Fragrance VS Fragrance Free in Skincare: A Guide
Do I really need to stop using my favourite product because it has fragrance in it and someone on TikTok told me to stop using it?
Image credit: Natalia Blauth via Unsplash
The answer is no. However, it’s important to note that not all fragrance is created equal.
Fragrance can come from both natural and synthetic sources, and contrary to popular belief, natural fragrances can sometimes be more sensitising, especially for sensitive skin.
This is also part of the reason why medical professionals often recommend fragrance-free products alongside their prescribed treatment.
The Truth About Fragrance in Skincare
Using fewer products with fewer ingredients helps lower the chance of experiencing adverse reactions with skincare.
Many skincare brands designed for sensitive skin, like Avène, specifically formulate some of their products using a minimalist formula. Their HAB3 serum only has 8 ingreditents and is ofcourse, fragrance free.
Skincare isn’t medical treatment. More ingredients can improve texture, performance, the way products layer with makeup, and address cosmetic concerns that skincare can tackle.
“Natural” vs. Synthetic Fragrances
Natural fragrances, often derived from citrus oils and lavender, are known allergens for some individuals. That doesn’t make them inherently bad, nor does it mean you’ll react to them.
However, if:
You have an existing allergy to an ingredient like lavender, or
You have particularly sensitive, reactive skin,
...you may be at higher risk—not just because of the fragrance, but due to the increased number of ingredients in the product.
Synthetic fragrances are typically less irritating because they are formulated with fewer compounds and often used in smaller amounts.
Unlike natural blends, synthetic fragrances tend to stand on their own, making them easier to control for consistent scent delivery across products.
What If I Want to Use Fragrance-Free Products?
Choosing skincare that suits you comes down to personal enjoyment, how your skin responds, and your budget.
Brands are aware that people with reactive skin can struggle with fragrance and have created fragrance-free versions of popular products.
A good example is the Embryolisse Lait Creme Sensitive Cream, which offers both a classic scented version and a sensitive, fragrance-free option.
The sensitive version isn’t just the original formula minus fragrance; it includes hypoallergenic ingredients to better suit sensitive skin types.
Why Do Brands Use Fragrance?
Sometimes, active ingredients can smell unpleasant, and fragrance is used to mask those odours.
Other times, fragrance enhances the product's experience, influencing the way consumers feel about it.
A perfect example is Glow Recipe’s Watermelon range, where the signature scent makes up less than 1% of the formula but is instantly recognisable and plays a key role in its appeal.
Fragrance also affects our perception of value. For instance, many people associate the powdery, floral scents in classic French skincare with luxury and nostalgia.
Though the scent might feel old-fashioned to some, it evokes elegance and prestige, appealing to certain consumers.
Signature scents are another strategy used by brands. Dermalogica, for example, carries a familiar scent across many of its products to create brand consistency.
My Experience Behind The Brand
During my time as a marketing executive at a luxury French skincare brand, we spent hours discussing the role of the olfactory nerve, scent pyramids, and how new products were fragranced.
These discussions involved complex scent layering, similar to what you’d find in fine perfumes but at a much lower concentration.
The goal was to create an enjoyable sensory experience while conveying the complexity and luxury of the product. This sense of luxury wasn’t limited to fragrance alone—it extended to packaging, fonts, advertising, and beyond.
Summing it up
Ultimately, the best skincare routine is one that you enjoy. If your skin reacts to a product, stop using it, whether it’s due to fragrance or another ingredient.
Exploring fragrance-free options might help if you have reactive skin, but you are absolutely allowed to choose products simply because you enjoy how they smell.
The most important thing is that both your skin and you are happy.
