Fragrances and fragrance allergens

In short: “Parfum” in the ingredient list stands for a mixture of often dozens of fragrances. Fragrances are among the most common triggers of contact allergies.

In more detail: The EU requires 26 known fragrance allergens to be named individually when their content exceeds certain limits, for example limonene, linalool, citronellol, geraniol, eugenol, coumarin and citral. The list is being extended.

Our context: The product scanner deducts a little for parfum and for each named allergen and rewards products entirely without fragrance.

In Depth

• Natural ≠ harmless: Essential oils contain many of the allergens.
• “Fragrance-free” and “unscented”: The latter can contain masking agents that cover the natural smell.
• Sensitive skin, children, atopic dermatitis: Prefer fragrance-free products.
• Cleaners and laundry: Fragrances also appear in their ingredients.

See also: INCI: reading cosmetic ingredients, Parabens