause adverse reactions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for adding fragrance to beauty products | To enhance a user’s experience by creating an alluring scent or to mask the smell of other ingredients |
| Harmful effects of fragrance | Skin irritation, contact dermatitis, heightened sun sensitivity, acne, stripping the skin of its natural fatty barrier, etc. |
| Fragrance ingredients that may clog pores | Citronellol, cinnamal, geraniol, eugenol, lavandula angustifolia, and rose flower extract |
What You'll Learn
Fragrance allergy and contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a type of immune response that occurs in two phases: induction (sensitisation) and elicitation. During the induction phase, an individual's initial contact with an allergen triggers a series of reactions, culminating in sensitisation. This phase typically lasts around 10 days to several weeks. The elicitation phase occurs upon re-exposure to the allergen, resulting in clinical symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, such as inflammatory skin reactions, itching, swelling, redness, peeling, and breakouts.
Fragrances are often a source of sensitisation due to their volatile chemical composition, which includes synthetic compounds of plant or animal origin. The complex mixture of fragrance ingredients makes it challenging for consumers to identify specific allergens, especially when products do not disclose their complete formulation. This complexity is further compounded by the use of "masking fragrances" in products labelled as "unscented" or "fragrance-free," which can still contain allergens.
The prevalence of fragrance contact allergies varies across regions, with central European departments reporting higher rates than Southern European countries. Overall, fragrance contact allergies affect 1-3% of the general population and about 16% of patients tested for suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
To diagnose fragrance allergy and contact dermatitis, dermatologists employ patch testing, which involves applying small doses of potential allergens to the skin for a short period. This method helps identify specific allergens and guide allergen avoidance strategies.
The impact of fragrance contact allergies on quality of life can be significant, affecting fitness for work and daily activities. Primary prevention aims to limit or eliminate exposure to allergens in the general population, while secondary prevention focuses on avoiding re-exposure to specific sensitisers in clinically diagnosed individuals.
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Fragrance in skincare products
While the addition of fragrance to skincare products is intended to enhance the user's experience by creating an alluring scent or masking the smell of other ingredients, it can often do more harm than good. Fragrance allergy, usually in the form of contact dermatitis, is the most common cause of skin irritation from cosmetics.
The Problem with Fragrance in Skincare Products
The word "fragrance" on an ingredient list can mean a mix of dozens of chemicals, any of which can be irritating to acne-prone skin. Synthetic fragrances are a major source of skin allergies and can cause inflammation and irritation, making treating acne even more difficult.
People with sensitive skin or a history of breakouts should be especially cautious when trying new skincare products. It is recommended to test any new skincare product on a small area of the skin that is not often exposed, such as the inside of the wrist, and wait 24 hours to see if there is any reaction.
Fragrance-Free Alternatives
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, it is best to opt for fragrance-free skincare products. However, it is important to note that claims on packaging such as "fragrance-free", "unscented", or "hypoallergenic" are largely unregulated, and companies are not required to specify which fragrance additives are present in their products.
To truly confirm the absence of fragrance, it is necessary to check the ingredient label. Resources like the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) SkinDeep Cosmetic Database can be helpful in identifying fragrance-free products.
Tips for Using Fragranced Products
If you choose to use fragranced skincare products, be mindful of the risk of skin irritation and allergies. Avoid applying fragrance directly to the neck and chest, and instead, apply it to the wrists, hair, and the back of the arms.
Additionally, be cautious when trying natural products, as they often contain essential oils or other potentially irritating ingredients for the purpose of adding scent.
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Fragrance-free products
Some people may be sensitive to synthetic fragrances, while others may prefer fragrance-free products due to personal preference. It is important to note that products labeled "Fragrance Free" may still have a scent from natural essential oils and other plant-based organic ingredients, but they do not contain irritating chemical or artificial fragrances.
When choosing fragrance-free products, look for labels that specifically state "fragrance-free" and ensure they do not contain any masking agents or added scent ingredients. Credo Beauty, for example, offers a range of fragrance-free skincare, hair care, and makeup products that meet their Credo Clean Standard™ and are formulated to minimize irritation.
Nurture My Body is another brand that offers a wide range of fragrance-free options, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and acne-clarifying serum. Their products are handmade in the USA in small batches and are free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.
If you are experiencing acne or other skin issues, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the best course of action and products for your specific needs.
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Essential oils and natural fragrance
While synthetic fragrances are a common cause of skin irritation and acne, natural fragrances and essential oils can be a great alternative for those with acne-prone skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that can help address the root causes of acne. However, it is important to use them with caution as they are potent substances that can cause irritation if not properly diluted.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a popular choice for natural acne treatments due to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in fighting acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. One study found that a 5% tea tree oil gel significantly reduced acne lesions in participants. When using tea tree oil, it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, before applying it to the skin.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is another well-researched essential oil that is effective in treating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. It has calming properties and can help reduce inflammation and redness, providing relief to those battling acne. Lavender oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, making it a gentle option for acne-prone skin. To use lavender oil, add a few drops to your favourite unscented moisturiser or cleanser.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is often overlooked but it is a valuable addition to your skincare routine. It has notable antiseptic qualities and is rich in rosmarinic acid, making it a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Rosemary oil can penetrate deep into the pores, effectively unclogging them by removing excess sebum, dirt, and debris, thus reducing the risk of acne breakouts.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage oil is a lesser-known but potent acne fighter. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory benefits and can help calm irritation and reduce swelling associated with acne. Clary sage can also help balance sebum production, preventing pore blockages that often lead to breakouts, making it well-suited for oily or combination skin types. To use clary sage oil, dilute a few drops with a carrier oil and gently apply the mixture to affected areas.
Other Essential Oils for Acne
Other essential oils that have been found to be effective in treating acne include oregano oil, thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, and bergamot oil. These oils have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that can help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. It is important to remember that essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin to avoid irritation.
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Patch testing for fragrance sensitivity
Fragrances in skincare products are a known irritant and can cause acne, rashes, and other skin issues. While fragrances may not be the direct cause of acne, they can make it worse and trigger breakouts by clogging pores and causing inflammation.
If you suspect that fragrances are causing skin issues, it is important to consult a dermatologist or allergist, who can conduct a patch test to determine sensitivity or allergy to specific fragrances. Patch testing involves placing a set of likely allergens on the skin for a couple of days, followed by an examination to identify any skin reactions.
A study by G Katsarma and D J Gawkrodger evaluated the efficacy of fragrance mix (FM) as a screen for fragrance allergy. The study found that patch testing to an extended series of fragrances is necessary if a perfume allergy is suspected, as about 7% of patients allergic to fragrances will be missed otherwise.
Another study by P J Frosch et al. tested the frequency of reactivity to commonly used fragrances in dermatological patients. The study found that oak moss, isoeugenol, eugenol, cinnamic aldehyde, and geraniol were the fragrances that caused the most frequent allergic reactions.
It is important to note that fragrances can be found in a wide range of products, from skincare and hair care to air fresheners and scented candles. If you are sensitive to fragrances, it may be necessary to avoid scented products altogether and opt for fragrance-free alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance in products can clog pores, especially those created with synthetic ingredients, and cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and heightened sun sensitivity.
Moisturisers, hand sanitisers, deodorants, facial creams, soaps, aftershaves, shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, body washes, and perfumes.
Symptoms of sensitivity to fragrance include rashes, redness, itchiness, burning sensations, blistering on the skin, sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, headaches, and breathing difficulties.
Check the ingredient label for terms such as "fragrance-free", "unscented", or "hypoallergenic". However, these terms are unregulated, so it is important to also look out for specific fragrance ingredients, such as parfum, perfume, aroma, linalool, citronellol, cinnamal, limonene, geraniol, eugenol, lavandula angustifolia, and rose flower extract.
