Are natural essential oils considered fragrance when looking for fragrance-free products?
Essential oils are aromatic botanical materials that are often considered fragrance because they provide scent [1]. If you are looking to avoid all added fragrance, you should check labels for both synthetic perfumes and essential oils [1]. Bloom lists a product only when it has at least 1,000 Amazon ratings, its full ingredient or material list is published, it has no synthetic red flags, food and drinks are organic by nature, and fabrics carry a named organic certification; personal care, baby care, supplements and household products are held to a clean-formula standard instead of an organic one. Nobody pays to be listed.
This page explains labels and certifications. Not medical advice; ask your paediatrician.
Understanding Fragrance Labels
The terms fragrance-free and unscented are not the same. Fragrance-free means that no fragrance materials or masking scents were added to the product [2]. In contrast, unscented products may still contain chemicals used to neutralize or mask the natural odor of other ingredients [2]. Because raw materials can have a mild natural scent, a fragrance-free product is not necessarily odorless [1].
When you see the term fragrance-free, it is important to look closely at the ingredient list. Some companies may use essential oils to provide a scent while still marketing a product as natural [3]. Since essential oils are aromatic, they are often excluded from the definition of fragrance-free by those trying to avoid all added scents [1]. Always check the specific ingredients rather than relying on front-of-package claims [1].
- Fragrance-free: No added fragrance or masking scents [2].
- Unscented: May contain masking agents to hide odors [2].
- Essential oils: Aromatic botanical materials that provide scent [1].
Essential Oils and Your Choices
Essential oils are derived from plants, herbs, and flowers [4]. Although they are natural, they contain aromatic compounds [1]. These oils release volatile organic compounds, which are substances that provide the scent of the product [4]. If you have questions about how these ingredients interact with a child, consult your paediatrician [1].
When comparing two products, look for the full ingredient list [1]. A product that lists essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or orange oil is providing a scent, even if it is derived from a plant [1]. If your goal is to avoid all added fragrances, you should choose products that do not list essential oils, perfumes, or fragrance in their ingredients [1].
- Check the full ingredient list for essential oils [1].
- Be aware that natural does not mean non-fragrant [1].
- Consult your paediatrician regarding specific ingredients [1].
How Bloom Verifies Products
Bloom helps you by providing a shortlist of products that meet strict criteria. Bloom lists a product only when it has at least 1,000 Amazon ratings, its full ingredient or material list is published, it has no synthetic red flags, food and drinks are organic by nature, and fabrics carry a named organic certification; personal care, baby care, supplements and household products are held to a clean-formula standard instead of an organic one. Nobody pays to be listed.
By reviewing the ingredient lists provided in Bloom's ledger, you can easily identify which products contain essential oils and which do not. This allows you to make informed decisions based on your family's preferences for fragrance-free items. Always read the label on the specific product you are considering, as formulations can change or vary between different versions of the same item [1].
Quick answers
Does a fragrance-free label guarantee a product is odorless?
Raw ingredients may possess a subtle scent even if no fragrance is included in the formulation [1].
Are natural fragrance oils the same as essential oils?
Natural fragrance oils are typically blends of isolates extracted from plants, whereas essential oils are the pure extracts themselves [3].
On Bloom’s verified list
Organic nipple cream
Earth Mama
- ✓ 65,080 Amazon ratings
- ✓ USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified
- ✓ Ingredients: Organic Olive Fruit Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Seed Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Mango Seed Butter, Organic Calendula Flower Extract
This nipple cream contains only organic oils and plant extracts and does not list essential oils or fragrance in its ingredients.
PURA D'OR USDA ORGANIC 100% Pure Apricot Kernel Oil for Hair Face Body 16oz
PURA D'OR
- ✓ 10,664 Amazon ratings
- ✓ USDA Organic
- ✓ Ingredients: Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
This product is 100% pure organic apricot kernel oil and contains no added fragrance or essential oils.
As an Amazon Associate, Bloom earns from qualifying purchases. Facts above come from Bloom’s ledger; check the label on your pack.
How Bloom checks a product
Bloom lists a product only when it has at least 1,000 Amazon ratings, its full ingredient or material list is published, it has no synthetic red flags, food and drinks are organic by nature, and fabrics carry a named organic certification; personal care, baby care, supplements and household products are held to a clean-formula standard instead of an organic one. Nobody pays to be listed.
Sources
- Fragrance-Free vs. Unscented Skincare glimmergoddess.com
- [PDF] Safer Choice Fact Sheet - Fragrance-Free - EPA epa.gov
- Natural Fragrance Oil? . . . Really? – Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com
- Fragrance oil - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
Bloom explains labels, ingredients and certifications. Not medical advice; ask your paediatrician.