Essential oils (fragrance)

Botanical, pleasant, and also the source of most fragrance allergies. "Natural" does not mean hypoallergenic, which is why we list every one and offer unscented.

INCI name

e.g. Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil

Origin

Botanical

Role

Natural scent, and the most common natural allergens

Best for

People who want a scent and have no fragrance sensitivity

Watch out

Limonene and linalool (citrus, lavender) oxidise into known contact allergens. Choose unscented if you have reactive skin or a history of fragrance allergy.

What it does

Essential oils are concentrated mixtures of volatile plant compounds. Many of those compounds, including limonene, linalool, geraniol, citral and eugenol, are recognised contact allergens, and the EU requires them to be named on the label above very low thresholds precisely because they are found in botanical oils. The 2023 update to the EU cosmetics regulation expanded that allergen list from 26 to over 80 substances, natural extracts among them.

None of this makes essential oils bad. It means a lavender-scented "all natural" product can cause a reaction that an unscented product with a synthetic preservative never would. Our scent options are opt-in, every allergen is named, and unscented is always available.

How we use it

Opt-in scent at low levels, with each allergen declared. Unscented is the default for scalp-sensitive profiles.

Helps with

• Scalp comfort

Often paired with

• Aloe veraLightweight humectant and scalp soother
• Jojoba oilSebum-like liquid wax
• Rosehip oilLight, linoleic-rich oil for scalp and ends

Educational only, not medical advice. Persistent scalp irritation, sudden hair loss or unexplained breakage warrant a visit to a dermatologist. Written by Cosmixxology R&D.