Is Fragrance in Skin Care OK? | Paula's Choice

Is fragrance in skin care ok? 🤔

Extensive research shows that fragrant ingredients create a volatile reaction in skin that can show up as redness, discoloration, dryness, & irritation to name a few—& this doesn’t just pertain to those with sensitive skin.

You might not see the effects on skin immediately, & that’s because skin’s good at hiding when it’s being irritated! But signs of damage reveal themselves over time, just as sun damage can accumulate over time.

Of course nothing in skin care is totally black & white. There are a handful ingredients like melon, vanilla, cucumber, almond, mango, coconut & cocoa butter that have a naturally pleasing aroma without sensitizing effects, & many of these offer antioxidant properties that are beneficial for skin.

But on the flip side, steer clear of essential oils like lavender, citrus & peppermint—these are ALWAYS a problem for skin.

📚References for this information:

Contact Dermatitis, January 2021, pages 21-42
Toxicology In Vitro, February 2018, pages 237-245
Toxicological Sciences, January 2018, pages 139-148
Biochimica and Biophysica Acta, May 2012, pages 1410–1419
Aging, March 2012, pages 166–175
Chemical Immunology and Allergy, March 2012, pages 77–80
Experimental Dermatology, October 2009, pages 821–832
Food and Chemical Toxicology, February 2008, pages 446–475
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2008, pages 191–202
International Journal of Toxicology, 2008, pages 1–43