Synthetic Fragrance
Also known as: fragrance, parfum, aroma, fragrance oil, synthetic musk
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Under US law, companies are not required to list individual fragrance components, which may include phthalates, musks, allergens, and sensitizers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Synthetic Fragrance.
Low concern if not fragrance-sensitive.
Daily exposure to hidden fragrance chemicals adds to cumulative toxicant load.
High risk from stacking multiple fragranced products. Choose fragrance-free wherever possible.
Health Risks
Can contain phthalates, synthetic musks, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals hidden under the 'fragrance' umbrella.
Leading cause of cosmetic contact allergies; the IFRA lists over 100 known fragrance allergens.
International Fragrance Association (IFRA) allergen list
Synthetic musks (galaxolide, tonalide) bioaccumulate in human tissue and are detected in breast milk.
Environmental Science & Technology, 2005
Global Regulatory Status
How synthetic fragrance is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
64% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
26+ fragrance allergens must be declared on labels above 0.001% in leave-on or 0.01% in rinse-off; expanded to ~80 allergens by Regulation 2023/1545.
Details
26 fragrance allergens must be declared above thresholds.
Details
Sensitizing fragrance ingredients restricted on Hotlist.
Details
25 fragrance allergens must be labeled above thresholds.
Details
Certain fragrance allergens require labeling.
Details
ANVISA requires labeling of specified fragrance allergens.
Details
26 fragrance allergens must be declared, harmonized with EU.
Why Brands Use Synthetic Fragrance
Creates a pleasant scent that enhances the consumer experience and brand identity. Synthetic fragrances are far cheaper than natural essential oils.
63
products in our database
18
brands use it
5
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose synthetic fragrance because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like essential oils (properly diluted and disclosed), fragrance-free formulations, naturally-derived aroma compounds deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Synthetic Fragrance in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing synthetic fragrance in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Synthetic Fragrance
These popular products list synthetic fragrance in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
And 51 more products in our database.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing synthetic fragrance compares to Numbrrrz.
Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment
Blistex
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz products are completely fragrance-free. Every ingredient is listed on our labels — no hidden chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, and no undisclosed compounds.
FAQ
What is hidden in 'fragrance' on ingredient labels?
Is 'natural fragrance' safer than synthetic?
Can fragrance in cosmetics cause allergies?
Why doesn't the US require fragrance ingredient disclosure?
Do synthetic musks accumulate in the body?
Does Numbrrrz use synthetic fragrance?
See How These Brands Compare to Numbrrrz
Brands that use synthetic fragrance in their products — see how they stack up.
