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Fragrance (parfum): what it is and where it’s used

“Parfum” or “fragrance” on a cosmetic label can stand for a blend of many substances. EU rules require named fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool and citronellol to be listed when they pass 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off ones. “Unscented” does not always mean fragrance-free. Bravoora flags parfum and the named fragrance allergens that follow it.

By Bravoora teamPublished Updated Sources checked 3 sourcesHow we check

A clear perfume bottle with a blank label.

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What is fragrance?

“Fragrance” or “parfum” on a cosmetic label can stand for a blend of many substances. In the EU, certain fragrance allergens, such as limonene and linalool, must be named separately when they are above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. Since 31 July 2026, under Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, new products must name any of more than 80 of these allergens, up from 26; products already on sale may keep the older label until 31 July 2028. “Unscented” doesn’t always mean fragrance-free: A masking fragrance may be used.

Where is fragrance found?

  • Perfumes and body mists are mostly fragrance.
  • Moisturisers, serums and sunscreens often contain it, sometimes only to mask a smell.
  • Shampoos, soaps and deodorants often contain it.

Label code: Parfum

What are the other names for fragrance on a label?

ParfumPerfumeAromaLimoneneLinaloolBenzyl alcoholCitronellolCinnamalGeraniolHexyl cinnamalBenzyl salicylateCitralCoumarinAlpha-isomethyl iononeHydroxycitronellalBenzyl benzoateEugenolCinnamyl alcoholAmyl cinnamalIsoeugenolFarnesolButylphenyl methylpropionalAnise alcoholEvernia prunastri
All 35 names
LyralOakmossTreemossFragranceBenzyl cinnamateEvernia furfuraceaFragrance (parfum)Methyl 2-octynoateEssential oil blendAmylcinnamyl alcoholHydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde

The free label checker marks every name on this list. Try the label checker · How Bravoora decides

Does fragrance fit a vegan or fragrance-free routine?

VeganHeads upMost fragrance ingredients are synthetic or plant-based, but labels rarely say.
Fragrance-freeNot for youIt is fragrance. Named fragrance allergens may follow it on the list.

A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.

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How does Bravoora check for fragrance?

Bravoora is a calorie tracker and ingredient checker app. Scan a pack and it answers for each person on your plan.

Bravoora flags “parfum” and the named fragrance allergens that follow it in the ingredient list.

How Bravoora decides, in full

More questions about fragrance

Is fragrance vegan?

It depends. Most fragrance ingredients are synthetic or plant-based, but labels rarely say.

Sources and how to cite this guide

  1. EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
  2. EU Regulation 2023/1545 (fragrance allergen labelling)
  3. US FDA: Fragrances in cosmetics

To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Fragrance (parfum): what it is and where it’s used”, bravoora.app/ingredients/fragrance/, updated 4 November 2026.

Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.

General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.

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How to read a skincare ingredient list (INCI) in 5 stepsRead the articleFragrance allergens on skincare labels, by nameRead the article

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