Fragrance is the combination of chemicals that gives each perfume or cologne its distinctive scent. It’s found in everything from beauty products to baby lotions and laundry detergent, as well as household cleaning sprays, body washes and even hair care products. Companies that make perfume and cologne purchase fragrance mixtures from manufacturers, which are then used in their own products. Fragrance ingredients may come from both natural and petroleum sources, and they’re often derived from the aromatic compounds of plants or other raw materials. In addition to the actual scent chemicals, perfumes and colognes also contain solvents, stabilizers, UV-absorbers, preservatives and dyes.
The terms frgrance, perfume and scent mean the same thing, but perfume usually implies a combination of different compounds (both natural and synthetic) and tends to be more heavily concentrated. Scent, on the other hand, tends to refer to the odors of a flower or plant and is less concentrated than perfume.
Scents are usually divided into groups, such as floral, citrus or woody, to distinguish their characteristics. Choosing a fragrance with fewer “notes” can help minimize skin sensitization, which is more likely to occur when an ingredient is too strong. Purchasing a cologne instead of a perfume and opting for a natural version of your favorite fragrance are additional ways to cut down on the amount of perfume you use. Alternatively, try switching to a brand that doesn’t use fragrance or simply lists the ingredients on the label.