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The term “fragrance-free” sounds straightforward, but it’s not always what it seems.

You’ve probably seen it on skincare, cleaning products, and even baby wipes. It suggests a safer, more natural alternative, especially for people with sensitive skin or allergies. But “fragrance-free” doesn’t always mean the product contains no scent at all.

In reality, it often means that no artificial fragrance or added perfume has been included. Yet many “fragrance-free” products still have a natural scent from essential oils, botanical extracts, or other ingredients used for preservation and performance. Those natural scents can still trigger irritation or allergies in certain individuals.

The Difference Between “Fragrance-Free” and “Unscented”

This is where it gets tricky. “Fragrance-free” means the brand didn’t intentionally add fragrance ingredients.
“Unscented,” however, can still include masking fragrances added to neutralize the product’s natural odor. So ironically, a product labeled unscented may contain more fragrance chemicals than one labeled fragrance-free.

This labeling confusion is part of why many consumers (and even physicians) misunderstand the role of fragrance in personal care products.

Fragrance Is Everywhere (Even Where You Don’t Expect It)

Think of the smell of a new car, fresh tennis balls, or your just-opened notebook all of those are scented, even though they aren’t marketed as such. The same applies to adhesives, paints, fabrics, and electronics, which often contain encapsulated scent compounds for masking industrial odors or enhancing the “fresh” experience.

Even some “odorless” deodorants or detergents contain fragrance molecules designed to neutralize unpleasant smells rather than emit a noticeable scent.

(Learn more about how fragrance shows up in surprising places in our blog “​Things That Are Scented You Didn’t Know About”).

Why Some Doctors Call Fragrance a “Disruptor”

A growing number of dermatologists and holistic practitioners warn about fragrance as a potential irritant or endocrine disruptor terms that have understandably made consumers wary. But what do they mean?

Most of these concerns stem from synthetic musks and certain older compounds that, in high concentrations, have been shown to interfere with hormone function in lab settings. However, modern perfumery has evolved dramatically. Many of those legacy ingredients are now restricted or banned, and the industry is governed by the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) standards, which regulate the safety of ingredients in finished products.

In short, fragrance safety is less about “all fragrance is bad” and more about context, concentration, and regulation.

Fragrance as Part of Experience

While the conversation around safety is important, fragrance also plays a powerful psychological and emotional role. It shapes how we experience products, how “clean” feels, how “luxury” smells, and how we emotionally connect to daily rituals. Removing fragrance entirely can make products functional but uninspired.

For brands like MAIR, the goal isn’t to eliminate fragrance, it’s to use it responsibly, transparently, and beautifully.

Final Takeaway

“Fragrance-free” doesn’t mean scent-free. It’s a reminder to read labels, understand ingredient lists, and know your sensitivities. The goal isn’t to fear fragrance but to be informed about it.