In the intricate world of skincare and beauty products, understanding the source of fragrances is helpful, especially for those with sensitive skin. This guide aims to unravel the mysteries of fragrances in our everyday products.
The Spectrum of Fragrances in Products Did you know that the fragrance and scents in your favorite products can come from different sources? They fall into three main categories:
- Synthetic Fragrances: Crafted in labs, these fragrances are designed to mimic specific scents or create entirely new aromas.
- Scent-Masking Agents: These are used to neutralize or mask other odors in the product.
- Natural Sources: Derived from botanicals and essential oils, these provide a natural scent.
The Sensitive Skin Dilemma: Why Go Fragrance-Free? For those with sensitive skin, allergies or conditions like rosacea fragrances are a common enemy. Whether they're synthetic or natural, they're often responsible for allergic reactions and skin irritation. Over time, your skin can even become sensitized to these, leading to increased sensitivity or new allergic reactions.
Decoding 'Fragrance-Free' vs Unscented Labels Here’s an essential tip for sensitive skin care: 'Fragrance-free' doesn't always equate to being completely devoid of scent. Many products, even when listed under the fragrance-free banner, can contain essential oils that might provide a scent for the product but may irritate sensitive skin. Therefore taking care in checking ingredient lists is key. Make sure you check for essential oils alongside the usual words like "fragrance" and "parfum" even if the label says "fragrance free".
Key Ingredients to Be Wary Of When browsing, keep an eye out for these terms that indicate the presence of fragrances:
- Fragrance
- Parfum
- Aroma
And watch out for these known irritants, especially if you have sensitive skin:
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Citronellol
- Hexyl Cinnamal
- Geraniol
- Lavender Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Ylang-Ylang Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Cinnamon Bark Oil
- Eucalyptus Oil
We hope this helps you stay informed and a little further on the path to choosing what's right for your skin.