FIGGI SKIN SCIENCE
Fragrance-Free Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Understanding fragrance, skin sensitivity and why less can sometimes be more.
Fragrance is one of the most enjoyable parts of skincare. It can create a luxurious experience, evoke memories and transform an everyday routine into a moment of self-care.
But for some people, fragrance can also become one of the skin’s most common triggers.
This does not mean fragrance is bad, unsafe or something everyone needs to avoid. Many people use fragranced skincare comfortably every day.
However, decades of dermatological research show that fragrance ingredients are among the most common causes of cosmetic contact allergy. For people with sensitive or reactive skin, fragrance-free skincare may help reduce one potential source of irritation.
Why can fragrance irritate sensitive skin?
Not because fragrance is "toxic", but because the skin recognises some fragrance ingredients as potential allergens.
Fragrance is not a single ingredient. A fragrance blend may contain dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of individual aromatic compounds that work together to create a particular scent.
Most people will never experience a problem when using fragranced skincare. However, in susceptible individuals, certain fragrance ingredients can trigger an immune response that leads to allergic contact dermatitis.
This is why fragrance ingredients have been studied extensively by dermatologists and regulatory bodies around the world. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and other expert panels recognise fragrance allergy as one of the most common causes of cosmetic contact allergy, which is why specific fragrance allergens must be declared on cosmetic labels above defined concentrations.
For people with sensitive skin, reducing unnecessary exposure to fragrance may help minimise one potential source of irritation, particularly if the skin barrier is already compromised or a fragrance allergy has been diagnosed.
Not all reactions to fragrance are the same
When people say they are “sensitive to fragrance”, they may be describing different biological processes.
A fragranced product may cause temporary stinging or burning if the skin barrier is already compromised. This is usually considered irritation, not allergy.
Allergic contact dermatitis is different. Here, the immune system has become sensitised to a specific fragrance ingredient. Once this happens, even small amounts may trigger itching, redness, swelling or eczema-like symptoms.
Sensitive skin can also react without a true allergy. In this case, the skin’s sensory nerves may be more reactive, making fragrance feel uncomfortable even when visible inflammation is minimal.
Understanding the difference matters, because irritation, allergy and sensitivity are not the same thing — even though they can feel very similar on the skin.
Should everyone choose fragrance-free skincare?
Not necessarily.
For most people, fragrance is a perfectly acceptable ingredient and can be enjoyed without any adverse effects.
However, dermatologists often recommend fragrance-free skincare for people with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea or a known fragrance allergy. Removing fragrance does not guarantee a product will never cause irritation, but it does eliminate one of the most common sources of cosmetic contact allergy.
Fragrance-free skincare is therefore best viewed as a way of reducing unnecessary exposure to potential allergens, rather than as a claim that fragrance itself is harmful.
Like every ingredient used in cosmetics, fragrance should be considered in the context of the individual, their skin and how well their skin barrier is functioning.
THE FIGGI APPROACH
A science-led approach to sensitive skin
At FIGGI, we believe skincare decisions should be guided by evidence rather than fear.
Fragrance is not inherently harmful, and we do not believe it should be demonised. However, when formulating for sensitive or reactive skin, every ingredient should have a clear purpose. Since fragrance primarily contributes to the sensory experience of a product rather than its skin benefits, we choose to formulate without added fragrance to reduce one potential source of irritation for those who need it most.
Our approach is not about removing ingredients because they are controversial. It is about making thoughtful formulation choices that prioritise skin comfort, barrier support and long-term skin health.
Every formula should earn its place on the skin—not simply through what it contains, but through what it allows sensitive skin to do: feel calm, comfortable and resilient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Educational Resource
The information on this page is intended to support understanding of fragrance, sensitive skin and cosmetic contact allergy. It is based on current research and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Is fragrance bad for your skin?
No. Fragrance is not inherently harmful, and most people can use fragranced skincare without experiencing any problems. However, certain fragrance ingredients are recognised as common causes of cosmetic contact allergy in susceptible individuals.
What is the difference between fragrance-free and unscented?
Fragrance-free means no fragrance ingredients have been intentionally added to provide scent. Unscented products may still contain ingredients that mask the natural odour of the formulation, so they are not always free from fragrance-related ingredients.
Can natural essential oils cause the same reactions as synthetic fragrance?
Yes. Whether a fragrance ingredient is naturally derived or synthetically produced does not determine whether it can cause an allergic reaction. Both natural and synthetic fragrance ingredients can contain recognised allergens.
If I have sensitive skin, should I only use fragrance-free products?
Not necessarily. Many people with sensitive skin tolerate fragranced products well. However, if your skin is frequently reactive, or you have a diagnosed fragrance allergy, choosing fragrance-free skincare may help reduce one potential source of irritation.
Why do fragrance allergens appear on ingredient lists?
Certain fragrance ingredients are required to be declared on cosmetic ingredient lists above specific concentrations because they are recognised by regulators as common causes of contact allergy. This labelling helps consumers who know they are allergic to avoid specific ingredients.
See our sources
This page is based on peer-reviewed dermatology literature and scientific opinions published by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
View scientific references
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). Opinion on Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetic Products (SCCS/1459/11 and subsequent updates).
- European Commission Scientific Committee on Cosmetic Products and Non-Food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP). Fragrance Allergy in Consumers: A Review of the Problem and Analysis of the Need for Appropriate Consumer Information and Identification of Consumer Allergens.
- European Commission. Opinion Concerning Linalool.
- de Groot AC. Fragrances: Contact Allergy and Other Adverse Effects. Dermatitis. 2020.