What does "Fragrance" mean on a label?
Fragrance (listed as "Parfum" in Europe) is not a single ingredient — it's a catch-all term for a proprietary blend of scent chemicals. A single "Fragrance" entry can represent 50 to 300+ individual chemicals, and brands are not required to disclose them individually in most countries.
This is possible because fragrance formulations are considered trade secrets. While this protects the brand's formula, it makes it impossible for consumers to know exactly what they're putting on their skin.
Why is fragrance the #1 cosmetic allergen?
Fragrance is the single most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetics because:
- It's everywhere — present in 50-70% of cosmetic products, including many labeled "unscented"
- Sensitisation builds over time — you can use a product for months or years before developing a reaction
- Oxidation increases allergenicity — some fragrance molecules (like linalool and limonene) become more allergenic as they oxidize on exposure to air
"Fragrance-free" vs "Unscented" — they're NOT the same
- Fragrance-free: should contain no fragrance chemicals at all
- Unscented: may still contain fragrance chemicals used to mask the smell of other ingredients
If you're sensitive, always look for "fragrance-free" and verify the ingredient list doesn't contain Parfum, Fragrance, or Aroma.
In Indian products 🇮🇳
Most Indian cosmetics list "Parfum" or "Fragrance" without disclosing individual chemicals. Ayurvedic and "natural" brands often use essential oils (rose, sandalwood, jasmine, lavender) — these are still fragrances and can trigger reactions in sensitised individuals.
How to avoid fragrance reactions
- Switch to fragrance-free leave-on products first (moisturizer, sunscreen) — these sit on skin the longest
- Switch one product at a time over 2-3 weeks
- Patch test new products on your inner arm before using on face
- If reactions persist, see a dermatologist for patch testing to identify specific fragrance allergens
Individual fragrance allergens
The EU requires 26 fragrance allergens to be individually listed on labels. The most common ones include:
- Linalool — found in lavender, coriander
- Limonene — citrus-scented
- Citronellol — rose-scented
- Geraniol — rose-like
- Eugenol — found in clove oil
- Coumarin — sweet, vanilla-like
- Cinnamal — cinnamon-scented
Each of these has its own ingredient page in our database.