Fragrance in Skincare: What You Need to Know

Put simply, synthetic fragrance is made in a lab. It can be:

• Fully synthetic (no natural components)
• Semi-synthetic (a blend of synthetic and natural ingredients)

Brands often choose synthetic fragrance because:

• It lasts longer (up to 5 years vs. 1–2 for naturals)
• It offers precise control over scent profiles
• It masks the sometimes earthy smell of active ingredients

🔎 Important Note: Because of loose regulations, “fragrance” on a label may refer to dozens of unnamed ingredients. That lack of transparency is the real concern—not the fact that something was made in a lab.

Natural fragrance comes directly from plants—like lavender, rose, or citrus peel oils—via extraction or distillation. It’s free from synthetic components, but that doesn’t automatically make it gentler.

While natural fragrances may sound safer, they:

• Still contain allergens (many essential oils are known irritants)
• Vary batch-to-batch, which can affect stability and reactivity
• Break down faster, leading to a shorter shelf life

Natural ≠ hypoallergenic. Even plant-derived ingredients can trigger reactions, especially in sensitive skin.

There’s no clinical reason to include fragrance in skincare—it’s not an active. But brands use it for several emotional or practical reasons:

• To mask strong-smelling ingredients
• To make the experience more enjoyable
• To create a signature scent that builds brand identity

And yes—scent sells. Most people are more likely to use a product that smells pleasant. Some even associate scent with feeling “clean,” “comforted,” or “luxurious.”

It depends on your skin. Here’s what you should know:

• Fragrance-free: contains no added scent ingredients (ideal for sensitive skin)
• Unscented: may contain masking agents that neutralize odor (but still have fragrance compounds)

If you’re sensitive to scent, prone to migraines, or dealing with inflammation (like eczema or rosacea), fragrance-free is usually the safest option.

⚠️ Reminder: just because a product is labeled “natural” or “clean” doesn’t mean it’s free from allergens or irritation risks.

You may want to steer clear of fragranced products if you have:

• Sensitive skin or compromised barrier
• Eczema, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
• Fragrance allergies or known irritant reactions
• Hyperpigmentation made worse by inflammation
• Fragrance-triggered migraines or odor hypersensitivity

If you’re using actives like retinoids (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, or exfoliating acids, it’s best to approach fragranced products with extra care.

These ingredients already challenge the skin barrier, and adding fragrance—especially essential oils or synthetic blends—can increase the risk of:

✴️ Redness, stinging, or sensitivity

✴️ Prolonged irritation or inflammation

✴️ Barrier disruption, leading to slower healing

✴️ Potential destabilization of delicate actives like Vitamin C (which is notoriously unstable)

When using potent treatments, it's wise to strip your support steps back to fragrance-free formulas—think moisturizers, hydrating serums, and gentle cleansers.

This allows your actives to do their job without extra interference—and gives your skin room to repair, rebalance, and thrive.

We’re not anti-scent. We’re pro-transparency, pro-choice, and pro-barrier. If a gentle, cleanly formulated product contains fragrance and your skin loves it—great. But if you’re struggling with irritation, dryness, or breakouts, fragrance could be the invisible trigger.

Start small. Patch test. And always honor your skin's feedback.

📚 References

1. Steyer, T. E., et al. (2016). Sensitivity to fragrance and its role in dermatology. Dermatitis, 27(2), 72–78.
2. SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety). (2019). Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products.
3. Manciaresi, F., et al. (2021). Clinical features and management of fragrance contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis Journal.
4. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Fragrance in personal care products – www.aad.org