Fragrance (Parfum)
Fragrance (Parfum) — a blanket term on ingredient labels for a blend of aroma compounds, and sometimes solvents and fixatives, added to give a product its scent. A single fragrance can contain many individual components, which is why it appears as one word rather than a full list. Fragrance is a common source of skin sensitivity, so many products aimed at sensitive skin omit it.
Key points
- On labels, fragrance or parfum represents a mixture of scent ingredients rather than a single substance.
- Fragrance can be derived from synthetic materials, natural sources like essential oils, or a combination of both.
- It is one of the more frequently reported causes of contact allergy and skin irritation in cosmetics.
- Products labeled fragrance-free generally contain no added scent, while unscented may still use masking fragrance.
Frequently asked
Is fragrance bad for the skin?
Fragrance is not harmful for everyone, but it is a common trigger for irritation and allergic reactions, so those with sensitive or reactive skin may prefer to avoid it.
What is the difference between fragrance-free and unscented?
Fragrance-free typically means no fragrance ingredients were added, whereas unscented can mean masking fragrances were used to neutralize the smell of other ingredients.
Related topics
This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.
