Perfume is everywhere in our daily lives – in the car, hand soap, laundry detergent, scented candles, and perhaps even your mascara. Many are not aware of how much perfume they are involuntarily exposed to, or how it can affect their skin and health – including children's. We delve into the benefits of fragrance-free skincare and present some of the best fragrance-free products on the market right now.
Why choose fragrance-free skincare?
Perfume allergy is easy to develop but difficult to get rid of. Once the allergy has developed, it usually lasts a lifetime. Reactions to perfume do not always occur immediately – they can develop over time and lead to irritation, redness, eczema, or more severe skin reactions.
Choosing fragrance-free skincare does not mean compromising on effectiveness. Fragrance-free products can be just as effective as those with perfume. Therefore, it's not just for those with sensitive skin or allergies – it's a conscious choice for anyone who wants to protect their skin and minimize the risk of irritation.
Anyone can develop perfume allergy
Perfume is one of the most common causes of skin allergy, and research from the Knowledge Centre for Allergy shows that perfume allergy among children and young people is increasing. The risk increases the more perfumed products you use – and even young children can develop allergies.
Many have a habit of smelling new creams, but it's about changing habits and challenging the idea that products like deodorant, hand soap, body lotion, and face cream must have a scent. If you still want to use perfume, an alternative could be to apply it to your clothes or hair to avoid direct contact with the skin.
Natural vs. synthetic perfume – what you need to know?
Both natural and synthetic perfumes can trigger allergies. Natural perfumes often come from essential oils such as lavender, lemongrass, or bergamot, but they still contain allergenic substances. In fact, natural extracts are one of the most common causes of perfume allergy, according to the Knowledge Centre for Allergy.
How to spot perfume in your products
To be absolutely sure that a product is fragrance-free, you can look for certifications such as AllergyCertified, Asthma Allergy Nordic or Blå Krans (Blue Wreath), which guarantee that the product does not contain perfume.
Fragrance-free skincare during pregnancy
When pregnant, many become more aware of what they expose their bodies to – especially in terms of skincare. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency recommends reducing the number of products and following these tips:
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Use Nordic Ecolabelled products to avoid potentially endocrine-disrupting substances.
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Avoid spray products, as they can release chemicals that you inhale.
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Minimize the use of perfume and hair dye, as allergenic substances should be limited during pregnancy.
Why is HONEY Skincare fragrance-free?
HONEY was created in 2020 by Liv Winther and Bea Fagerholt, the founders of To The Moon, Honey. Following high demand from their readers and listeners, it became clear that there was a need for safe, fragrance-free skincare products – not just for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but for everyone who desires gentle and effective skincare.
HONEY's products are 100% fragrance-free – free from both synthetic and natural scents. They are developed with well-documented ingredients that strengthen the skin while meeting the highest health and environmental standards. The brand is certified with AllergyCertified, Ecocert and Nordic Ecolabel, which ensures that the products are gentle and free from allergenic substances.
The best fragrance-free products
We have gathered some of the best fragrance-free products that are both gentle and deliver visible results.
Fragrance-free skincare:
Fragrance-free makeup:
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Mineral Foundation from Miild
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Intense Density Mascara from Miild
Fragrance-free sunscreen:
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Mineral sunscreen from Karmameju
Fragrance-free deodorant:
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Deodorant from Relevant