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Fragrance

Fragrance
Also known as: Parfum · Perfume · Aroma · Scent
Fragrance

The single most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis — worth watching.

Skin types
Normal, Oily
Pore-clogging
Non-comedogenic
Use when
AM & PM
Concentration
Up
What it does

Fragrance (listed as "Fragrance" or "Parfum") is an umbrella term that can represent a blend of hundreds of undisclosed chemical compounds. While fragrances make products more pleasant, they are the leading cause of cosmetic contact allergy. Both synthetic and natural fragrances can be sensitising.

Benefits
  • Improves the sensory experience of using a product
How to layer
☀️ Morning routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
SPF
🌙 Evening routine
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturiser
Face Oil
After cleansing, before moisturiser
Good for
Normal skinOily skin
Heads up
  • Leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis and sensitisation
  • Individual fragrance components are not disclosed — impossible to identify specific allergens
  • Natural fragrances (essential oils, botanical extracts) can be as sensitising as synthetic ones
  • Particularly problematic for sensitive, rosacea-prone, and eczema-prone skin
How to use

If you have sensitive, reactive, or allergy-prone skin, choose fragrance-free formulations. Patch test new fragranced products on the inner arm for 24–48 hours.

Typical concentration: Up to 1% in leave-on products; not disclosed as a mixture