The Hidden Dangers of "Natural" Fragrance Oils in Skincare Products

Lately, I’ve noticed the abundance of facebook ads for “all natural” body oils that smell like food…usually some sort of dessert or tropical beverage. This sent me down a rabbit hole researching what it means to claim a product is “natural” yet include the ingredient “natural fragrance oil”. For a brief moment, I got excited about it and even considered using these oils in my products. What I learned, though, is that I couldn’t honestly claim that my products are safe while including these questionable fragrance oils, despite them being labeled as natural.

I realize my target audience may not be the person who wants to smell like a favorite childhood snack, however, I think it’s important to inform those who care about what what they put on their bodies. What I found is that any scent that does not occur in nature (ie: Banana Pudding with Caramel Sauce and a Cherry on Top) has been chemically derived and may contain compounds that are definitely not natural and are potentially irritating or even harmful.

• One of the primary concerns with natural fragrance oils is their complex chemical composition. Despite their origins in nature, these oils contain numerous volatile compounds that can sensitize the skin and disrupt its delicate balance. Additionally, the lack of regulation in the fragrance industry means that products labeled as "natural" may still contain synthetic additives or undisclosed allergens, further increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

• Derived from botanical sources like flowers, fruits, and herbs, natural fragrance oils are included for their fun scents and claimed safety compared to synthetic fragrances. However, their "natural" label doesn't guarantee safety. In fact, these oils can be potent allergens and irritants, triggering adverse reactions ranging from redness and itching to more severe conditions like dermatitis and eczema. Many “natural” fragrance ingredients are isolates, which means they’ve been extracted from the whole plant compound. Several of these isolates have been classified by the E.U. as allergens and sensitizers, meaning you can develop an allergy after using them repeatedly.

• Cosmetic, fragrance and skincare companies are given a pass when it comes to product labeling. In the United States, fragrance secrecy is legal due to what is sometimes called the “fragrance loophole.” Because fragrance formulations have been determined to be “trade secrets,” companies can put thousands of different chemicals in their products under the umbrella term, “fragrance.” This lack of awareness can lead consumers to unwittingly expose themselves to potential harm, especially if they have sensitive or reactive skin types.

• In light of these concerns, it's important for consumers to approach skincare products with a discerning eye. Rather than being swayed by enticing fragrance labels (ie: Coconut Cream Pie with a Pineapple Chaser), consider products that promise ingredient transparency and safety. If you’re concerned about chemicals in your skincare routine, read your labels carefully. Look for products that do not have the word “fragrance” in their ingredients and opt for safe skincare that is scented only with essential oils. You may not smell like a glazed donut with sprinkles but, honestly, do you really want to?