Fragrance in Skincare: Should Sensitive Skin Avoid It?
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Fragrance divides opinion in skincare. It makes products more enjoyable, but it is also one of the more common triggers of skin reactions. Here is a balanced view.
What the research shows
Fragrance ingredients are among the more frequent causes of allergic contact dermatitis. A large European study reported meaningful rates of contact sensitisation to the standard screening mixes known as fragrance mix I and fragrance mix II (Uter et al., 2024, PMID 38945918). This does not mean everyone reacts, but it does mean fragrance is a sensible thing to watch if your skin is reactive.
Who should consider fragrance-free
- People with sensitive, reactive or eczema-prone skin.
- Anyone who has reacted to scented products before.
- For leave-on products near the eyes, where skin is more delicate.
If your skin is comfortable with lightly fragranced products, there is no need to fear them. The key is watching how your own skin responds.
At Verdo we stock soothing options suited to reactive skin, including the Medik8 Calmwise Serum and the Medik8 Gentle Cleanse.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.
