How do you feel when you apply a scented lotion on your body? Chances are, it lifts your mood instantly. Fragrance in skincare isn't just about smelling good—it can evoke nostalgia, joy, and even relaxation.
Scents can make you feel good because the sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for processing emotions and memories, meaning that certain smells can trigger strong positive associations and evoke feelings of happiness, comfort, or nostalgia depending on past experiences linked to that scent.
Beyond the sensory experience, fragrance often enhances the perception of luxury and helps mask the scent of less pleasant ingredients. Sounds like a win-win, right? Well, not so fast—especially if you have sensitive skin. Let us look at the current understanding of scents and smells in skincare and beauty.
Why are fragrances added to beauty products?
Fragrances can be natural such as essential oils or synthetic (man made). They are added to change the smell of products and sometimes without these added fragrances some products would simply smell unpleasant.
It can be added to the process of making creams, mascara, foundation, toner and even toothpaste. They can be added at any stage (typically towards the end) and are even present in ‘unscented’ products. You might not even find these ingredients on the ingredient list as they could be added as preservatives or emulsifiers.
What is sensitive skin ? What is the connection between skin sensitivity and fragrance ?
Skin sensitivity now has a clear definition: it refers to unpleasant sensations—such as stinging, burning, pain, itching, or tingling—that occur in response to a trigger that wouldn’t typically cause such reactions. The skin often looks normal or may appear slightly red, but crucially, these sensations cannot be explained by any visible skin condition.
This differs from secondary sensitivity, which arises due to underlying skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, or allergies.
Research suggests that skin sensitivity may be linked to a weakened skin barrier and an increase in small nerve fibers, leading to an exaggerated immune response to everyday triggers.
Women are more likely to experience sensitive skin, and identifying it can be tricky. If your skin frequently reacts with stinging, burning, itching, or redness—especially to cosmetic fragrances, toiletries, or environmental changes—you likely have sensitive skin.
What are the main issues to be made aware of when using fragrance in products?
Allergic contact dermatitis is a significant concern and quite common, approximately affecting 10% of the population in India (Sharma et al) as per research published by AIIMS, Delhi. However, the actual numbers may be higher due to biases in reporting and study limitations.
Fragrances can also trigger irritant contact dermatitis, a condition where the skin becomes inflamed due to direct irritation rather than an allergic reaction. This can increase sensitivity to sunlight, and prolonged low-level irritation may even contribute to skin hyperpigmentation.
What are the other issues with fragrances in products?
Fragrances in skincare and personal care products often contain chemicals that may act as endocrine disruptors, substances that interfere with hormone function. Some synthetic fragrance compounds, such as phthalates and synthetic musks, have been shown to mimic or block hormonal activity, potentially impacting reproductive health, metabolism, and even neurological development (Koniecki et al. 2011; Giulivo et al. 2016).
Studies suggest that long-term exposure to these compounds, even at low levels, may contribute to hormone-related conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, infertility, and certain cancers (Diamanti-Kandarakis et al. 2009).
Since fragrance formulations are often considered trade secrets, companies are not required to disclose all ingredients, making it difficult for consumers to assess their exposure to potential endocrine disruptors (Dodson et al. 2012). In countries where regulation can be variable this is of significant concern.
Top tips for sensitive skin when it comes to choosing products containing fragrance?
If you have a confirmed fragrance allergy, avoid fragranced products entirely—though this can be challenging. Those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema should also steer clear, as fragrance increases the risk of irritation, flare-ups, and contact allergies.
For others, complete avoidance isn’t necessary, but some ingredients are highly sensitizing and best minimized. If you are fragrance-sensitive, always choose fragrance-free and carefully check ingredient lists, as not all components are fully disclosed. You may need to check brand websites or contact manufacturers. One can also come across indirect exposure from professionals, family members, friends and hair dressers.
When reading labels, watch for alternative names like “parfum” or essential oils. Natural doesn’t always mean safe—linalool, a common plant-derived alcohol which is present in lavender and cinnamon, is a known allergen increasingly linked to contact dermatitis.
Closing points
For people with sensitive skin navigating the maze of products to find something that is suitable for their skin can often be tricky. It is important to do the research before introducing a new product into your skin routine especially if you suffer from skin that is sensitive. Choosing products that are fragrance free can help minimise irritation and keep your skin healthy and happy. At Formial Labs, we make your skincare formula fresh each month this means we add only minimal preservatives. More importantly we do not add any additional fragrances into your personalised skincare. Your formula simply smells of the ingredients that it contains hence is suitable for users who are sensitive to added fragrances.
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