Fragrance in Skincare: Is It Really That Bad? (●'◡'●)

Written By Alyssa Edwards

If you’ve ever watched skincare TikTok, then you already know: the moment someone sees “fragrance” on the back of a bottle, the comments go crazy.
“Throw it out!”
“Your skin is DONE.”
“Run!”
Like... calm down.

So is fragrance really that bad? Or is the internet being dramatic again?
Let’s break it down, because I know I can’t be the only one who loves a good-smelling lotion.

Why Brands Use Fragrance in the First Place

Fragrance in skincare isn’t there to necessarily destroy your face, but it makes the product smell good.
That’s really it.

Skincare without fragrance can smell… weird. Like vitamins, glue, or hospital waiting rooms. Brands add fragrance so you’ll actually enjoy using the product.

🌟Guess What? -

Even though fragrance makes products smell amazing, not everyone’s skin vibes with it.

So… Is It Bad for Your Skin?

Not always. It really just depends on the person.

Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, especially younger skin like ours that reacts quickly. If your face gets red, itchy, bumpy, or stingy after using scented skincare, fragrance might be the reason.

But if your skin is totally fine and you’ve never reacted?
You don’t have to panic just because TikTok influenced you to.

How to Know If Fragrance Is a Problem for You

Your skin will always tell the truth.

Here’s what you might notice if fragrance isn’t your vibe:

  • Your face feels tingly or itchy right after applying a product

  • You get random irritation or dry patches

  • Your skin becomes irritated for no reason

  • You break out in tiny rash-like bumps

🌟Good News! -

If none of this happens, then your skin might handle fragrance just fine.

Products I Saw Online

These are just common examples of fragranced skincare people love:

And these are popular fragrance-free options:

Final Thoughts

Fragrance in skincare isn’t good or bad. It’s personal. Some teens react to it. Some don’t. Some love scented products. Some prefer fragrance-free everything. The key is knowing your skin and paying attention to how it feels. So don’t be scared of fragrance, but don’t ignore irritation either. Your skin will always tell the truth. Daily reminder, Love the Skin You’re In!

Until next time,

Alyssa Edwards

Alyssa Edwards
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