Unveiling The Power Of Fragrance In Moisturizers

Moisturisers are available with a range of fragrances, from mild to strong, and some are even fragrance-free. Some people prefer a mild scent, while others opt for fragrance-free moisturisers to avoid skin irritation. However, some moisturisers have strong fragrances, such as green tea, which may be overwhelming for some users.

The difference between 'unscented' and 'fragrance-free'

While scented beauty products are a part of the luxury experience for many consumers, some people have a strong reaction to any scents in their personal care products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances are considered the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, affecting around 1% of the general population.

So, what's the difference between unscented and fragrance-free products?

Unscented products are formulated to have no smell but can contain ingredients that have a smell that has been neutralized by other components. These products generally include a small amount of 'masking' fragrance to hide the odour of the base chemicals in the formula.

Fragrance-free products, on the other hand, do not (or at least should not) contain any fragrance chemicals. They cannot contain any ingredients that have been added to impart a smell but may contain ingredients that have a scent but are not added because of their scent. For example, if a cream is made with an oil that has a smell, it could still be labelled as fragrance-free because the purpose of the oil is to act as an emollient, not as a scent.

However, it's important to note that the terms 'unscented' and 'fragrance-free' are not legally defined, and some cosmetic companies use the term 'fragrance-free' loosely. One study found that 45% of moisturisers labelled 'fragrance-free' contained fragrance chemicals.

The impact of fragrance on consumer purchasing decisions

Scent is a key element of the self-care experience for many consumers, and it can impact consumer purchasing decisions. For example, the launch of Rihanna's Fenty Skin sparked a debate around the use of fragrance in skincare products. However, skincare is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and some consumers have strong reactions to any scents in their personal care products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances are the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, affecting around 1% of the general population.

When it comes to moisturisers, it's important to note the difference between "unscented" and "fragrance-free". "Unscented" products generally include a small amount of "masking" fragrance to neutralise and hide the odour of the base chemicals in the moisturiser's formula. These types of formulas may contain ingredients and fragrances that can irritate the skin. On the other hand, ""fragrance-free" products do not contain any extra ingredients to mask a smell, and are thus less likely to cause irritation. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin.

Some cosmetic companies use the term "fragrance-free" loosely, which can add to the confusion surrounding fragrance-free labelling. A study examined 174 of the best-selling moisturisers from Amazon, Target, and Walmart, and found that 45% of the moisturisers labelled "fragrance-free" contained fragrance chemicals.

For consumers with skin conditions such as eczema, avoiding fragrances is crucial due to the risk of redness and flare-ups. While cleansers with fragrances are less likely to cause a reaction because of the shorter contact time with the skin, toners, serums, and sunscreen can be left on the skin for longer and may lead to adverse reactions.

The use of fragrances in cleansers

Scent is an important part of the consumer experience when it comes to skincare. For many, scented beauty products are a part of the luxury experience and can impact purchasing decisions. However, for some consumers, fragrances can cause a strong reaction. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances are the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, affecting around 1% of the general population.

When it comes to cleansers, fragrances are often added to create a pleasant aroma. Essential oils like almond, rose, and lavender, as well as other plant extracts, are commonly used to create these scents. While some people enjoy the sensory experience of using fragranced cleansers, others may find that they irritate their skin. Dry, combination, and sensitive skin types are particularly susceptible to reactions, which can include redness, itchiness, and hives.

It's worth noting that the term "fragrance-free" can be misleading. While it theoretically means that no chemicals have been added to create a scent, some cosmetic companies use the term loosely. In one study, 45% of moisturizers labelled "fragrance-free" were found to contain fragrance chemicals. "Unscented" products, on the other hand, generally include a small amount of "masking" fragrance to neutralize the odour of the base chemicals, and these fragrances can also irritate the skin.

For those with sensitive skin, it's important to be cautious when using fragranced cleansers. While cleansers with fragrances are less likely to cause a reaction than leave-on products like toners, serums, and sunscreen, it's still possible to experience irritation. If you're concerned about potential reactions, it's recommended to test a product on a small portion of your arm daily for one week before using it on your face.

The potential for fragrances to cause allergic reactions

Fragrance allergy is a chronic condition involving abnormal immune reactions to ordinarily harmless substances in fragranced products. Fragrances and perfumes can be made from natural extracts or synthesised, and they produce a pleasant scent or disguise an unpleasant odour. Fragrance allergy typically occurs when certain fragrance components called allergens come into contact with the skin, causing the immune system to react by making protective proteins called antibodies to defend against the allergens. This inflammatory response leads to allergy symptoms, most commonly allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)—an itchy rash that appears on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritating substance.

The risk of developing a fragrance allergy increases with exposure to the allergen. For example, through the regular use of a fragranced cosmetic product. Some consumers have a strong reaction to any scents in their personal care products, and those with sensitive skin are advised to opt for "fragrance-free" products, as these are less likely to cause irritation. It is important to note that the term "fragrance-free" is sometimes used loosely by cosmetic companies, and some products labelled as such may still contain fragrance chemicals. The term "unscented" is used to indicate that a product has no discernible fragrance, but these products generally include a small amount of "masking" fragrance to neutralise the odour of base chemicals, which may also irritate the skin.

In addition to skin reactions, fragrance allergy may affect the mouth (allergic contact stomatitis), resulting in cheilitis, gingivitis, blisters, erosions, or oral lichen planus. A diagnosis of fragrance allergy typically requires a detailed patient history and is confirmed by patch testing, which gives a positive reaction in about 10% of tested patients.

The confusion surrounding fragrance-free labelling

While scented beauty products are a part of the luxury experience for many consumers, some people have a strong reaction to any scents in their personal care products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances are considered the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, affecting around 1% of the general population.

"Unscented" and "fragrance-free" are not the same thing. "Unscented" means that the product doesn't have a noticeable scent, but it might still contain small amounts of fragrances used to mask other odors. "Unscented" products generally include a small amount of "masking" fragrance to neutralise and hide the odor of the base chemicals in the product's formula. These types of formulas may contain ingredients and fragrances that can irritate your skin.

However, "fragrance-free" products are not necessarily devoid of fragrances either. The FDA defines a fragrance as "any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product". So, when a product is labelled "fragrance-free", it means it doesn't contain any ingredients that are explicitly included to give the product a scent.

Some brands hide the trade secrets of their full ingredient list under an FDA loophole that allows personal care brands to list ingredients as "fragrances" or "parfum".

Frequently asked questions