“Fragrance-free” usually means no fragrance or perfume has been added to a product. It doesn’t mean the product has no smell, and it isn’t a legally defined term for US cosmetics. “Unscented” is different: it can mean a masking fragrance was added to hide the smell of other ingredients. The ingredient list is the only reliable check.
Fragrance-free vs unscented
- Fragrance-free: generally, no ingredient was added to give the product a scent.
- Unscented: generally, the product has no noticeable smell, which may be achieved by adding a masking fragrance.
If you react to fragrance, “unscented” isn’t the same promise.
Why a fragrance-free product can still smell
Many ingredients have their own scent: plant extracts, oils, butters, some preservatives. A fragrance-free cream can smell faintly of its ingredients. That is normal, and it isn’t the same as added fragrance.
Where fragrance appears in an ingredient list
- “Fragrance” or “Parfum.” In the US, a fragrance can be listed under this single word without naming its components.
- Essential oils, such as lavender, citrus peel or rose oils, which are aromatic by nature.
- Named fragrance components, such as linalool, limonene, citronellol, geraniol or eugenol. These can come from added fragrance or from essential oils and plant extracts.
A product can be labeled fragrance-free and still contain a botanical with naturally aromatic compounds, so read the whole list. How to read botanical extracts.
Why it matters
Fragrance ingredients are among the more common causes of cosmetic allergic reactions. The FDA advises people with allergies to read the full ingredient list rather than rely on phrases like “for sensitive skin.” Dermatologists often suggest fragrance-free products for sensitive or reactive skin.
How to shop if fragrance bothers you
- Look for “fragrance-free,” not “unscented.”
- Search the list for “fragrance,” “parfum” and essential oils.
- Note named components you know you react to.
- Keep a record of products that caused problems, with their full lists.
- Introduce one product at a time. Try a product on a small area first.
- See a dermatologist about patch testing if reactions keep happening. It can identify specific allergens.
What fragrance-free doesn’t tell you
- That a product is gentle overall.
- That it contains no plant extracts or essential-oil components.
- That it will suit sensitive skin. Other ingredients can still irritate.
- That it is “hypoallergenic,” a term the FDA says has no federal standard.
How we describe ours
Our manufacturer lists all four Ozera formulas as fragrance-free, and none lists fragrance, parfum or an essential oil. Some contain plant extracts, and 001 Copper Peptide Cream contains witch hazel water. Every formula’s full list is on its product page so you can check. “Fragrance-free” is the manufacturer’s attribute, not a certification. Our editorial standards.
Further reading: FDA: Allergens in cosmetics · FDA: Hypoallergenic cosmetics · FDA: Cosmetics labeling guide
For a fragrance-free moisturizer in our range, see Copper Peptide Cream and read its complete ingredient list before choosing.
Photography: Annie Spratt / Unsplash. Editorial photograph.