Fragrance Explained

Parfum · Essential oils · Lavender oil · Citrus oil

Fragrance and essential oils add scent, not skin benefit, and are the most common cause of cosmetic allergy — choose fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive.

Pregnancy: avoidEvidence: strong

Label names (INCI): Parfum, Fragrance, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Citral, Eugenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin

Written by the Oliareen editorial teamDermatologist review: pendingHow we write

What it does

Adds scent only; no skin benefit; the most common cause of cosmetic allergy.

Often discussed for

This doesn't mean everyone with these needs it.

Skin types

How to approach it

If you're new to it

Start one new product at a time and patch test first: a little on the side of the jaw for a few days. Keep the rest of the routine simple.

General education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Use carefully with

Stacking several actives raises the risk of irritation. If you're on any prescribed medicine, ask your doctor before adding an active.

Retinoids
AHA
BHA (salicylic acid)
Sensitive skin
Fragrance mix positive in ~5-10% of patch-tested dermatitis patients
Oxidised limonene/linalool are main culprits (1-3%)
Citrus oils (bergamot, lime) are phototoxic
Avoid high-dose essential oils in pregnancy

Possible reactions

Stop if burning doesn't settle, or if you get a red rash, itching, swelling or peeling. Swelling of the face, lips or eyes, or trouble breathing, needs urgent medical care.

When to see a doctor

Evidence and timing

Evidence: Evidence: strong
Time to see a change (weeks): n/a

Evidence comes from studies of specific formulas and strengths. Your product may behave differently.