Are the fragrances in your skincare products harmful for you?

Did you know that, according to a 2014 study, the human nose has the ability to distinguish between at least one trillion odours? This is complicated because, unlike our primate ancestors, we don’t rely on our olfactory sense as much as we could. And yet, smells have a way of attaching themselves to memories and emotions. Think about how comforting it is to wake up to a cup of your grandmother's adrak (ginger) chai or the nostalgic feeling when you catch a whiff of the Pears soap you used all through your childhood. However, considering we live in an era that is all about clean, ingredient-driven beauty, we should discuss how the fragrance that makes you yearn for a hug from your mother, affects the skin. 

For a lot of consumers, the scent of the product is key. Of course, I would be lying, if I said I don’t understand the allure of delicious-smelling skincare, but it’s high time we ask the important question—is fragrance a skincare villain? Although, first, we must understand that skincare is not a one-size-fits-all concept. The ingredients that may suit your best friend may cause your face to break out. It all boils down to personal preferences. Some people don’t mind the overpowering scents in their skincare routine; for them, it’s part of the self-soothing experience. While others are punished with redness, inflammation, and headaches. 

Dr Pooja Jain, cosmetologist and aesthetic counsellor at Kosmoderma, says, “Fragrances in skincare products play a vital role in stimulating our olfactory sense. They are not that harmful to the skin as the products contain less than one per cent fragrance content. However, it may trigger some allergic reactions, irritation, and redness in individuals with sensitive skin.”    

The two types of fragrances 

Fragrance, mostly labelled as ‘parfum’ on most ingredient lists, is an umbrella term used to describe all the components used to give the product its scent. There are two types of fragrances that are primarily used: natural and synthetic. The former are derived from plants, flowers, essential oils, etc., while the latter are are developed in a lab. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to understand which one (synthetic!) harms your skin more than the other. 

Dr Jain explains, “Natural fragrances are more gentle on the skin as compared to synthetic ones. This is because they are made of natural extracts of flowers and essential oils from plants. The chemicals in synthetic fragrances may be harsh and cause irritation to the skin.” 

Why are fragrances added to products?  

We all have a soft spot for skincare that smells practically edible. In fact, there are still a lot of people who pick products basis on how good they smell, rather than what their ingredients are. 

However, it’s not the primary reason that products are so heavily scented. Usually, a fragrance is used to cover up the smell of the chemicals used in the product. Dr Jain explains, “Skincare products contain heavy fragrances to make the product smell nicer and more pleasant. Also, lots of ingredients in the product don’t smell that good. Therefore, adding pleasant fragrances works for brands. Additionally, pleasant-smelling products improve the scope of marketing and stimulate the senses of the consumer to make them feel good.”  

This begs the question—are fragrance-free products better for the skin? The answer to this question is not straightforward. If you’re someone who doesn’t react well to scents, then these are not for you. “Those with acne-prone and sensitive skin types must avoid products containing fragrance. This is because products with fragrances may cause redness, itchiness, and rashes,” advises Dr Jain.  

Who should avoid products with fragrance?  

If you have sensitive skin, if your moisture barrier is damaged, or if you are generally wary of strong fragrances, it’s best to opt for a fragrance-free routine. The key is to always do a patch test and read through the ingredient list. We can’t stress this enough. If you break out or your skin feels tingly or there’s a light burning sensation, bid adieu to the product. Dr Jain says, “To identify fragrance-free products, you can look at the label of the product. Also, check for the aroma of the product. If the aroma is neutral, it means no fragrances are added to the skincare product.”

What team are you on? Fragrance or fragrance-free?