Fragrance Free K-Beauty
STYLE STORY • Article
Fragrance Free K-Beauty
Fragrance is one of those things in skincare that falls in and out of fashion. Rewind to the mid 2010s and skinfluencers like Hyram were swearing that all fragrance is bad and should be avoided. At the same time, members of the scientific community, like Labmuffin Beauty Science, took a more balanced approach, arguing that fragrance is fine for the vast majority of people.
No matter which side of the fence you sit on, there are now plenty of K-Beauty brands that create products just for you. In fact, these days many K-Beauty products either have low levels of fragrance or are completely fragrance-free.
But first things first, do you actually need to go fragrance free? Let’s find out.
Featured
Definitions
What is fragrance-free skincare?
It is important to know what a skincare brand means when it advertises a product as fragrance-free.
For example, some products are marketed as unscented. This usually means that the product does not include added scent to mask the natural smell of its ingredients. This is often the case when a formula uses extracts that do not smell appealing on their own, like vitamin C and ferulic acid, a combination which many people describe as “hot dog water”.
If a product is considered fragrance-free, you can usually assume it does not contain added artificial fragrance. However, that does not automatically mean there is nothing fragrant in the formula. Essential oils, for example, are a common replacement in products that market themselves as not using artificial fragrances.
It is therefore important to check the label, understand what the brand means by fragrance-free, and decide whether artificial fragrance and or essential oils work with your skin.
Jelly Ko's 100% fragrance free retinol serum
Context
Should I be concerned about fragrance in my skincare?
The main takeaway about fragrance, whether artificial or natural, is that fragrance may contribute to sensitivity in some people, but not all skin reacts to it. In fact, research often cited in dermatology education suggests that only a very small percentage of the general population actually has a true fragrance allergy, potentially as low as 2%.
Dermatologists frequently recommend fragrance-free products because many people who see a dermatologist are already dealing with serious skin issues. They often default to the safest advice in order to reduce potential triggers.
Oftentimes, fragrance-free skincare options do not smell the best. That is because the smell of the raw ingredients themselves can be strong, and often unpleasant. Many people describe it as plastic smelling or worse.
That said, if you have done the work and know that fragrance is not for you, either because it triggers allergies or migraines, here are some options to look into.
Product picks
Fragrance free and unscented
These picks are designed for people who want to avoid added artificial fragrance and also prefer products that do not smell strongly from aromatic ingredients.
Jelly Ko White Truffle Soufflé Serum
Shop the Serum and Refill. One pump is all you need to transform dull, dry, rough, irritated and sensitive skin. This whip-soft, soufflé-textured serum reinforces the skin barrier, increases elasticity, restores moisture and improves the look of fine lines. It is free from artificial fragrance, colours and dyes.
Jelly Ko Be Jelly Overnight Dream Serum
Shop the Serum and Refill. Enriched with retinol, collagen, squalane, four types of hyaluronic acid, and licorice extract, this jelly-textured serum is designed to refine skin texture and diminish signs of ageing. It works overnight to smooth texture, even tone, and target areas of dark discolouration so that you wake up to the complexion of your dreams. It is free from artificial fragrance, colours and dyes.
Artificial fragrance free but naturally scented
This pick does not use added artificial fragrance, but it has a light, natural scent from its ingredients.
Jelly Ko Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask
Shop the Sleeping Mask. This is a nourishing overnight treatment for dry, dull, dehydrated and mature skin that wants comfort and glow without irritation. It is a great option for anyone who prefers a routine that feels gentle, cushiony and supportive.
Which fragrance free K-Beauty products have you tried? Drop them in the comments below.
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"Studies show that as few as 2-5% of people in the general population have a fragrance allergy."
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