Fragrance-Free

Fragrance-free is a label claim indicating that a product contains no ingredients added purely to give it a scent.

Fragrance is one of the more common triggers of contact irritation and allergic reactions in skincare. Because a single listed fragrance can represent a mixture of many undisclosed aromatic compounds, it is difficult to know exactly what a scented product contains. Removing added fragrance reduces this uncertainty, which is why fragrance-free products are frequently recommended for sensitive, reactive, or compromised-barrier skin and for conditions such as rosacea and eczema.

A few distinctions help in reading labels. Fragrance-free generally means no scent ingredients were added, while unscented can mean masking agents were used to cover a base odor, so the two are not identical. In addition, some plant extracts and essential oils naturally contain aromatic molecules that may irritate, even when no separate fragrance is listed. Fragrance-free therefore lowers risk but does not by itself guarantee a product will suit every sensitive user.

• For reactive skin, prefer fragrance-free versions of leave-on products such as moisturizers and serums.
• Patch test a new product before applying it to the whole face, especially with a history of reactions.

Fragrance itself is not harmful for most people and adds to the sensory experience of using a product. The fragrance-free choice is mainly about minimizing avoidable irritation for those whose skin is prone to it, rather than a statement that scented products are unsafe in general.