Fragranced Skin Exfoliators: Irritation Or Sensation?

Skin exfoliators with fragrance can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Fragrance is a common skin irritant and can cause redness and inflammation. Dermatologists recommend avoiding fragrance in skincare products, especially exfoliators, as they can cause skin irritation for some people.

Fragrance is a common skin irritant

Synthetic fragrances are a common skin allergen, and can be found in a wide variety of cosmetics, cleaning supplies, medications, foods, and personal-hygiene products.

If you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid using products with fragrance, including exfoliators. Instead, opt for all-natural products that are free from common skin allergens like essential oils, alcohols, and synthetic fragrances.

If you are new to exfoliating, it is recommended to start with a short-contact exfoliator, such as a cleanser or rinse-off mask, rather than a leave-on face toner or serum. The less time a product spends on your skin, the milder the exfoliating effect will be.

The less time a product spends on your skin, the less irritating it will be

Fragrance is a common skin irritant, especially for those with sensitive skin. If you're using an exfoliator with fragrance, it's best to go for a short-contact exfoliator, like a cleanser or rinse-off mask, rather than a leave-on product. The less time a product spends on your skin, the less irritating it will be.

This is because fragrance can cause negative skin reactions, and even trace amounts may exacerbate skin sensitivity. As a result, your skin may appear dry, irritated and red.

If you have sensitive skin, it's best to avoid fragrance in your skincare routine altogether. Instead, opt for an exfoliator that's free from common skin allergens, like essential oils, alcohols and synthetic fragrance. For example, an exfoliating face mask from Tata Harper contains a blend of AHAs to gently lift dead skin cells and boost radiance without causing irritation. It's also infused with soothing botanicals like calendula extract, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.

If you're unsure about which exfoliator to choose, consult a dermatologist or cosmetic chemist for advice.

Exfoliating acids can cause skin irritation

If you have sensitive skin or are new to exfoliating, it is recommended to use a short-contact exfoliator, such as a cleanser or rinse-off mask, instead of a leave-on face toner or serum. The less time a product spends on your skin, the milder the exfoliating effect will be.

Exfoliating acids, such as glycolic and salicylic acid, can cause skin irritation for some people, especially when used incorrectly, too often, or in large concentrations.

It is important to note that everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is always a good idea to patch test new products and introduce them gradually into your skincare routine to see how your skin reacts.

Natural exfoliators can be a good option for sensitive skin

Fragrance is a common skin irritant, especially for those with sensitive skin. As such, natural exfoliators can be a good option for those with sensitive skin.

Natural exfoliators are a good option for sensitive skin because they are often free of common skin allergens like essential oils, alcohols, and synthetic fragrances. For example, the all-natural Tata Harper exfoliating face mask contains a blend of AHAs to gently lift dead skin cells and boost radiance without causing irritation. It is infused with soothing botanicals like calendula extract, which is perfect for sensitive skin.

If you have extremely sensitive skin, it is recommended to go with a short-contact exfoliator, like a cleanser or rinse-off mask, instead of a leave-on face toner or serum. The less time a product spends on your skin, the more mild (and less potentially irritating) the exfoliating effect will be.

Some natural exfoliators that are good for sensitive skin include:

• Eminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant
• Peach & Lily Glass Skin Face Polisher
• Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
• Kypris Glow Philtre
• Dermalogica's unique microfoliant

Skin can become overloaded with too many products

The obsession with the latest, buzzy ingredients could be an issue, too. When used incorrectly, too often, or in large concentrations, things like retinol, exfoliating acids (for example, glycolic and salicylic acid), and even vitamin C are known to cause skin irritation for a handful of people.

If you have extremely sensitive skin or are new to exfoliating, go with a short-contact exfoliator—like a cleanser or rinse-off mask—instead of a leave-on face toner or serum. The less time a product spends on your skin, the more mild (and less potentially irritating) the exfoliating effect will be. Fragrance (you'll often see it as "parfum" on an ingredients list) is a common skin irritant—especially if you have sensitive skin. Avoiding it in your exfoliator (and all of your skincare, tbh) is an easy way to prevent unwanted redness and inflammation.

This exfoliating face mask from all-natural skincare brand Tata Harper contains a blend of AHAs to gently lift dead skin cells and boost your skin's radiance without causing irritation. It's free of common skin allergens like essential oils, alcohols, and synthetic fragrance and is infused with soothing botanicals like calendula extract, making it a solid choice for sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions