Humans have a very acute sense of smell, and this sense is strongly linked to our emotions and memories. Some scents fill us with joy and warmth, while others have negative connotations. This emotional response is part of why we choose to wear certain fragrances. Picking fragrances that suit your style can be a breeze — especially if you’re aware of your specific preferences.
Unfortunately, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, finding a lovely perfume that won’t trigger a negative response can be a challenge. Enter hypoallergenic scents, which are designed to reduce the risk of an allergy attack. Below, we’ll dive into how to choose the right one for you and which brands are the best available.
What is hypoallergenic perfume?
In general, people who have allergic reactions to scents should avoid any product that contains acetone and linalool, both of which are known to cause adverse reactions.
When considering a hypoallergenic perfume, keep in mind that they are not non-allergenic and don’t promise to prevent all allergic reactions. However, hypoallergenic perfumes contain few, if any, chemicals and synthetic fragrances that tend to irritate sensitive skin and noses. Many are made of natural or organic ingredients, but be sure to look at the ingredient list carefully. Some contain ingredients like rose, almond, and honey which are common allergens, so be on the lookout for which products best fit your needs and lifestyle.
Hypoallergenic fragrances buying guide
There are many hypoallergenic fragrances available to choose from. It can be difficult to find the right one, especially if you are shopping online. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you find the right one.
Know what you’re looking for
You know you want a hypoallergenic fragrance, but what kind of scent are you looking for? There are four main scent categories: floral, fresh, spice, and woody, but many scents combine types together. Floral is the most common scent, including rose, violet, jasmine, and berries. Fresh scents have both citrus notes like lemon and aromatic ones like lavender and rosemary. Spice perfumes smell warm and smoky like vanilla, warm spices, and leather, while woody scents are associated with nature and include cedar and dry wood.
Check the ingredients
Many hypoallergenic scents are made of natural and organic ingredients. As we mentioned before, be sure to check the list of ingredients before purchasing a fragrance — hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergenic for everyone. If you know what specifically triggers your allergic reactions, be sure to avoid perfumes that contain them. If you’re unsure about what irritates your skin, speak to a dermatologist or an allergy specialist to determine what you’re allergic to.
Buy a trial size
If the store has one available, buy a trial size of your chosen perfume. This way, you can test it out before committing to a full-size bottle. Spray or rub the fragrance on a small patch of skin and monitor for an allergic reaction.
Read reviews
When shopping online, it’s important to read reviews from previous customers. Since you can’t smell it before you buy it, reviews will give you an idea of what the fragrance is like and what other people liked about it. You can also learn how strong the scent is and how long it lasts, both factors which are important in choosing the right scent for you.
Our top picks
Here are our top three favorite hypoallergenic perfumes available on the market:
- Garden Botanika Heart Eau De Parfum: This fragrance is a blend of gardenias, jasmine, roses, cedar, orange, and cardamom. It is also vegan and free of parabens, phthalates, and gluten.
- Jasmine Bloom: This hypoallergenic, jasmine-scented perfume is made by Zoha. It is made with organic essential oils, certified vegan, and does not contain alcohol, artificial colors, parabens, or phthalates.
- Pacifica Beauty: This brand has a wide variety of hypoallergenic scents available, including Tuscan Blood Orange, French Lilac, and Sugared Amber Dreams. All of their fragrances are made of natural, essential oils and do not contain any harsh chemicals.
When to see your doctor
If you have an allergic reaction to a specific perfume, schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause. They may recommend that you visit an allergy specialist or a dermatologist to figure out what is triggering your allergies. They may also be able to suggest some hypoallergenic perfumes and beauty supplies that you can try out. If your reaction is serious or you have difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Fragrance and skincare go hand in hand when you suffer from allergies. Luckily, there are hypoallergenic fragrances available that reduce your risk of having an allergic reaction. Using the tips above and exploring our top brands, you can easily find your new signature fragrance.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
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