What does 'fragrance' or 'parfum' mean on a label?
One word on the ingredient list — fragrance, parfum or aroma — can stand for a mix of many ingredients. It's one of the most common reasons people check their cosmetics.
Why the ingredients aren't listed
In the U.S., fragrance formulas can be protected as trade secrets, so labels may simply say 'fragrance.' The 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act directs the FDA to require fragrance allergens to be disclosed on labels; check the FDA's website for where that rule stands. In the EU, specific fragrance allergens must be named individually above set concentrations.
Why it matters
Fragrance ingredients are among the most frequent causes of allergic skin reactions to cosmetics. If your skin is sensitive, fragrance-free products are the simplest choice — 'unscented' products can still contain masking fragrance.
Check it with a scan
When an ingredient in the list is rated as an allergen, Novaz marks it with that concern, so you can spot it without reading the fine print.
FAQ
- Is 'fragrance-free' the same as 'unscented'?
- No. Fragrance-free means no fragrance was added. Unscented products can contain ingredients that mask odors, including fragrance.
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