Fragrance on a skincare label may look harmless, but it hides more than just a pleasant scent. The FDA allows brands to list it only as “fragrance,” without disclosing what’s inside.
The reality is that fragrances often contain allergens and potentially harmful chemicals such as benzophenone, naphthalene, musk ketones, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates. A 2022 JAMA Pediatrics study even linked higher phthalate exposure to an increased risk of pre-term births.
The Regulation Problem
The U.S. trails far behind other countries in protecting consumers. The European Union bans or restricts 1,300 chemicals in cosmetics. Canada bans or restricts 573 ingredients. The U.S. bans only 11 chemicals, including lead and asbestos.
This gap leaves American consumers at greater risk from undisclosed fragrance ingredients.
The Risks of Hidden Fragrance
Long-term exposure to fragrance chemicals can cause:
- Redness and irritation (erythema)
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- A weakened skin barrier
- Premature hyperpigmentation
- Microtrauma and scarring
According to Sheilagh Maguiness, MD, dermatologist at the University of Minnesota:
“Fragrances are understudied in the low-regulatory environment of cosmetics. Not only do they often cause various low-grade skin reactions, but there are real long-term health hazards from many fragrances, including elevated levels of urinary phthalates.”
Why Tweens and Teens Are at Higher Risk
Young adults, teenagers, and tweens are especially vulnerable because their skin barrier is not yet mature. That makes it less capable of handling strong or irritating ingredients and more likely to absorb them into the bloodstream.
Even adults with sensitive skin often struggle with harsh ingredients like retinoids or high-strength exfoliating acids. For tweens and teens, the risks are amplified.
How to Protect Your Skin
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Avoid Products With “Fragrance” on the Label: At twentyfour skincare, our products — including StepZero™ and HYDRÍQ™ — will never include fragrances.
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Choose Minimalist Formulas: Fewer ingredients mean fewer risks. Our StepZero™ Age-Reversing Powder contains only three...
- Amorphous silica, the third most prevalent mineral in the body
- Magnesium stearate, a vegan-friendly compound used in thousands of products
- Y100™, a natural extract from the amla plant
The Bottom Line
Fragrances may seem harmless, but they often hide unnecessary risks. For younger skin especially, fragrance-free and minimalist formulas are the safest choice. At twentyfour, every formula is designed without fragrances and powered by clean, proven ingredients to keep skin healthy for the long run (and for the longer run if you are a teen).