Build my profileBuild my profile

Beauty ingredient

Fragrance (parfum): what it is and where it’s used

“Parfum” or “fragrance” on a cosmetic label can stand for a blend of many substances. EU rules require named fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool and citronellol to be listed when they pass 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off ones. “Unscented” does not always mean fragrance-free. Bravoora flags parfum and the named fragrance allergens that follow it.

By Bravoora teamUpdated Sources checked 3 sourcesHow we check

A clear perfume bottle with a blank label.

What is fragrance?

“Fragrance” or “parfum” on a cosmetic label can stand for a blend of many substances. In the EU, certain fragrance allergens, such as limonene and linalool, must be named separately when they are above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products, and that list is growing. “Unscented” doesn’t always mean fragrance-free: a masking fragrance may be used.

Where is fragrance found?

  • Perfumes and body mists are mostly fragrance.
  • Moisturisers, serums and sunscreens often contain it, sometimes only to mask a smell.
  • Shampoos, soaps and deodorants often contain it.

Label code: Parfum

What are the other names for fragrance on a label?

On a label, fragrance can also appear as “Parfum”, “Perfume”, “Aroma”, “Limonene” or “Linalool”.

ParfumPerfumeAromaLimoneneLinaloolBenzyl alcoholCitronellolCinnamalGeraniolHexyl cinnamalBenzyl salicylateCitralCoumarinAlpha-isomethyl iononeHydroxycitronellalBenzyl benzoateEugenolCinnamyl alcoholAmyl cinnamalIsoeugenolFarnesolButylphenyl methylpropionalAnise alcoholEvernia prunastri
All 35 names
LyralOakmossTreemossFragranceBenzyl cinnamateEvernia furfuraceaFragrance (parfum)Methyl 2-octynoateEssential oil blendAmylcinnamyl alcoholHydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde

Bravoora knows all of these, and the free label checker finds every one. Try the label checker · How Bravoora decides

Does fragrance fit a vegan or fragrance-free routine?

For fragrance: a fragrance-free profile gets Not for you; a vegan profile gets Heads up.

VeganHeads upMost fragrance ingredients are synthetic or plant-based, but labels rarely say.
Fragrance-freeNot for youIt is fragrance. Named fragrance allergens may follow it on the list.

A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.

Does fragrance fit you?

Pick what applies to you:

Pick at least one to see your answer.

Build my profile

How does Bravoora check for fragrance?

Bravoora flags “parfum” and the named fragrance allergens that follow it in the ingredient list.

How Bravoora decides, in full

More questions about fragrance

Who looks out for fragrance?

Fragrance matters most to people with fragrance-sensitive skin, and anyone whose profile avoids fragrance.

Is fragrance vegan?

It depends. Most fragrance ingredients are synthetic or plant-based, but labels rarely say.

Is fragrance fragrance-free?

No. It is fragrance. Named fragrance allergens may follow it on the list.

Sources and how to cite this guide

  1. EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
  2. EU Regulation 2023/1545 (fragrance allergen labelling)
  3. US FDA: Fragrances in cosmetics

To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Fragrance (parfum): what it is and where it’s used”, bravoora.app/ingredients/fragrance/, updated 22 September 2026.

Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.

General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.

Related articles

How to read a skincare ingredient list (INCI) in 5 stepsRead the articleFragrance allergens on skincare labels, by nameRead the article

Create a website profile with the things you avoid and the people you check for.

Build my profile

Save and edit your profile on this website. App transfer is not available yet.