More and more publications, posts on social media and even in the magazine press, are placed against the use of fragrances in cosmetic products.
Not without a right and just reason.
However, essential oils are highly irritating, even allergenic, and should only be used in dissolved form in an oil, such as almond oil or grape seed oil.
Some, such as citrus fruits, cause photosensitivity if exposed to the sun.
The most famous of them that have beneficial properties are lavender, mint, tea tree oil, orange and lemon. However, careful use should always be made both to the skin and the inhalation.
In cosmetic products, mainly for reasons of economy but also technical possibilities in the performance of a wide range of aromatic compositions, the use of synthetic perfumes has prevailed in recent decades.
European legislation governing the production of cosmetics in EU countries has set strict limits on the use of synthetic substances that can be used in flavorings, and producers are required to comply with them. See CELEX-32009R1223-EL-TXT and CELEX_32019R0831_EL_TXT
If an ingredient has been classified as irritating, it must not be present in the cosmetic product in excess of what is specified in the tables of the law, for washable and non-washable items. In each case it must be mentioned separately on the product label.
As can be seen from the above, the use of aromatic substances is quite well controlled within the EU and the manufacturing companies accompany the items with detailed certificates regarding the rules of proper use and safety of allergenic ingredients.
From the correct and sensible use to the absolute exorcism of aromatics in cosmetics, the distance is great and controversial, at least in our opinion.
Provided that the safety rules, the manufacturer’s instructions are observed and at the same time the preventive checks are made throughout the production process, our opinion is that yes they can be used in cosmetics.
For items intended for non-washable application on the face, especially products intended for sensitive skin, we recommend that they have no fragrance at all.
In any case, the consumer must have the right to choose the unscented product.
The world of perfumes has a long history since ancient times. It affects and connects with the human psyche, with pleasant memories, or even unpleasant ones and mainly with specific emotions. But vigilance is required, so as not to endanger our health, while avoiding exaggeration.