I don’t know about you, but there are a few fragrances and scent notes that I absolutely love and MUST have in the collection sprawled across my dresser. (Don’t judge me, yes, I use each one!). But there are times and certain products that I just prefer not to have fragrance added to it. With some products, the fragrance level will be so high that I literally get a headache; my skin tingles a little too much to my liking; a few products' fragrance notes just don’t go well when layered with my regular favorite products.
Sometimes I just want the benefits of the product without all the creative aromas. And because marketing likes to make skin care complicated – I try to avoid the rabbit hole of “Should I get fragrance-free or unscented? I mean it’s just fancy labeling… they mean the same thing, right?”
NOPE! Fragrance-free and unscented are different in their meanings. And depending on your lifestyle, you need to know why. But no worries, I got you!
When a product is labeled fragrance-free, it means that no synthetic or natural fragrances have been added to it. That means no essential oils (EO), fragrance oils (FO), powders, or “flavors” (that’s a topic for another day!). What you’re getting is the absolute natural fragrance of whatever ingredients are in that product. These products are typically great for sensitive skin types or anyone who wants to avoid potential skin irritants or headaches. But don’t be fooled—fragrance-free doesn’t mean the product will have no smell. Some ingredients naturally have a scent (think shea butter, virgin coconut oil, or almond extract!).
On the other hand, unscented products can still contain chemicals that mask or neutralize odors. Or some companies opt to filter ingredients to dilute the natural scent. A method that could also reduce the benefits of an ingredient or require another ingredient to be added to keep it stable. So, while you won’t notice a smell, those chemicals are still in there, which could potentially irritate super-sensitive skin.
So, if you're sensitive to fragrances, opt for fragrance-free over unscented. Our African Gold Whipped Cocoa Butter and African Gold Whipped Shea Body Butter are perfect for those who love the benefits of rich, natural ingredients without overwhelming fragrances. Plus, our African Set offers a luxurious fragrance-free duo option for sensitive skin that still lets you enjoy the indulgent benefits of nature's purest ingredients – and light natural scent.
Tip: Some companies include a small QR code (looks like a mini barcode) that you can scan with your phone’s camera to get a direct link to additional information regarding their product process and/or ingredients. And while there are safe and effective ways to filter products, always check ingredient lists or simply ask the company. You can find more information from here
If you have any questions about ingredients in a SHE Essentials product that you have, feel free to contact us with any questions. The labels on all our products are accurate. You know yourself best, so please always check the full ingredient list on the product page before purchase.
Updated 10/15/2024
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