Ingredient Education · Feb 16, 2026

Fragrance

Fragrance is one of the most talked-about ingredients in personal care. Most people are at least vaguely aware that it can be “problematic.” Some avoid it entirely. Others openly admit they know it’s not ideal but don’t want to give up their favorite scent.

That cultural awareness exists for a reason.

In cosmetics and household products, “fragrance” (often listed as parfum or aroma) is not a single ingredient. It is a proprietary blend that can contain dozens to hundreds of individual chemicals designed to create and stabilize a scent. Because fragrance formulas are protected as trade secrets, manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific components. On an ingredient label, an entire mixture is represented by a single word.

From a formulation standpoint, fragrance improves user experience and brand identity. From a transparency standpoint, it limits consumer visibility into what is actually present.

The most well-established concern surrounding fragrance is skin sensitization. Fragrance ingredients are among the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatology literature consistently identifies fragrance mixes as common triggers in patch testing. Repeated exposure over time increases the risk of sensitization, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or compromised barriers.

Respiratory and neurologic symptoms are also frequently reported with fragranced products. Population data show that a meaningful percentage of individuals report headaches, irritation, or breathing discomfort in fragranced environments. While not every report represents a clinically confirmed allergy, the pattern of sensitivity is consistently documented.

The endocrine conversation adds another layer. Certain fragrance constituents, including some phthalates historically used as fixatives and certain synthetic musks, have been studied in the context of hormone signaling disruption in laboratory and environmental research. This does not mean every fragranced product will cause hormonal damage. It does mean fragrance mixtures are not biologically inert.

What makes fragrance different from many other debated ingredients is this: it is not required for function.

A lotion moisturizes without scent.
A cleanser cleans without scent.
A detergent washes without scent.

Fragrance exists purely for sensory appeal.

When an ingredient category is a leading cause of sensitization, may contain undisclosed components, includes chemicals studied for endocrine interaction, and serves no functional purpose, that shifts the evaluation.

This is one area where I am more firmly opposed.

Not because one exposure is catastrophic, but because the risk-to-benefit ratio does not justify routine use, especially when cumulative exposure across personal care, laundry, air care, and cleaning products can be significant.

For me, this comes down to necessity and cumulative load. Fragrance adds exposure without adding function. In an environment already saturated with layered chemical inputs, removing non-essential exposures is one of the simplest and most impactful choices available.

That is why fragrance (parfum, aroma) is on my Ingredients We Avoid list and why I choose to keep my formulations fragrance-free.

Low-tox living is not about fear. It is about being intentional. When something is unnecessary and carries documented concerns, that is a place I am comfortable drawing a clear line.

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