Fragrance Allergens: Things you need to know

Fragrance allergens are specific compounds found in perfumes, skincare, and household products that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These allergens are typically natural essential oils or synthetic fragrance components. The most common reactions include skin irritation, redness, itching, rashes (contact dermatitis), and, in some cases, respiratory issues like sneezing, wheezing, or headaches.

Fragrance allergens can make skin sensitive by triggering irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions. These allergens, found in perfumes, skincare, and household products, can break down the skin's natural protective barrier. When this barrier is weakened, the skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more vulnerable to environmental irritants. This can lead to dryness, redness, and overall increased sensitivity.

One of the most common reactions to fragrance allergens is contact dermatitis, which can be either irritant or allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when fragrances directly damage skin cells, leading to burning, itching, and redness. On the other hand, allergic contact dermatitis happens when the immune system overreacts to fragrance allergens, causing inflammation, rashes, swelling, or even blistering. Some common allergens, such as linalool, limonene, and geraniol, oxidize when exposed to air, making them even more irritating to the skin.

Repeated exposure to fragrance allergens can also lead to sensitization, meaning that over time, a product that was once tolerated may suddenly cause a reaction. This long-term effect can make it challenging to find suitable skincare products, as sensitivity worsens with continued exposure. People with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or acne may experience more frequent flare-ups when using fragranced products.

Another issue caused by fragrance allergens is photosensitivity, where certain fragrance compounds make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Ingredients like cinnamal, coumarin, and bergamot oil can increase the risk of sunburn, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage when exposed to UV rays. This makes it especially important for sensitive individuals to avoid fragranced products if they spend a lot of time outdoors.

In July 2023, the European Union introduced Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, amending the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 to enhance consumer protection by expanding the list of fragrance allergens that must be individually labeled on cosmetic products. This update increases the number of recognized allergens from 24 to 80, incorporating 56 additional substances identified by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) as potential allergens.

Allergen Name	Common Natural Source(s)
Amyl Cinnamal	Synthetic; also found in some floral scents
Benzyl Alcohol	Jasmine, hyacinth, and other essential oils
Cinnamyl Alcohol	Cinnamon leaves
Citral	Lemongrass, lemon, and orange oils
Eugenol	Clove oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, and basil
Hydroxycitronellal	Synthetic; also found in citronella oil
Isoeugenol	Ylang-ylang oil
Anise Alcohol	Anise and fennel oils
Benzyl Salicylate	Ylang-ylang and other essential oils
Cinnamal	Cinnamon bark oil
Coumarin	Tonka beans, sweet clover
Geraniol	Rose, citronella, and geranium oils
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Amylcinnamyl Alcohol	Synthetic; also found in some floral scents
Benzyl Benzoate	Balsam of Peru, Tolu balsam, and other essential oils
Benzyl Cinnamate	Balsam of Peru
Citronellol	Rose and geranium oils
Farnesol	Rose, orange blossom, and other essential oils
Hexyl Cinnamal	Synthetic; also found in chamomile oil
Lilial	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
d-Limonene	Citrus peel oils
Methyl 2-Octynoate	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Evernia Prunastri Extract (Oakmoss)	Oakmoss lichen
Evernia Furfuracea Extract (Treemoss)	Treemoss lichen
6-Methyl Coumarin	Synthetic; also found in some essential oils
Santalol	Sandalwood oil
Sclareol	Clary sage oil
Terpineol	Pine oil and other essential oils
Tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Trimethylbenzenepropanol	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Vanillin	Vanilla beans
Cananga Odorata Oil/Extract	Ylang-ylang flowers
Cinnamomum Cassia Leaf Oil	Cassia (Chinese cinnamon) oil
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil	Cinnamon bark oil
Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil	Neroli oil
Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil	Bitter orange oil
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil	Bergamot oil
Citrus Limon Peel Oil	Lemon oil
Lemongrass Oil	Lemongrass
Eucalyptus Globulus Oil	Eucalyptus oil
Eugenia Caryophyllus Oil	Clove oil
Jasmine Oil/Extract	Jasmine flowers
Juniperus Virginiana Oil	Cedarwood oil
Laurus Nobilis Leaf Oil	Bay leaf oil
Lavandula Oil/Extract	Lavender oil
Mentha Piperita Oil	Peppermint oil
Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil	Spearmint oil
Narcissus Extract	Narcissus flowers
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil	Geranium oil
Pogostemon Cablin Oil	Patchouli oil
Rose Flower Oil/Extract	Rose petals
Santalum Album Oil	Sandalwood oil
Alpha-Terpinene	Pine and other essential oils
Terpinolene	Pine and other essential oils
Myroxylon Pereirae Oil/Extract	Peru balsam
Rose Ketones	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
3-Propylidenephthalide	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Lippia Citriodora absolute	Lemon verbena
Methyl Salicylate	Wintergreen oil
Acetyl Cedrene	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Amyl Salicylate	Essential oils such as ylang-ylang and clove
Anethole	Anise, fennel, and star anise oils
Benzaldehyde	Bitter almond oil
Camphor	Camphor tree, rosemary, and lavender oils
Beta-Caryophyllene	Clove, black pepper, and other essential oils
Carvone	Spearmint and caraway oils
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate	Synthetic; also found in some floral scents
Hexadecanolactone	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Hexamethylindanopyran	Synthetic musk fragrance
Linalyl Acetate	Lavender and bergamot oils
Eugenyl Acetate	Clove oil
Menthol	Peppermint and other mint oils
Geranyl Acetate	Rose, citronella, and geranium oils
Isoeugenyl Acetate	Ylang-ylang and other essential oils
Salicylaldehyde	Synthetic; also found in some essential oils
Pinene	Pine, turpentine, and other coniferous oils
Trimethylcyclopentenyl Methylisopentenol	Synthetic; used in various fragrance compositions
Turpentine	Pine resin

To prevent fragrance-related skin sensitivity, it’s best to choose fragrance-free skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products. Look for labels such as hypoallergenic,” “dermatologist-tested,” or “sensitive skin safe” when shopping. Avoiding essential oils, which can also contain natural allergens, may help those with highly reactive skin. Performing a patch test before using a new product is another good practice to prevent unexpected reactions.

For more information about the fragrance allergens, please contact us at info@ptmitraayu.com or send us a message here.