Fragrance
High concernComposite fragrance terms reduce transparency and may hide sensitizers.
Common questions
What are common fragrance ingredients to look for on labels?
Fragrance-related ingredients include: parfum, fragrance, linalool, limonene, citronellol, eugenol, geraniol, benzyl alcohol, and essential oils like lavender oil, rose oil, and citrus extracts.
Can fragrance cause skin reactions?
Yes. Fragrance is one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The EU requires labeling of 26 known fragrance allergens above threshold concentrations.
Is 'natural' fragrance safer than synthetic?
Not necessarily. Natural fragrance compounds like essential oils contain the same allergenic molecules (linalool, limonene) as synthetic versions. "Natural" does not mean non-allergenic.
Related ingredients
BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE
High concern2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol is restricted in cosmetic products under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
ALCOHOL
Moderate concernEPA CPDat observed this chemical in 16385 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Construction and building materials, Furniture and furnishings.
Niacinamide
Minor concernEPA CPDat observed this chemical in 2264 composition records across product categories including Food and drug, Laboratory supplies, Personal care.
PHENOXYETHANOL
Minor concern2-Phenoxyethanol is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (preservatives allowed in cosmetic products).