Fragrance Mix I or II (RECOMMENDED: most botanicals REMOVED)

Fragrances are used as scents, masking scents, and flavorings in a number of cosmetic products and foods. The components of these mixtures are:

Skin contact with a fragrance is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing fragrance should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either

on the product package or the box that contains it. Check the labeling of your skin care products for fragrance ingredients. If there is not enough information on the label, ask your retailer or call the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

The avoidance of fragrances can be difficult, since so many everyday products contain these substances. One should use only fragrance-free cosmetic and household products. “Unscented” products may contain low levels of a fragrance to cover up an undesirable odor, so they should also be avoided. Products labeled as “hypoallergenic” do not assure that the product is truly free of fragrance. 

Since fragrances are complex mixtures of many ingredients, an individual may tolerate one fragrance but not another. A trial-and-error method of avoiding a fragrance allergen in a product can be performed by applying the product to the forearm in the same small area twice a day for a week. If no dermatitis develops, the product may likely be used safely. 

Direct contact with foods or products containing fragrances may cause symptoms including burning, irritation, and redness. Direct contact may occur on the skin, lips, or mouth. Although it is rare, it is possible that ingestion of foods containing fragrance could cause generalized symptoms such as itching or redness of the skin.

Fragrances are found in a wide variety of products to enhance odor or mask undesirable odors, including the following:

MC4999-100/Rev05-2025