FRAGRANCE IN SKINCARE

If your skincare smells good, it likely contains fragrance…

Fragrance can be irritating for the skin, especially for those with sensitivity, dryness or inflammatory skin conditions… fragrance can even trigger rosacea or dermatitis. Certain fragrances can cause pigmentation too, if used when in the sun. For those struggling with their skin, one of the first steps I recommend is to stop using any products that contain fragrance. Many of my clients will often have sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier, which fragrance will only aggravate and make worse, or could even be the cause.

Depending on the type of fragrance, it can also be harmful to the body, disrupting hormones and the reproductive system, causing migraines and even affecting the respiratory system. Research by the Environmental Working Group revealed nearly 75% of fragrance ingredients contain phthalates, chemicals known to be linked to all kinds of chronic diseases.

Due to the lack of regulation around fragrance, products are allowed to just list ‘fragrance’ in the ingredients list, however the fragrance could be made up of hundreds of different fragrance chemicals, which aren’t listed. The term ‘unscented’ doesn’t mean it’s fragrance free either! Fragrance can be used to mask the smell of ingredients in the product, to make it have no scent.

Some people will be able to handle a small amount of fragrance on their skin, others won’t. If ‘fragrance’ is listed right at the end of the ingredients list, this means there’s only a very small amount in the product. Ingredients are always listed in the order of how much is in the product… e.g. the ingredient that has the highest quantity in the product will be listed first.

If your skin is reactive or you’re reacting to a particular product, check whether your products have the label ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ in the ingredients list as a first step!

I know what a confusing world it is out there… I can make it simple for you and I’m here to help you heal.

If you need skin advice, I’m all ears ✨