Fragrance Free Skincare

• What is Fragrance Free Skincare and why should you avoid fragrance in skincare if your skin is sensitive?

That moment when you open a bag of coffee or open your favourite scented product, you take a deep breath in and smile! Scents and smells have such an impact on us, both physically and emotionally. It is a very personal choice as to what we like, and what we don't!

But for some people, scents and aromas have the opposite effect. We have seen in increase in skin sensitivity over time with more customers coming to us for help after experiencing issues with their previous skincare brands. Many reactions often seem to stem from issues with fragrance related ingredients. Some reactions can be immediate whilst others can develop over time.

Fragrance can be a leading cause of Allergic Contact Dermatitis or ACD. This is a type of eczema caused by contact with a particular ingredient, or ingredients. It leads to dry, irritated and sensitive skin. 

Part of the issue with added fragrance in skincare is because it often described as 'parfum' on the ingredients' list. Unfortunately, brands don't have to declare exactly what they are using to create the fragrance, and therefore the consumer is left unable to determine what substances are used to create the scent. 

So rule number one - look for genuine fragrance free skincare brands and avoid anything with 'parfum' on ingredients lists. Beware - manufacturers are aware of this and can try and hide this from you!

Skin reactions can often be caused by the synthetic chemical compounds used to create artificial scent and fragrance. Furthermore, preservatives can be hidden under this ingredient too (parfum) which can cause numerous skincare sensitivities. You can check out our chemicals to avoid list highlighting many of the worst irritants used in skin and hair care.

If the fragrance is a blend of essential oils then this is usually set out fully in the ingredients. In order to create scent and fragrance in products this is much more acceptable to consumers as you can check which essential oils are used. This is something that we do, as we are fully transparent with all the ingredients used in our products. Of course, even if just essential oils are used to create fragrance we would not count this as fragrance free skincare.

Other common naturally occurring allergens which can cause sensitivities are linalool, citral and d-limonene. These are usually extracted from citrus based ingredients, naturally occurring in essential oils. 

All conscious skincare products are free from:

• corn
• dairy
• GMO ingredients
• wheat
• gluten
• oat
• soya
• palm oil
• and of course, 'parfum'!

This is why we designed and created our 'Pure' range, for those of you with sensitivities and allergies. The Pure collection of skin and hair products is fragrance free (so no essential oils added for scent) and we never add 'parfum', whether considered natural or not!

Our fragrance free skincare collection includes;

• Fragrance free shampoo. This scent free shampoo uses the same plant based ingredients as our cypress and sage shampoo but without the essential oils for fragrance. We have also included the same hair-loving actives such as pro vitamin B5 (panthenol) and pre-biotic inulin to help support a healthy scalp.

• Fragrance free conditioner. This is made with with organic aloe vera to soothe and smooth hair shafts whilst adding lustre.

• Fragrance free body wash made with skin soothing organic evening primrose oil. This great oil is high in GLAs to help with skin barrier protection and repair.

• Fragrance free body lotion made with organic shea butter which has unique naturally occurring anti-bacterial properties and skin benefits. Also added is organic apricot kernel oil. It is very rich in polyphenols, omega 9 and vitamin C, which helps moisture your skin.

• Pure fragrance free body butter. This is a rich and sumptuous skin moisturiser, made with skin-loving organic shea and cocoa butters. Omega rich sunflower and sweet almond oils also help to moisturise deep down. These keep moisture locked in for long lasting smooth and replenished skin.

Using our fragrance free skincare products will certainly benefit those with skin and scent allergies. All our range can be chosen as a plastic free option and we also offer eco friendly refills for topping up.

Sensitivity to artificial fragrance can often be overwhelming as it is so prevalent in our modern living environment. We recommend avoiding all of the following even if you don't have sensitivity to fragrance!

Off-gasing from carpets, vinyl and laminate flooring. Scented candles, room diffusers and plugin air fresheners both at home and in your car. Washing powders and laundry conditioners laden with artificial fragrance, plus scented sprays. This is just getting started!

We always recommend a visit to our conscious living page for some more hints and tips! Once you have made some changes you will be amazed how your sense of smell improves once your senses have stopped being overwhelmed!