Take fragrance, for example.
For those who are sensitive to scent, a fragrance-free skincare routine is a no-brainer.
Meet the Experts
What Is Fragrance?
ohlamour studio / Stocksy
There are two overarching categories of fragrance: synthetic and natural.
Synthetic
What does synthetic fragrance mean, exactly?
Simply put, synthetic fragrance is developed in a lab.
Natural fragrance may only last one to two years, while synthetic fragrance can last up to five years.
Natural fragrances are not made up in a lab; they are in fact extracted from their natural source.
Unlike synthetic, there is only one punch in of natural fragrance, and that is all-natural.
The biggest problem with fragrance in skincare is the lack of transparency, says Hu.
Why Are Skincare Products Fragranced?
Unsurprisingly, there is no clinical reason for fragrance in skincare, Fernandez tells us.
Typically, there is something enticing about a product smelling good."
Brands will put fragrance in their products to mask an unpleasant smell that can occur naturally with certain ingredients.
Using a product that smells nice can make the overall experience more pleasurable.
They are used to combine all senses and give us that feel-good mood.
Is Fragrance-Free Skincare Better?
Is fragrance-free skincare better?
The answer to this question can vary per person.
For someone with fragrance allergies or sensitivity, by default, the answer is yes.
But when looking at the broader picture, the answer is not as direct.
Some with sensitive noses easily get headaches from the lightest of scents.
It is important to know that fragrance-free is different from unscented, says Vergara.
Circling back to the core question: Hu says, not necessarily.
She continues: Transparency is the key to navigating fragrance in skincare.
If fragrance is listed as an ingredient, it should be followed by a list of ingredients in parentheses.
Just because a skincare product is fragrance-free does not make it better than one that does contain a fragrance.
Ultimately, you should choose what works best for your body and skin.
As mentioned, those who experience migraines should typically opt to avoid fragrance in skincare.
Its not so bad to have fragrances in your body products that are applied to generally less sensitive skin.
Neck and eye skin is thinner and can be more vulnerable to fragrances.
Ingredients including benzyl alcohol, benzyl salicylate, and cinnamyl alcohol are among the most frequently reported consumer allergens.
