Did you know?

Did you know one word on a label can hide 50 chemicals?

The word 'fragrance' on an ingredient label can stand in for dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Here's the 30-second version.

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The 30-second version: that single word “fragrance” (or “parfum”) on a label is legally allowed to stand in for a mix of 30 to 50 separate aroma chemicals, and the brand does not have to tell you what they are. In the UK and EU, only 26 specific fragrance allergens have to be named individually. Everything else stays hidden behind the one word.

If you have eczema, sensitive skin or a known allergy, “fragrance” is the single most useful word to learn to spot on a label.

Want the full explainer? Read What “fragrance” actually means on a label.

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A note on this content. The Sensitive Skin Lab publishes general educational information, not medical advice. If you suspect you have an allergy or sensitivity, consult a qualified dermatologist or allergist. Product formulations and labels change without notice, so always check the ingredients on the product itself.