Understanding Fragrance Allergies: My Mom's Journey

In this blog, I’d like to introduce my mom, Jill. Twenty-five years ago, after taking a bath and applying body lotion, she noticed her skin becoming increasingly itchy and dry, which ultimately led to hives covering her body. Concerned, she visited the doctor, who prescribed steroids to manage the reaction. Shortly after, she consulted a dermatologist, where a skin allergy test revealed that she was allergic to synthetic fragrance.

My mom’s experiences with fragrance allergies shed light on what “fragrance” really means and how we can be more mindful about the chemicals we apply to our bodies.

First, it's essential to differentiate between synthetic and natural fragrances. Whenever my mom sees “fragrance (parfum)” listed as an ingredient in any product, she knows she can’t use it, as this indicates the presence of synthetic fragrance. However, being “fragrance-free” doesn’t mean she has to live without scents altogether. She can still enjoy products that contain natural fragrances derived from essential oils.

Her fragrance allergy affects more than just her choice of beauty products; it influences her decisions regarding laundry detergents, room sprays, cleaning products, and more.

Last Christmas, my mom made what seemed like an impossible request: she wanted someone to find her a “fragrance-free” perfume—meaning one without any artificial fragrances. Unfortunately, most perfumes on the market, especially from major brands, list fragrance (parfum) as a primary ingredient. After some extensive research online, I discovered By Rosie Jane, a clean beauty brand that offers perfumes without artificial fragrances. Not only are these perfumes clean, but they also smell incredible. They have been a game changer for my mom.

My mom’s allergy to artificial fragrances raises an important question: What are we putting on our bodies, and should we be more conscious of the chemicals we encounter daily? Fortunately, more brands are starting to offer fragrance-free products. However, there still seems to be a lack of awareness about how chemical fragrances can affect our health. While my mom experiences severe reactions, her allergy highlights the potential negative impact certain ingredients in beauty products can have on us all. Even I, who don’t have a fragrance allergy, try to avoid artificial fragrances because I prefer not to expose my skin to unnecessary chemicals.

For more information on the negative effects of chemical fragrances, check out this scientific article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10051690/

To help you avoid artificial fragrances, my mom and I have compiled a list of some of our favorite brands and products that steer clear of these harmful chemicals:

Brands:

Products: