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Ingredient dictionary

Perfume

Also listed as: Parfum, Fragrance, Aroma

Perfume is a blend of scent compounds, dissolved in a solvent, that gives a product its smell. It is on the label of 1 product in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, so sensitive, eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin usually does better without it.

  • Fragrance. Added scent, listed as Parfum, Fragrance or Aroma.

What Perfume does

  • Gives the product a pleasant scent
  • Masks the smell of other ingredients
  • Adds sensory appeal when used

Perfume is made by blending many aroma compounds. Some come from plant oils and some are made in a lab. The blend is dissolved in a solvent, usually alcohol, so it mixes evenly into a formula. Formulators add it to give a product a signature scent and to hide the smell of other ingredients.

Perfume is used in small amounts and is one of the most common sources of skin reactions in cosmetics. It shows up most often in exfoliants. Fragrance-free versions leave it out, which many people with sensitive skin prefer.

Good for

Shoppers who enjoy scent and have skin that tolerates fragrance well; less suited to sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is perfume bad for your skin?

Not for everyone. Perfume is well tolerated by many people, but it is the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy. If your skin is sensitive, reactive or prone to eczema or rosacea, choosing fragrance-free products is often the calmer option.

What is the difference between fragrance-free and unscented?

Fragrance-free products have no added fragrance. Unscented products may still contain masking fragrance, which is added to cover the smell of other ingredients. If you react to scent, look for fragrance-free on the label, since unscented does not always mean fragrance-free.

Products with Perfume

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