Since ancient times there has been a certain sensual sophistication to perfume, often associated with luxury. A delicate scent can be evocative, enticing, allowing the wearer to set a mood or soothe the senses. However, for people with sensitive skin, products formulated with added fragrances might cause irritation and allergies.
If you have sensitive skin, consider using unscented products. Generally speaking, unscented means that no additional fragrance has been added to a product. It might also mean, though, that a neutral scent has been added to mask unpleasant or strong odours already present in the ingredients. Even natural fragrances and scents (i.e., from plant-derived essential oils) can be as irritating and allergenic as artificial fragrances for those with sensitive skin. And aside from skin irritation and allergy, some people may also experience a negative reaction – such as headaches – to intense fragrances.
Preservatives can also cause irritation or allergy. Products formulated without water, such as argan oil and body butter, are always a soothing option for people with sensitive skin because they contain no preservatives. They do not require preservatives because micro-organisms cannot survive in an environment without water. Products like lotions or creams do need a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms because they contain water.
At Leaves of Trees, we take pride in being transparent about what goes into our products. You can always find the ingredient information on our labels, and we are here to answer any questions you might have about our selection of unscented products for those who have sensitivities to fragrance and need scent-free options.
During these challenging times, it’s important to take care of your skin and to find comfort even in a small indulgence. We hope that wherever you are, you are staying healthy and safe.