Oily Skin And Fragrance: A Match Made In Heaven?

Oily skin is a common skin type that can be prone to acne breakouts. While some people may be tempted to use fragrance oils to scent their cosmetics, it is important to consider the safety of these products for skin, especially if you have oily skin that is prone to acne. In this article, we will explore the safety of fragrance oils for skin, including whether they are appropriate for use on oily skin, and provide guidance on how to use them effectively and safely.

Sunscreen for oily skin should not contain fragrance

Sunscreen is an important part of skincare, as it helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. However, for those with oily skin, it is crucial to choose a sunscreen that is fragrance-free.

When selecting a sunscreen for oily skin, it is best to opt for mineral formulas that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients help control oil production and minimise excess shine, which is a common issue with standard broad-spectrum sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens are typically formulated without fragrances, making them ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Fragrances can irritate the skin and lead to acne breakouts, so it is best to avoid them.

Some sunscreens, like the one by Proactiv, are specifically designed to be oil- and fragrance-free, making them perfect for acne-prone skin. Additionally, tinted sunscreens can be a great option for oily skin, as they provide coverage while also protecting the skin from the sun.

While some people may prefer scented sunscreens, it is important to remember that fragrances can be irritating, especially for those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is generally recommended to choose fragrance-free options, particularly if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

When shopping for sunscreen, look for products that are labelled as "fragrance-free" or "unscented". This will ensure that your sunscreen does not contain any added fragrances that could potentially irritate your skin.

Fragrance oils can be used on the skin if diluted

Oily skin does not need fragrance, and in fact, it is recommended that people with oily skin avoid using sunscreens that contain fragrance or oils.

However, fragrance oils can be used on the skin if diluted. Like essential oils, fragrance oils are generally safe for use on the skin if they are diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil. They can also be integrated into other products, such as lotions, soaps, candles, and body scrubs. It is important to note that safety should always be a top priority, and extra caution should be taken if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. If you experience any sort of reaction to the oil or its constituents, you should stop using it immediately and seek medical advice if necessary.

Fragrance oils can be used in candles and soaps

While fragrance oils can be used on the skin, it is important to note that they should be diluted with a carrier oil or integrated into other ingredients. If you are creating scented skin products, it is important to refer to the IFRA certificate of your chosen fragrance oil to determine the appropriate amount to include.

However, if you are looking for an alternative use for fragrance oils, they can be used in candles and soaps. Fine fragrances, in particular, can produce a powerful scent throw that can last beyond the average perfume oil. This makes them a great option for adding a unique and long-lasting scent to your candles and soaps.

When using fragrance oils in candles, it is important to consider the type of wax you are using. Some fragrance oils may not be compatible with certain types of wax, so it is important to do your research beforehand. Additionally, the amount of fragrance oil added to the wax can affect the scent throw, so it is important to use the correct ratio.

Similarly, when using fragrance oils in soaps, it is important to consider the other ingredients and their ratios. Fragrance oils can be added to melt-and-pour soap bases or cold process soap recipes. However, it is important to note that the saponification process (the chemical reaction that creates soap) can affect the scent of the fragrance oil. Therefore, it is recommended to do a small test batch before making a large quantity to ensure the desired scent is achieved.

Fragrance oils can be used in cosmetics

While fragrance oils can be used on the skin, it is not recommended for those with oily skin to use them in their sunscreen. Fragrance oils can be used in cosmetics, but they must be diluted by a carrier oil or diluted by adding them to bath and body products such as shampoo, bath bombs, or lotion.

Like essential oils, fragrance oils are generally safe for use on the skin if they are properly diluted. This means that your chosen fragrances either need to be combined with a carrier oil or sufficiently integrated into the other ingredients of your product. For example, FCO, jojoba, or rice bran can be used as carrier oils.

There are 26 possible allergenic fragrances that must be declared on the packaging or in the information leaflet if the concentration is higher than 0.01% in shower gels and baths, and higher than 0.001% in body oils, massage oils, and creams. For example, methyl eugenol should not be intentionally added as a cosmetic ingredient. However, when fragrance compounds containing methyl eugenol present naturally in essential oils are used as components in cosmetic products, the highest concentration of methyl eugenol in the finished products must not go beyond 0.01% in fine fragrance, 0.004% in eau de toilette, 0.002% in a fragrance cream, 0.0002% in other leave-on products and in oral hygiene products, and 0.001% in rinse-off products.

Fragrance oils can also be used in candles, soaps, creams, lotions, wax melts, slime, room sprays, and bath salts.

Fragrance oils can cause reactions

Oily skin does not need fragrance. In fact, when choosing a sunscreen, it is recommended to opt for one that does not contain fragrance or oils.

The AAD also states that even if you never have an allergic reaction to any of them, those synthetic fragrance chemicals contain hormone-disrupting phthalates and parabens that can cause long-term health effects and stay in the body long enough to be passed down to the next generation.

According to a report by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), approximately 95% of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrance oils are derived from petroleum. Among those chemicals are aldehydes, benzene derivatives and toluene, which are also found in toilet bowl cleaner, paint thinner, wart remover, and insect repellents.

If you experience sensitivity to synthetic fragrances, it is recommended to avoid products that contain fragrances altogether and opt for fragrance-free and unscented products instead.

Frequently asked questions