Fragrance (Parfum)
An umbrella term for a blend of aromatic components. May contain dozens of allergenic substances. The leading contact allergen in cosmetics – triggers contact dermatitis in 1–4% of the population.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Not an active ingredient but an aesthetic additive. Epidemiological studies report contact allergy in 1–4% of the general population and up to 16% in dermatology clinic patients. In the EU, 26 fragrance allergens require mandatory labeling.
- Buckley DA. Br J Dermatol. 2007;157(2):295-300. PMID 17573873
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- High
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Use with caution
- Sensitive, Dry
For sensitive skin
People with sensitive skin, eczema, and rosacea should avoid fragranced products. The label 'unscented' does not guarantee absence of masking fragrances.
About this ingredient
Fragrance (Parfum) is an umbrella term for the blend of aromatic components in cosmetics. A single word can hide from a few to hundreds of substances – natural essential oils, synthetic molecules, aroma chemistry, fixatives. Regulation. EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III mandates labeling of 26 potential fragrance allergens in the ingredient list above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off. From 2026 ESCD adds 56 more allergens to the mandatory list – 80+ compounds in total. Contact allergy. Fragrance ingredients are the leading contact allergen in cosmetics. ESCD 2024: patch-test reactions in 1-4% of the general population, up to 10-15% in patients with eczema and atopy. Often with "fragrance sensitivity" syndrome: headaches, nausea, eye irritation. Where applied. Nearly all color and skincare cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, shower gels, home products. In Spain fragrance-free lines include La Roche-Posay Toleriane, Avène, CeraVe, Eucerin. Safety. SCCS evaluates safety of individual fragrance components individually. IFRA sets concentration limits in finished products by category. Fragrance-free products may contain "masking fragrance" – small amounts of aroma to neutralize raw material odor. Under EU Regulation such products are labeled "sans parfum" or "fragrance-free" without mandatory ingredient disclosure. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. SEGO 2023 recommends fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin, atopy, in the first trimester, and avoiding heavily fragranced products on the abdomen and breasts. For infants and children under 3 in Spain, fragrance-free exclusively is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fragrance (Parfum) safe during pregnancy?
Fragrance (Parfum) should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Fragrance (Parfum) for?
Use with caution in: sensitive, dry.
Can Fragrance (Parfum) irritate the skin?
Fragrance (Parfum) has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Can Fragrance (Parfum) cause an allergic reaction?
Fragrance (Parfum) has high allergen potential. Perform a patch test on the inner forearm 24 hours before facial application.
What is Fragrance (Parfum) and what does it do in cosmetics?
An umbrella term for a blend of aromatic components.
What's the INCI name for Fragrance (Parfum)?
The INCI name is Parfum. It may also appear as: Fragrance, Perfume, Aroma.
See Fragrance (Parfum) in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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