Why Experts Are Steering Clear Of These Skin-Care Products

Dropping your hard-earned money on new skin care can be exciting. You might've researched reviews and star ratings, then scanned the label for dermatologist-loved additions like retinol and vitamin C — all necessary steps to finding your new, go-to product. For an increasing number of people, however, there's an annoying issue when ripping off the protective packaging and delving in: the smell.

Whether you're a 10-step routine devotee or a cleanse-and-moisturize type of person, chances are at least one of your skin-care products contains fragrance. For the majority, fragranced skin-care is no issue at all and adds to the relaxing, sensory experience of applying products. But lately, skin-care experts are noticing a trend. Miss Jonquille Chantrey, founder of Øne Aesthetic Studiø, reports that more patients are experiencing reactions to skin-care products packed with perfume. Meanwhile, medical doctor and director of Joyful Skin, Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa, recently told R29: "In general, the more wonderful it smells, the worse it is for your skin."

Most commonly labeled 'parfum' on ingredients lists, Dr Parisha Acharya, aesthetic doctor at Waterhouse Young, explains: "Fragrance is an umbrella term for a cocktail of ingredients used by the cosmetics industry to scent products and they may be natural or synthetic." The confusion begins with the language used on packaging. "The cosmetic industry does not have to list every ingredient used in this cocktail and can rightfully just state perfume or fragrance," explains Dr Acharya. If you're not a cosmetic chemist, it can be difficult to work out exactly what these fragrances are, and many potentially bothersome culprits are often tucked away on labels.

"There are thousands of fragrance molecules and luckily only a small proportion can be irritating," adds Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. "But some of the most common fragrance allergens include cinnamal, isoeugenol, limonene and linalool," names you'd be forgiven for glossing over while reading product labels. Dr Acharya mentions that essential oils (concentrated oils extracted from plants) are also used to scent products (often by brands which market themselves as 'natural' or 'clean'). Being derived from natural sources doesn't make them any less irritating, particularly if you're prone to skin sensitivity.

The conversation around fragrance in skin care is nothing new but still hotly debated on social media. When Fenty Skin launched, fans with reactive skin took to Twitter in droves to share their opinions. One user tweeted: "I was so excited to try FENTY SKIN but fragrance in skin care is such a huge no no for me." Another wrote: "I want products that are the most beneficial for my skin [...] I was excited for the Fenty skin-care line but the fragrance (albeit less than 1%) is still enough to cause bad reactions for someone with sensitive skin like me. I'll pass." Though the range is cruelty-free and includes effective ingredients, like oil-reducing niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and moisturizing glycerin, TikTokers can't seem to get over the addition of fragrance.

TikTok's skin-care experts and beauty enthusiasts continue to wage war on fragranced products, citing sore skin and discoloration as potential issues. Most famously, skin-care influencer Hyram Yarbro went viral for sharing his thoughts on fragrance, essential oils, and certain alcohols in beauty products, with his takedown video amassing 2.2 million views to date. A quick whip round beauty-editor friends proved that even seasoned product reviewers struggle to tolerate fragrance in skin care. A large proportion said that it aggravates their skin, with essential oils topping the list of repeat offenders.

If you're in the sensitive skin camp, Dr. Wedgeworth explains that there are two ways in which fragrance may cause a reaction. First, irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by fragrance irritating the outer layer of skin. Dr. Acharya says that this can disrupt your skin barrier and make skin sensitive. "If the skin's barrier is damaged, it will result in tiny cracks which allow moisture to leak away and foreign substances like irritants in. Signs of a damaged barrier include dryness, redness, itching, stinging and breakouts." Second, Dr. Wedgeworth pinpoints allergic contact dermatitis. "This may occur due to the fragrance being recognized as a foreign molecule by the skin and activating an immune response." In both cases, adds Dr. Wedgeworth, "skin can feel uncomfortable and become red and inflamed with patches of dryness, flaking and itching." She adds that fragrance allergy may present as a type of eczema, too. Though rare, severe cases can cause swelling and blistering.

So why is fragrance sensitivity on the rise? It pays to look at our skin-care routines as a whole. Thanks to Instagram and TikTok, we're using more products than ever before. Recommended routines feature multiple steps and products including cleansers, toners, essences, serums, masks, moisturizers, and oils. The expert consensus? No one needs to use that many products, and skin is at risk of being overloaded. As a result, it may appear dry, irritated and red, and any fragrance in skin care (even trace amounts) may exacerbate this sensitivity.

Our obsession with the latest, buzzy ingredients could be an issue, too. When used incorrectly, too often, or in large concentrations, things like retinol, exfoliating acids (for example, glycolic and salicylic acid), and even vitamin C are known to cause skin irritation for a handful of people. If your skin barrier is already affected by overdoing it on these ingredients, using products that contain fragrance may make that uncomfortable feeling worse. It isn't just TikTokers who are choosing not to purchase fragranced skin care. Dr. Acharya confirms: "Fragranced skin care is definitely falling out of favor as consumers are looking for skin-friendly products that are unlikely to cause sensitivity." Dr. Wedgeworth agrees: "I think people are shifting their focus more towards skin health, such as analyzing the ingredients of products and asking how they can benefit their skin. Fragrance has no benefit to the skin. It's not necessary in skin care."

It's important to note that not everyone will experience sensitivity to fragrance — but should you give it a miss? "Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin types and chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, should try to avoid fragranced skin care, as it may further irritate their delicate skin," explains Dr. Acharya. If you aren't sure whether you are sensitive to a product, she suggests doing a patch test. "Do this behind your ear or on your neck for a few days and see how your skin reacts," she advises. Dr. Wedgeworth recommends shelving the offending product immediately if your skin reacts badly and suggests stripping back your skin-care routine. "Just use very gentle cleansers and rich, hydrating moisturizers. If reactions keep occurring, see your doctor to arrange tests to try and work out the culprit." For more severe reactions, Dr. Wedgeworth warns you may need to see your doctor or pharmacist to obtain an anti-inflammatory steroid cream.

Though the anti-fragrance movement shows no sign of slowing down, it really isn't all bad. There's a good reason why many skin-care products contain fragrance. Dr. Acharya explains that they often mask medicinal smells, which may otherwise be unpleasant when applied to skin. Dr. Wedgeworth adds that scented skin care can improve the consumer experience. Take cult product Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, or Mario Badescu's ever-popular Aloe & Rose Facial Spray. Neither would be the same without its uplifting scent.

Unless a skin expert has advised you to give scented products a hard pass, or you've had a reaction and experienced sore, dry skin in the past, you don't need to toss your fragranced skin care. If it's working for you, great. If you're not sure, beauty pros like Sarah Lee and Christine Chang advise making sure any fragrance is low on the ingredients list when shopping for new products. Viral TikTok skin-care enthusiast @yayayayoung adds: "Fragrance in products does not make it bad. If you've had any allergies or sensitivities to fragrances or have had any adverse reactions in the past, then of course avoid products with fragrances. But for everyone else: Do your research, make your own informed decision, and try out the product before you label it as a 'no'."

If your skin is easily upset or you simply prefer to use fragrance-free skincare, here are some of Dr. Acharya's favorite picks: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, gently removes makeup, SPF, and daily grime without stripping skin. It can be used in both the morning and the evening. For an exfoliating step, Dr. Acharya recommends Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50, a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to unclog pores and promote smoother, brighter skin. Though it doesn't contain fragrance, it does have quite a potent, vinegary smell (that'll be the acids).

PCA Skin's Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum, and Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum also make Dr Acharya's fragrance-free favorites list. Finally, if you're in need of a simple, scentless moisturizer, R29 rates Byoma's Moisturizing Gel Cream, which is lightweight and quenching, and The Ordinary's Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which cocoons skin in moisture and works for pretty much all skin types.