Why facial care without fragrances?

Fragrances are among the most common triggers of contact allergies. Effects on the skin include redness, swelling, itching, blisters, or flaking. Some fragrances can cause respiratory problems such as asthma or allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, coughing, or sneezing. People with increased sensitivity to strong odors or perfumes may find the scent in cosmetic products overpowering or disturbing and therefore opt for fragrance-free products.

Natural versus synthetic fragrances

Until the mid-19th century, fragrances were exclusively of natural origin—purely plant-based or sometimes animal secretions. This changed when modern chemistry succeeded in synthetically replicating more and more natural substances. Today, approximately 2,500 different synthetic fragrances are used in cosmetics. 95% of them are petroleum-based. Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergies and also affect the hormonal system.

In natural cosmetics, synthetic fragrances are not permitted; only "natural" fragrances are permitted. However, these fragrances of natural origin are extremely rarely pure, authentic essential oils in their entirety. Rather, individual components of so-called "natural" fragrances are isolated from various natural substances and then deliberately reconstituted. This is done primarily for cost reasons, as ecologically sourced, pure essential oils are very expensive. At myrto, you will find only pure, organic essential oils and no "natural" blends.

Harmful long-term effects of chemical fragrances

Even natural fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin. However, pure, natural essential oils in authentic compositions are far more easily tolerated than other fragrances (see BDIH study 2006). Synthetic fragrances, in particular, are considered highly problematic. They can penetrate the skin and deposit in the tissue. They are hardly broken down in the human body or in the environment. Artificial fragrances have even been detected in breast milk. The potential danger was recognized far too late.

Most contact allergies in recent years have been triggered by synthetic fragrances such as lyral, atranol, and chloratranol. Nevertheless, these fragrances were still permitted on the market until 2021. Artificial musk fragrances, which are considered carcinogenic and disrupt hormones, are now banned. Synthetic fragrances with strong allergenic effects include cinnamal, tree moss, cinnamaldehyde, musk xylene, and musk ketone.

Although the risk potential of synthetic fragrances is now well known, there is little scientific research on their effects. Animal studies have shown that the synthetically produced lily-of-the-valley fragrance lilial can impair the animals' reproductive capacity and possibly their genetic makeup (BASF 2006). The study found that lilial caused shrinking testicles in male rats and impaired reproduction in female rats. The aldehyde can still be found in numerous perfumes, as well as hand creams, body lotions, soaps, shower gels, and other care products.

“Fragrance-neutral” cosmetics with fragrances and allergens

Be careful with so-called "fragrance-free" products! These cosmetics also usually contain fragrances intended to mask the inherent odor of certain ingredients. You can only be absolutely sure by analyzing the INCI list on the product label.

Fragrances that exceed a certain concentration must be listed by name in the INCI declaration. The limit is 0.01% for rinse-off products such as shampoos or shower gels. For leave-on products, the limit is 0.001%. If these limits are exceeded, the term "perfume" or "aroma" must be declared in addition to the allergens. However, it is often difficult for allergy sufferers to determine which fragrance they specifically cannot tolerate. A complex mixture of different fragrances is usually used, and their interactions with one another have also been poorly researched.

According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation's List of 26 fragrances, all fragrances contained in a product that are known to cause allergies must be declared. These include, for example, limonene, linalool, farnesol, citronellol, eugenol, coumarin, geraniol, and citral.

Allergen-free cosmetics without fragrances

If you're allergic to fragrances, have very sensitive skin that's prone to irritation, or simply don't want fragrances in your cosmetics, myrto offers a wide range of high-quality, fragrance-free natural cosmetics. Not only is our complete range of organic facial care fragrance-free, but you'll also find a selection in our hair and body care ranges.

The fragrance-free products don't smell boring at all. The natural, inherent scent of active ingredient-rich, cold-pressed plant oils and solvent-free plant extracts is only noticeable without additional fragrances. Solvent-free extraction of plant extracts with natural spring carbon dioxide—as we use for rose hips, pomegranates, sea buckthorn, rosemary, amaranth, chia seeds, or schizandra—preserves the freshest and most concentrated form of the fruits, leaves, or seeds used.

Hair care without fragrances

• Organic shampoos without fragrances are especially suitable for sensitive and irritated scalps that are prone to irritation and itching.
• Organic scalp treatments – for dry, itchy or inflamed scalps, for oily scalps with dandruff, and for hair loss or thinning hair to improve healthy hair growth – should also be free of fragrances containing allergens.
  

Body care without fragrances

• Organic deodorants without allergenic fragrances are not only very effective against sweat odor, but are also free of harmful ingredients such as aluminum salts, parabens, PEG compounds, or mineral oil.
• Body oils without fragrances are particularly important in the area of ​​sun care because some fragrances, especially certain citrus notes with furanocoumarins, can have a phototoxic effect, i.e. increase the skin's sensitivity to light and promote pigmentation disorders.

Facial care without fragrances

Hypoallergenic facial care products suitable for very sensitive, allergy-prone skin should be fragrance-free. The distinctive scent of such products is derived exclusively from pure organic plant oils and active ingredient-rich botanical extracts.

If you're unsure whether your sensitive, irritated skin will tolerate a new cosmetic, you should first test the product on the inside of your upper arm or the inside of your elbow for two days, then observe this area for two days. If no symptoms appear, the product is compatible with your skin.

What else you can do to avoid fragrance allergens

• Use detergents and household cleaners that are fragrance-free.
• Avoid using fabric softener in the washing machine and replace it with vinegar if necessary.
• Avoid fragrances in your diet. Read the labels carefully to be sure which foods (especially spices, flavored herbal teas, ready-made meals with spices, cough drops, etc.) contain the fragrance you are allergic to. Unfortunately, the labels for industrially processed foods are often inaccurate or incorrect. Therefore, it's a good idea to avoid ready-made meals altogether. Instead, prepare your own meals fresh, using vitamin-rich, and, if possible, seasonal ingredients.