What does parfum mean on a skincare label?

Why does the label say parfum instead of fragrance?

The wording depends on the market. In the EU, perfume compositions can generally appear as "parfum" or "aroma". In the US, cosmetic ingredients must use their common or usual names, so "parfum" alone is not an accepted substitute for "fragrance". US labels can say "Fragrance (Parfum)", giving the same label entry a second name without a second job.14

Fragrance mixtures can contain natural and synthetic ingredients. US rules allow the mixture to be listed simply as "Fragrance" because fragrance formulas can be trade secrets. That single entry does not tell you every component, whether the blend is entirely natural, or which component you need to avoid if you have an allergy. Ask the manufacturer about a specific fragrance ingredient when the label does not answer your question.3

Why are other fragrance names listed separately?

In the EU, certain fragrance allergens must be named separately when their concentration exceeds 0.001% in products left on the skin or 0.01% in products rinsed off. These names help people with a known allergy avoid their triggers; their presence does not mean a product is unsafe. An allergen below the applicable threshold can still be present without being named separately.24

Expanded EU rules add individual labelling requirements for 56 fragrance allergens. Since 31 July 2026, newly placed products must meet those requirements, while older stock placed on the market before that date can remain available until 31 July 2028. EU packaging can now carry more individual fragrance names, so the small print has found more work.4

Does unscented mean there is no parfum?

No. An unscented product can contain fragrance added to mask an unpleasant smell without creating a noticeable scent. If you want to avoid fragrance, choose products labelled "fragrance free" and check the ingredient list rather than relying on smell. Natural fragrance and essential oils are not automatic alternatives for someone with fragrance allergy: plant extracts can also contain fragrance allergens.23

Should you avoid skincare containing parfum?

Parfum is not automatically a reason to discard a product. Fragrance ingredients must meet the same cosmetic safety requirements as other ingredients, but some people are allergic or sensitive to them. If you have a diagnosed fragrance allergy, avoid products containing fragrance, including unlabelled products. If fragrance has previously caused problems, choosing fragrance free skincare is a practical way to avoid repeat exposure.235

What should you do if a product causes a reaction?

Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by irritation or an allergic reaction. Watch for itching, burning, stinging, swelling, discoloured patches, cracking or blisters where a product touches the skin. Even brief contact with a rinse off product can cause a reaction, particularly around the eyelids.6

1. 1Stop using the product you suspect is causing the rash.
2. 2Check its ingredients for fragrance and any allergens you already know you react to.
3. 3See a dermatologist if you cannot identify the cause or the rash keeps returning. Clinical patch testing can help identify fragrance allergy.

A fragrance allergy can cause a delayed reaction hours to days after exposure, so a comfortable first application does not rule it out. Cosmetic allergy can also develop after years of using a product without problems. A rash after skincare is not necessarily caused by parfum: other ingredients can cause reactions too.27