Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Fragrance-Free?ProductsWhat To Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Fragrance-Free?
Products
What To Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s not the same for everyone, many people experienceallergy-like reactionsafter coming in contact with fragrance ingredients. This has led to an increase in companies that offer fragrance-free products.
Although “fragrance-free” is sometimes used interchangeably with “unscented,” they are not the same. Fragrance-free products are those that do not contain synthetic or natural fragrance materials.Unscented products often do not have a noticeable scent, yet they may contain fragrance chemicals that mask or neutralize the odors of other ingredients.
This article will discuss the benefits of fragrance-free products.
Moyo Studio / Getty Images
Fragrance-free products are a necessity for people with afragrance sensitivity. Even if you do not have a sensitivity, choosing fragrance-free products can help those with sensitivities limit their exposure. Over 50% of the general population prefer workplaces, healthcare facilities, hotels, and airplanes to be fragrance-free.
Fragrance-free products offer the same functionality as fragranced products but without the potential health and environmental concerns. Emissions from fragranced products can negatively impact outdoor and indoor air quality and human health for at-risk populations.
One out of three people in the United States experiences respiratory difficulties andmigrainesafter exposure to fragranced products.Fragrances are also one of the most common causes ofcontact dermatitis, along with nickel and poison ivy.
What Kind of Products Are Fragrance-Free?
Fragrance ingredients are often added to household cleaning products, skincare, haircare, makeup, and more. Companies are taking note of the increased demand and selling more fragrance-free products.
Makeup
Because fragrance ingredients can irritate sensitive skin, healthcare providers ordermatologistsoften recommend fragrance-free makeup for those with dry skin,acne, redness, and more.
Fragrance-Free Makeup BrandsCliniqueTower 28 BeautyTarteWander BeautybareMineralsAlmay
Fragrance-Free Makeup Brands
CliniqueTower 28 BeautyTarteWander BeautybareMineralsAlmay
Haircare
Fragrance inshampooand other types of haircare is another cause of irritant contact dermatitis. If you experience scalp irritation, redness, orinflammationafter using a fragranced shampoo, you may benefit from changing to fragrance-free hair care products. By removing products that irritate your scalp, you may also notice improvements in the overall health of your hair.
Fragrance-Free Haircare BrandsKristin EssDrybarBriogeoFree & ClearThe OrdinaryDevacurlMelanin HaircareEarth Science
Fragrance-Free Haircare Brands
Kristin EssDrybarBriogeoFree & ClearThe OrdinaryDevacurlMelanin HaircareEarth Science
Skincare
Some skincare products, especially deodorant soaps, can be too harsh for dry skin or people with skin conditions. Avoid using fragrant skincare products to help heal itchy, dry skin and prevent it from returning.
Adults and children witheczemashould also avoid using fragranced skincare products as they can cause flares.
Fragrance-Free Skincare BrandsCetaphilCeraVeVanicreamLa Roche-PosayAveenoAquaphorAvène
Fragrance-Free Skincare Brands
CetaphilCeraVeVanicreamLa Roche-PosayAveenoAquaphorAvène
Cleaning
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed its Safer Choice label to help buyers select and identify products with safer chemical ingredients. They also have added a “fragrance-free” certification to accompany the Safer Choice label on products entirely free of any fragrance materials.
Despite having a fragrance-free certification, the EPA acknowledges that products may still have a scent because some ingredients and solvents may carry an odor.
Fragrance-Free Cleaning ProductsPUURSeventh GenerationHONESTDr. Bronner’sSensitive Home
Fragrance-Free Cleaning Products
PUURSeventh GenerationHONESTDr. Bronner’sSensitive Home
What To Look For On a Label
A fragrance-free product should be labeled as such. However, companies that use scent masking materials also tend to use the term on their products. This is because there are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of words such as:
Essentially, it is left up to the company to decide what they want it to mean.
One study looked at 174 best-selling moisturizers sold on Amazon. Researchers found that 45% of products labeled “fragrance-free” contained fragrance.
Interestingly, no law requires companies to disclose individual ingredients that make up a fragrance.
To be sure your product does not have fragrance materials, avoid products with the words:
Summary
People with sensitive skin, sensitive noses, or certain health conditions can benefit from using fragrance-free products. When looking for products without fragrance ingredients, choose a brand with “fragrance-free” on the label. You’ll also want to check the product label for any potential fragrances. Unless your healthcare provider has advised against it or you’ve had an adverse reaction in the past, there’s no reason to give up your fragranced products entirely. Ultimately, it’s about what works best for you and your body.
A Word From Verywell
Sensitivities to fragranced products are not uncommon. You may benefit from fragrance-free items if you experience headaches, itching, or redness after using certain personal or cleaning products. If reactions still occur, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider for testing to determine the root cause.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. Unscented products do not have a scent, yet they may contain fragrance chemicals that mask or neutralize the odors of other ingredients. In contrast, fragrance-free products are entirely free of fragrance ingredients.Fragrances are often added to products to mask chemicals or other smells that may otherwise be unpleasant. Additionally, many people associate a fragranced product with an overall pleasurable experience.Scent-free products do not have a noticeable scent, but they may still contain chemicals.
No. Unscented products do not have a scent, yet they may contain fragrance chemicals that mask or neutralize the odors of other ingredients. In contrast, fragrance-free products are entirely free of fragrance ingredients.
Fragrances are often added to products to mask chemicals or other smells that may otherwise be unpleasant. Additionally, many people associate a fragranced product with an overall pleasurable experience.
Scent-free products do not have a noticeable scent, but they may still contain chemicals.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice: Fragrance free.Steinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: Exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-zSteinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-zAmerican Family Physician.Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Fragrances in Cosmetics.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I find eczema-friendly products?Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice label- Fragrance free.Food and Drug Administration.“Hypoallergenic” cosmetics.Xu S, Kwa M, Lohman ME, Evers-Meltzer R, Silverberg JI.Consumer preferences, product characteristics, and potentially allergenic ingredients in best-selling moisturizers.JAMA Dermatology. 2017;153(11):1099-1105. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3046
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice: Fragrance free.Steinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: Exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-zSteinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-zAmerican Family Physician.Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Fragrances in Cosmetics.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I find eczema-friendly products?Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice label- Fragrance free.Food and Drug Administration.“Hypoallergenic” cosmetics.Xu S, Kwa M, Lohman ME, Evers-Meltzer R, Silverberg JI.Consumer preferences, product characteristics, and potentially allergenic ingredients in best-selling moisturizers.JAMA Dermatology. 2017;153(11):1099-1105. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3046
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice: Fragrance free.Steinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: Exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-zSteinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-zAmerican Family Physician.Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Fragrances in Cosmetics.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I find eczema-friendly products?Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice label- Fragrance free.Food and Drug Administration.“Hypoallergenic” cosmetics.Xu S, Kwa M, Lohman ME, Evers-Meltzer R, Silverberg JI.Consumer preferences, product characteristics, and potentially allergenic ingredients in best-selling moisturizers.JAMA Dermatology. 2017;153(11):1099-1105. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3046
Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice: Fragrance free.
Steinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: Exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z
Steinemann A.Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions.Air Qual Atmos Health. 2016;9(8):861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z
American Family Physician.Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Fragrances in Cosmetics.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How can I find eczema-friendly products?
Environmental Protection Agency.Safer choice label- Fragrance free.
Food and Drug Administration.“Hypoallergenic” cosmetics.
Xu S, Kwa M, Lohman ME, Evers-Meltzer R, Silverberg JI.Consumer preferences, product characteristics, and potentially allergenic ingredients in best-selling moisturizers.JAMA Dermatology. 2017;153(11):1099-1105. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3046
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