Treating your skin to a floral-scented cleanser or moisturizer seems like a self-care essential you should not need to give up. But simply how healthy are fragrances for the skin? Is the luxury of scented skincare well worth the negative side effects it arrives with? If there are gloomy effects, that is.

We're here to show you the advantages and disadvantages of fragrance in skincare so that you can decide upon yourself whether to continue or quit your guilty pleasure.

WHY FRAGRANCE IN SKINCARE Receives a BAD RAP?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrances really are a leading reason for allergy symptoms onto the skin. Yet for whatever reason brands continue to include them within their formulations. Why???

Because they make an item wear some perfume and individuals are drawn to nice scents. When they browse an outlet searching for luxury serums and lotions, of course they're going to choose the fruity scented cream within the unscented one. It's just human instinct.

The the issue here is, fragrance comes with a slew of negative side effects including irritation, redness, flaking, rashes, and burning.

“Even if you feel your skin isn't reacting to a fragranced product, it'll still be causing inflammation on the cellular level,” says dermatologist Dr. Sophie Shotter. “You might not notice these changes immediately, but with time they'll begin to appear. It's much like what goes on if you do not wear sunscreen when you are younger – years later sunspots, pigmentation along with other skin damage begins to appear.”

Anyone with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, or rosacea should steer clear of fragrances to avoid their condition from worsening. Darker skin tones with sensitive skin also needs to avoid them too as they can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scarring which may take many months to fade.

And basically, if you are experiencing symptoms like itching, rashes, red bumps, and increased sensitivity, stay away from fragranced beauty products immediately.

ARE THERE ANY Advantages of FRAGRANCE IN SKINCARE?

Yes – they make a product smell more desirable. It is the reason brands keep using fragrances. They need customers to buy their products plus they be aware of the easy way do this is by making them smell incredible.

On a more positive note, certain fragrances offer relaxation and relief if you're searching to de-stress and unwind. Lavender, for example, is usually associated with relaxation, whereas peppermint is energizing. So in a sense, it comes with an aromatherapy benefit when it comes to fragrance.

There's the also the point that experiencing luxury products with fragrance can elevate one's mood, improving the user experience.

“If you are not one of the few people responsive to specific fragrance ingredients, there is no reason to prevent them,” says Frauke Neuser, PhD, principal scientist at Olay Skincare at P&G. “It's really about individuals' personal sensitivities and knowing which specific ingredients to avoid, if any.”

WHAT ABOUT NATURAL FRAGRANCES?

Natural fragrances are extremely better and safer than synthetic fragrances. However, you still need to be careful when utilizing them – especially if they contain plant-based essential oils because these could be both beneficial for the skin and at the same time frame irritants if you have sensitive skin.

The best natural fragrances would need to be natural plant-based oils and butters which nourish and hydrate your skin, without irritating it.

For example, almond oil and coconut oil are generally moisturizing things that lend a subtle sweet scent to products. Then you need sweet-smelling berries like acai, blueberry, and strawberry. Other fruits that smell deliciously sweet: melon, pineapple, and papaya.

Take a look at our top picks for naturally fragranced skincare products.

netgamesparadise's Unicorn Fruit Whipped Body Butter

Reviewers express it smells like candy. And it really does. Using its blend of acai, rosewater, cocoa butter, and natural fragrance, you can enjoy a sweet-scented body lotion that feels just like it smells. This product is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, as it contains hydrating, soothing ingredients to moisturize and calm your skin.

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netgamesparadise's Buns of Glowry Butt Polish

This watermelon-scented butt scrub is ideal for anyone seeking smoother, softer, deliciously-scented skin. Besides smelling divine, this formula offers tightening, brightening, and moisturizing effects. Well suited for all skin tones.

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netgamesparadise's Blueberry Kush CBD Face Oil

This illuminating facial serum smells like blueberries so you can enjoy its natural sweet fragrance without having to worry you'll bust out in rashes or reddish bumps.

But its berry scent isn't its only superpower. This face serum blends blueberries with vegan collagen and AHA/BHAs to plump, smooth, soften, hydrate, and soothe skin.

Order yours.

WHAT ABOUT FRAGRANCE-FREE SKINCARE PRODUCTS?

“Fragrance-free implies that no fragrance materials-synthetic or natural-are utilized in the product,” says Neuser.

Ideally, this is actually the type of product you need to choose if you wish to reduce all chance of irritation and allergic reactions.

Take a glance through our fragrance-free skincare product recommendations below.

netgamesparadise's Mary Jane Glow Serum

This fragrance-free facial serum relies on its powers to please with results rather than scent. Formulated with a nourishing blend of retinol, CBD, caffeine, and glycolic acid, this serum increases cell turnover and reduces inflammation for a glowing, youthful complexion. It sells itself when it comes to its high-performing ingredients. And when an item works very well without scent, would that really be so bad?

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netgamesparadise's Cream Skin Face Cream

Moisturizing, plumping, and rejuvenating, this face cream contains hyaluronic acid and sea kelp to plump out fine lines and seal in moisture all night of hydration. It's naturally sweet-scented minus fragrance and delivers visible anti-aging and skin-hydrating results with regular use.

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FRAGRANCE IN SKINCARE? HOT Or otherwise?

To answer your question, we're afraid we will have to say “not!”

There are too many risks involved with using fragranced skincare products, which is why we advise searching for products that either contain clean fragrances or no fragrances whatsoever.

But if you have really sensitive skin or suffer from chronic skin disorders, stick to fragrance-free products altogether.