Fragrance (Parfum)
What it does
Fragrance — listed as “Fragrance” or “Parfum” — gives a product its scent and masks the raw smell of the other ingredients. A single “Parfum” entry can stand for anywhere from a handful to dozens of individual scent molecules, which is why the specifics are rarely spelled out on the label.
What to know
Added fragrance is one of the more frequent causes of cosmetic contact reactions, so it is a common thing to watch for if your skin is sensitive or reactive. The EU requires certain known fragrance allergens to be named individually on the label, and that list was significantly expanded under Regulation (EU) 2023/1545. “Fragrance-free” is not always the same as “unscented” — the latter can still use masking ingredients.
Commonly found in
Almost any category — cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and body care — unless a product is specifically fragrance-free.
Frequently asked questions
What does Fragrance or Parfum mean on a label?
It is an umbrella term for a scent blend that can contain many individual components, which are not all listed separately. It can be natural, synthetic, or a mix.
Is fragrance bad for your skin?
For most people it is fine. But added fragrance is one of the more common causes of cosmetic skin reactions, so people with sensitive or reactive skin often choose to avoid it.
What is the difference between fragrance-free and unscented?
Fragrance-free means no fragrance was added. Unscented can still contain masking ingredients used to hide a base smell, so it is not always the same thing.
Evidence
Last updated: August 5, 2026