Fragrance-free Cosmetics

Frequently Asked Questions about Fragrance Free products

What does fragrance free mean?

The title pretty much gives it away, but let's explore the term on a deeper level. Literally speaking, a fragrance free product tends to not contain any additional fragrance – artificial or otherwise – to the formula's naturally occurring scent. However, the key word here is additional, because the original may contain safe (but potentially irritable) fragrance-based ingredients.

What are the skin care benefits of fragrance free beauty products?

Depending on your skin type, artificial fragrances can cause serious irritation to the skin's surface. In some medical journals, it has been reported that the chemicals and compounds used in artificial fragrances can cause side effects that include asthmatic flare-ups, headaches and allergic skin reactions – but of course, this isn't true for everyone. By using fragrance free products, such as gentle serums and cleansers, skin is less likely to flare up in any nasty rashes and can generally feel less itchy.

Who should use fragrance free beauty products?

Fragrance free products are open for anyone to use, but sensitive and irritable skin types would benefit most from it due to their slightly more delicate nature. You can easily find fragrance free options to fit into your entire beauty routine, including moisturisers, foundations and body creams.

How often should I be using fragrance free beauty products?

Just like everything in life, all things should be used in moderation. As long as the product is truly fragrance free and boasts an impressively clean ingredients list, regular use should be fine.

Are there any negative side effects of fragrance free beauty products?

Unfortunately, a lot of products may claim that they are fragrance free, but tougher regulations on this label are still to be put in place. Some brands may use that fragrance free label but still include ingredients like citronellol, citral and linalool, which is why it is so important to check that ingredients list (yes, we know it can be a bit of a bore, but your skin will seriously thank you).

What’s the difference between unscented and fragrance free beauty products?

Sure, both titles seem like they would mean the same thing, but the difference is pretty big. We already know that fragrance-free means that, hopefully, no fragrances have been added to the naturally occurring scents already provided.

So, what does unscented mean? Unfortunately, unscented products can actually be more harmful to you. You may be fooled into thinking that if something doesn't smell, then it's probably much better for your skin. Wrong. In a lot of cases, 'unscented' products contain more chemicals than the average product to mask any naturally occurring scents. Phthalates are very commonly used in 'unscented' items – a plasticising agent that you'll want to avoid at all costs.

Can a fragrance free beauty product have a smell?

Absolutely. Don't be fooled into thinking that a fragrance free product is going to have to, pharmaceutical-like scent. Any product that uses oils or other natural ingredients will produce a naturally-occurring scent. Shea butter, for example, may be used in a product as a base ingredient to help with the texture, but its naturally sweet smell is still going to come through.

Written by Ellie Child, Beauty Editor