Fragrance-Free Products: What It Means

While it's not the same for everyone, many people experience allergy-like reactions after 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.

Why Fragrance-Free?

Fragrance-free products are a necessity for people with a fragrance 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 and migraines after exposure to fragranced products. Fragrances are also one of the most common causes of contact 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 or dermatologists often recommend fragrance-free makeup for those with dry skin, acne, redness, and more. 

Although fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same safety standards as other ingredients, the law does not require them to be approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) before being sold. Additionally, the FDA does not have the legal authority to require allergen labels on makeup as they do with food.

Haircare 

Fragrance in shampoo and other types of haircare is another cause of irritant contact dermatitis. If you experience scalp irritation, redness, or inflammation after 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.

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 with eczema should also avoid using fragranced skincare products as they can cause flares.

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.

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:

• Hypoallergenic
• Fragrance-free
• Allergy tested

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.

To be sure your product does not have fragrance materials, avoid products with the words:

• Parfum
• Perfume
• Fragrance
• Aroma
• Essential oils

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.