Glossary
A product formulation that contains no added fragrance compounds, whether synthetic or natural. Fragrance-free is distinct from 'unscented,' which may contain masking fragrances designed to neutralize the smell of other ingredients.
Synthetic fragrance is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis, responsible for an estimated 30 to 45 percent of all cosmetic allergic reactions. The term "fragrance" or "parfum" on a product label can represent a blend of dozens or even hundreds of individual chemical compounds, any one of which could be the specific allergen triggering your reaction. Under current FDA regulations, companies are not required to disclose the individual components of their fragrance blends.
These terms sound interchangeable but mean different things. "Fragrance-free" means no fragrance compounds of any kind have been added to the product. "Unscented" means the product does not have a noticeable scent, but it may contain masking fragrances, chemicals added specifically to cover up the natural odor of the product's other ingredients. Paradoxically, an "unscented" product may contain more fragrance chemicals than a scented one.
For people with fragrance sensitivities, "fragrance-free" is the safer choice. But even this claim is not regulated by the FDA, so reading the full ingredient list for terms like "fragrance," "parfum," "perfume," or specific known fragrance allergens (linalool, limonene, eugenol) remains the most reliable approach.
Our products do not contain synthetic fragrance compounds. When our products have a scent, it comes from the essential oils and raw ingredients themselves: the natural aroma of beeswax, the nutty warmth of shea butter, the subtle scent of coconut oil. These are inherent ingredient aromas, not added fragrance. For our unscented products, we simply omit essential oils entirely.
No. Essential oils are distilled from actual plant material and consist of naturally occurring volatile compounds. Synthetic fragrances are manufactured in laboratories and may contain hundreds of artificial chemicals. However, some people can react to essential oils as well, so essential oil-containing products are not automatically safe for everyone with fragrance sensitivity.
Studies estimate that 1 to 4 percent of the general population has a fragrance allergy, with rates significantly higher among people with eczema, dermatitis, or other skin conditions. Fragrance is consistently identified as the most common cause of cosmetic-related allergic reactions.
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