Seamus Hammond
Fragrance sensitivity can cause allergy-like symptoms, including itchy rashes, headaches, sneezing, nausea, and respiratory issues. If you have sensitive skin, you may be hesitant to wear perfume for fear of triggering a reaction. However, with a few simple tweaks, you can continue to enjoy wearing your favourite scents. Firstly, look for perfumes labelled as hypoallergenic or designed for sensitive skin, and opt for natural ingredients and essential oils over synthetic fragrances. Always do a patch test before purchasing a new perfume, and choose lighter, fresher scents over heavy, musky fragrances. Apply perfume lightly to your pulse points, and consider applying to your clothes or hair instead of directly to your skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance sensitivity symptoms | Headaches, sneezing, skin irritation, nausea, difficulty breathing, congestion, watery eyes, dizziness, nasal congestion, respiratory issues, mucosal symptoms |
| Fragrance sensitivity causes | Synthetic fragrances, natural fragrances, alcohol, certain natural ingredients |
| Fragrance sensitivity prevention | Use air purifiers with HEPA filters, apply perfume to clothes or hair instead of skin, use non-alcoholic perfumes, wax perfumes or oil-based fragrances, use lighter, fresher scents, apply perfume lightly to pulse points, use unscented lotions, shampoos and other personal care products |
| Fragrance sensitivity testing | Patch testing, skin patch test, allergy action plan |
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What You'll Learn
Patch test perfumes before purchasing
If you are chemically sensitive, it is important to patch test perfumes before purchasing them. Patch testing is a procedure that helps identify which ingredients might irritate your skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following steps for patch testing a new skincare product:
- Apply the perfume to a small patch of skin, such as the inside of your arm or the bend of your elbow.
- Apply the perfume as thickly as you would when using it regularly.
- Leave the perfume on the patch of skin for as long as you would normally keep it on. If it is a product that you would usually wash off, such as a cleanser, leave it on for 5 minutes or as long as the instructions advise.
- Repeat the patch test twice a day for 7-10 days. It is important to continue applying the product for this length of time, as a reaction may not happen immediately.
- If your skin reacts to the product, wash it off immediately and stop using it.
When patch testing perfumes, it is important to remember that your skin type and chemistry can impact how the fragrance develops. Your skin's natural oils, pH levels, and type can change how a fragrance develops over time. For example, oily skin tends to hold fragrances longer and can intensify certain notes, while dry skin may cause the scent to fade faster.
Before patch testing, you may want to first test the perfume on a blotter or a piece of paper. This will give you a sense of the initial top notes, but it will not show how the perfume will develop on your skin. Testing on paper or fabric can be a good starting point, but always follow up by testing directly on your skin for an accurate impression.
Additionally, when testing perfumes, avoid touching your nose with the smelling strip, as this will leave a trace amount of perfume behind and may influence the scent of other perfumes you try. Try to smell lightly and only until you perceive the first notes. Then, take away the blotter and just 'sense' and enjoy the experience.
By patch testing perfumes before purchasing, you can help ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction to the product and that the scent works well with your unique skin chemistry.
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Choose lighter, fresher scents
If you have chemical sensitivities, choosing lighter, fresher scents over heavy, musky fragrances is a safer bet. Citrus, floral, and herbal scents are often less likely to overwhelm those with sensitivity.
For example, opt for perfumes with notes of orange and neroli, which are zesty and orangey but with musk that makes them smell clean and crisp. Alternatively, you could try a perfume with rose and vanilla notes, which will leave you with a sense of freshness. If you enjoy fruity scents, you could try a perfume with pear notes. While it may smell fruity at first, it will leave a lingering scent on the skin, reminiscent of a day at the beach.
Some floral fragrances are light and delicate, while others are more complex and intense. Powdery florals with a warm base, such as orange blossom, lavender, and amber, can be a good choice for a light scent that will stick with you.
If you want to avoid fragrance oils altogether, opt for an eau de cologne, which usually has only 2-4% perfume oil and is often used as a body splash. For an even lighter option, choose an eau fraiche, which has only 1-2% perfume oil and will create a subtle, delicate fragrance.
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Apply perfume to clothes or hair
If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to apply perfume to your clothes or hair, as this reduces the risk of skin irritation.
When applying perfume to your clothes, it is important to be careful and avoid spraying too close to the fabric. Hold the bottle about 30 cm away from your clothes and allow the scent to settle naturally. This will help prevent any potential discolouration of the fabric. You can also try spraying your perfume on a cotton ball or pad and placing it in your pockets or lingerie drawers to scent your clothes indirectly.
If you want to apply perfume to your hair, it is recommended to use oil-based fragrances or wax perfumes, as these are lighter and can help tame frizz. Avoid spraying alcohol-based perfumes directly onto your hair, as this can damage it. Instead, try applying the perfume to your hairbrush or comb and then running it through your hair.
It is important to note that applying perfume to your clothes or hair may result in a less intense or evolved scent compared to applying it directly to your skin. Additionally, the scent may not last as long, especially if you are wearing it on natural fabrics such as wool, cashmere, or linen.
To maximise the longevity of your perfume when applying it to your clothes or hair, you can try pairing it with an unscented moisturiser or lotion. This will provide a base for the perfume to adhere to and help it last longer, especially in hot or humid climates.
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Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
If you are chemically sensitive to perfumes, one way to mitigate this is to use air purifiers with HEPA filters. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air [filter]. HEPA filters are designed to remove 99.97% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns from the air that passes through them. However, when it comes to removing fragrances, a HEPA filter by itself won't do much, if anything, to remove odours. To remove fragrances like cologne from the air, you need to use an air purifier with a carbon filter, also known as activated carbon (AC). The carbon filter will eliminate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air, which are commonly found in perfumes and colognes.
When looking at air purifiers for fragrance sensitivity, it’s important to find units that offer deep carbon filtration to focus on heavy VOCs and odours. Some recommended air purifiers for this purpose include the Healthmate Junior, which is a good option if you are limited on space. While these air purifiers can be expensive, they are worth the price if you are looking to remove fragrances from the air.
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Avoid scented cleaning products
If you are chemically sensitive, it is important to avoid scented cleaning products. Many household and cleaning products, including soaps, polishes, and grooming supplies, often contain harmful chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the skin, eyes, throat, and lungs. Even natural fragrances such as citrus can react to produce dangerous pollutants indoors.
To avoid scented cleaning products, look for those labelled as "free and clear" or "unscented". These products are designed to be free of fragrances and other common irritants, making them ideal for individuals with chemical sensitivities. Some recommended brands include Seventh Generation, All Free & Clear, and Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. These products are available at various retailers, including Costco, and can also be purchased in bulk online.
When shopping for cleaning products, it is important to read the labels carefully. Choose products that do not contain or have reduced amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients. Avoid air fresheners altogether, as they often contain harmful chemicals. Warm water and soap can be effective for general cleaning, and baking soda is great for scrubbing. A mix of vinegar and water can be used to clean glass surfaces.
Additionally, maintain good ventilation when cleaning. Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and dilute any strong scents or chemicals. By taking these precautions and choosing fragrance-free cleaning options, you can minimise your exposure to scented products and reduce the risk of triggering chemical sensitivities.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance sensitivity can cause allergy-like symptoms, known as non-allergic rhinitis. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, sneezing, skin irritation, and difficulty breathing. If you think you have a fragrance sensitivity, consult a healthcare provider.
If you experience a reaction, stop using the product and see a dermatologist. If you experience serious symptoms such as signs of anaphylaxis or infection, seek immediate medical care.
Look for perfumes labelled as hypoallergenic or designed for sensitive skin. These perfumes typically contain fewer common allergens and synthetic fragrances. Apply perfume lightly to your wrists, inner elbows, or neck, or apply to your clothes or hair instead of your skin.
Opt for lighter, fresher scents over heavy, musky fragrances. Citrus, floral, and herbal perfumes are often more tolerable for those with sensitivity. Perfumes with natural ingredients and essential oils are also less likely to cause irritation.
Always do a patch test before purchasing a new perfume. Apply a small amount to your wrist or inner elbow and wait 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.
