Fragrance
"Parfum" (or "Fragrance") on a label is an umbrella term for a scent blend a brand need not disclose ingredient-by-ingredient. Fragrance is the single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, so it is flagged for fragrance-allergic and for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Under EU Regulation 1223/2009 a scent mix can be listed simply as "Parfum," but specific fragrance allergens must be named separately once they exceed set thresholds — 26 of them historically, expanded to around 80 by Regulation (EU) 2023/1545.
Fragrance mix is consistently among the top causes of allergic contact dermatitis in dermatology patch-test data. People with a known fragrance allergy, sensitive skin, or eczema often do better with products labelled "fragrance-free" — not merely "unscented," which can still use a masking fragrance.
Who this affects
Avoid
- Fragrance allergy: The most common cosmetic contact allergen; best avoided if you patch-test positive to fragrance mix.
Caution
- Sensitive skin & eczema: An undisclosed scent mix that commonly irritates reactive or eczema-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions
"Parfum" (or "Aroma") is an umbrella term for a perfume composition that can be made up of dozens of individual scent chemicals. Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, manufacturers may group these under the single word "parfum" rather than name each one — which is why a single "Parfum" entry can hide many substances.
Yes. According to DermNet, fragrance allergy is second only to nickel as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis, and around 1% of adults are affected. Fragrance is not a single chemical: a European review identified 82 fragrance substances established as contact allergens. This is general information, not a diagnosis.
Because certain fragrance chemicals are recognised allergens. The EU has required 26 named fragrance allergens to be listed individually rather than hidden under "parfum," and Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 expands this to around 80 substances. They must be declared once concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off products, with compliance required by 31 July 2026.
They are not the same. "Fragrance-free" generally means no fragrance materials or masking scents are added, whereas "unscented" products may still contain fragrance chemicals used to mask the smell of other ingredients. DermNet advises people with fragrance allergy to choose fragrance-free products, and warns that "unscented," "natural" or "botanical" claims can still contain unlisted fragrance.
Many dermatology sources suggest fragrance-free products for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, since fragrance is a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis and a fragrance allergy is usually life-long and can worsen with continued exposure. Only patch testing by a dermatologist can confirm whether you are sensitised, so professional advice and the product label remain the authoritative guide for you.