Fragrance-free vs unscented

These two labels sound alike and mean different things.

Fragrance-free should mean no fragrance has been added. Unscented means the product does not smell of anything — which is often achieved by adding a masking fragrance to cover the smell of the base ingredients. An unscented product can therefore contain more fragrance than a scented one.

Neither term is tightly regulated, so the ingredient list is the only reliable place to check. Look for and avoid: parfum, fragrance, aroma, and the common fragrance allergens that must be declared — linalool, limonene, citronellol, geraniol, eugenol. Essential oils count as fragrance; 'naturally derived' does not make them gentler.

Fragrance is one of the most common causes of contact reactions in skincare, and the risk rises on skin that is already compromised. If your skin is reactive, or you are using a retinoid or an acid, fragrance-free is a reasonable default for everything that stays on your face.

Rinse-off products matter less, because contact time is short.