Why Fragrance In Skincare Is harmful for Your Skin?

This topic is debatable. I am not a doctor or skincare professional. This is a topic that I am very passionate about. If I could have it my way I would try to eliminate many products that include fragrance in their line of skincare. Everyone’s skin is different. I particularly have very sensitive skin. I do deal with many skin concerns and because of this I am VERY picky when it comes to choosing certain ingredients for my skin. Now, I understand some fragrance is actually natural and in some cases needed as an ingredient for a product. There are some products that I still use that have fragrance in it but these are few and far between.

Many companies on the market put fragrance in their products to simply make the product smell nicer. Would rather buy the moisturizer that smells like coconuts and reminds you of laying on a beach? Or buy a product that smells like nothing? We fall for this tactic, all the time. When I was a teenager you better believe I was purchasing the Victoria Secret body lotion that smelt like candy. Fragrance takes you back and in some cases makes you feel more confident or feel soothed. I completely understand why we use products that include heavy fragrance. I have fallen for this before. Everyone has.

When adding fragrance especially in skincare products it can actually mask the smell if the product goes bad, so you end up using the same product for a long time. Think of it this way, if you wanted to figure out what has gone bad in your fridge, what is the first thing you end up doing? SMELLING IT… right? If you only smell a heavy scent you would never be able to tell that your products went bad. Fragrance before it even goes bad can still harm your skin. Many people are sensitive to fragrance. Fragrance most times can cause redness and irritation to the skin especially if you do have sensitive skin.

Fragrance can be used in two different forms in skincare: synthetically or natural. Natural fragrance is usually from extracts from plants for example rose and lavender. A product like rose water for example would have this type of fragrance in it. Synthetic fragrance is created in a lab. Synthetic fragrance can be harmful. We want to sooth our skin with products and fix out skins issues. When having added synthetic fragrance we would be doing the opposite. You are essentially irritating the skin. Some people may claim that their products are not harming their skin because they do not see a difference. Their skin may not be irritated from products with heavy fragrance. This does not mean it is still not harming your skin. Damage can be done to the skin overtime.

How can you tell a product is fragrance free? This can be found in two different ways. Some brands will actually say this on their packaging. The second way you can tell if a product is fragrance free is by simply looking at the ingredient list. The ingredient to try to find on the product is simply called fragrance/parfum. If you do not see this listed than usually that means the product is fragrance free.

No one will look out for your skin more than you will. Take a hold of the damage control of some of the ingredients used in your skincare products and determine what is safe and not for you. There is so much information out there now. Take the time to research the ingredients in your skincare. I know you are about to be mind blown. Ingredient research is very important. Care for your skin and your skin will love you back.