Fragrances in Skin Care Products - Are They Safe?

Cosmetics manufacturers do not always tell you the whole story about the ingredients they put into their products and how they affect your skin. If you have ever had your skin "go crazy" after using a skin care product, if it has tingled, burned, swollen, blistered, reddened, bruised, or just plain felt bad, the product may have been the fragrance you thought just smelled good.

The European Commission has a committee on cosmetics and non-food products. Over nine years ago the European watchdog agency warned that the most common cause of contact dermatitis in Europe was fragrances. More than soaps, more than detergents, more than nickel, more than latex, the chemicals dumped into skin care and personal care products to make them smell good damage healthy skin.

And in the United States, a Dr. Pamela Scheinmann told the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology that "hypoallergenic (is) nothing more than a meaningless marketing slogan" in the USA. That's because even a product that otherwise offers a positive benefit to the skin goes bad when its formulated to contain an irritating, inflammatory, allergy-provoking scent.

Which scents are dangerous to the skin? If you see cardamom, cinnamon, lemon oil, ylang-ylang, or wintergreen, watch out. These are the most common offenders. But almost any citrusy, lemony, or minty fresh scent, especially if it makes your skin feel all tingly, can cause more harm than the rest of the product does good.

Aromatherapy is great for your emotions. And rose oil can actually relax and revitalize your skin. The next time you admire any other fragrance in your skin care regimen, think twice. A pleasant aroma is great for your nose, but it's likely to be hard on your skin. And even if the source is natural essential oils, the effect on your skin's well being is likely to be the same.