Fragrances
Parfum (EU) or Fragrance (US) is a generic umbrella term on cosmetic ingredient lists that can represent a blend of 30 to 50 chemicals on average, and up to as many as 200 individual components. Because it is listed as a single ingredient, the specific chemicals that make up the blend are not disclosed to consumers. Both natural and synthetic fragrance variants fall under this term.
Its primary function is perfuming — imparting a pleasant scent to the finished cosmetic product. No established skin-care benefit is attributed to fragrance in the source.
Fragrance is the number-one cause of contact allergy to cosmetics and is strongly advised against for people with sensitive skin. Natural fragrance is noted to be equally or more allergenic than synthetic fragrance. The opaque labeling means consumers cannot identify which specific chemicals they may be reacting to.
