“If you’ve ever picked up a natural skincare product and seen words like ‘linalool’ or ‘geraniol’ on the label—and wondered if they’re something to avoid—you’re not alone.”
In this guide, we’re gently unpacking what fragrance allergens really are, why you see them on natural product labels, and how they differ from synthetic fragrance ingredients hidden behind the word “parfum.”
🧪 What Are Fragrance Allergens?
Certain ingredients must be listed on skincare labels because they can, in rare cases, cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These are known as fragrance allergens, and the rules apply whether those ingredients are:
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Naturally occurring in essential oils and botanicals
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Added synthetically as isolated aroma compounds
The EU requires 26 of these potential allergens to be listed separately when they’re above certain trace amounts. This helps people with known sensitivities identify what to avoid.
🌸 The Common Ones You’ll See (and Why They’re in Nature)
These are the names you’ll often find on natural product labels—not because they’re artificial, but because they occur naturally in essential oils like lavender, citrus, and rose:
| Allergen Name | Where It Naturally Occurs |
|---|---|
| Linalool | Lavender, coriander, basil, neroli |
| Limonene | Citrus peels (orange, lemon, bergamot) |
| Citronellol | Geranium, citronella, rose |
| Geraniol | Rose, palmarosa, geranium |
| Benzyl Salicylate | Ylang-ylang, jasmine |
🧪 If you see these ingredients on a label—but there’s no mention of essential oils or botanical extracts—they’ve most likely been added as synthetic fragrance compounds.
At Herbs on the Hill, they appear only when they’re naturally present in whole essential oils.
🌿 At Herbs on the Hill… We Welcome the Real Scent of Nature
We never use synthetic “parfum” or lab-made fragrance oils. Instead, we scent our products gently and purposefully with:
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Whole essential oils from plants, petals, roots, and resins
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Botanical extracts and flower waters
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Herbal infusions that nourish the skin as well as the senses
⚖️ Is Natural Always Safer?
Not always. Even essential oils must be used with care and skill. That’s why we:
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Use gentle concentrations suitable for skin
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Offer unscented options
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Avoid essential oils known to be sensitising in leave-on products
If you know you’re sensitive to a specific allergen like linalool, we’ll help you find a formula that avoids it.
💚 The Difference Between “Fragrance-Free” and “No Added Parfum”
| Label Says… | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-Free | No essential oils or synthetic scent added at all |
| No Added Parfum | No synthetic fragrance—only natural aroma from botanicals/essential oils |
💫 In Summary:
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Fragrance allergens are natural parts of essential oils, listed to protect sensitive users.
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They are not the same as synthetic fragrance ingredients.
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At Herbs on the Hill, our products are scented with love, tradition, and whole plants—not artificial perfumes.
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If you ever want help choosing the right scent (or no scent), we’re here for you.
🔍 Want to learn more?
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Read our full Ingredient Glossary
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What is “Parfum” and why don’t we use it?
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Our Ingredients Promise
