What is it?
Fragrances are used as scents, masking scents, and flavorings in a number of cosmetic products and foods. The components of this mixture are:

Fragrance Mix I
  • Alpha amyl cinnamic alcohol
  • Cinnamic alcohol
  • Cinnamic aldehyde
  • Emulsifier: sorbitan sesquioleate 5%
  • Eugenol
  • Geraniol
  • Hydroxycitronellal
  • Isoeugenol
  • Oakmoss absolute

Fragrance Mix II
  • Lyral
  • Citral
  • Farnesol
  • Citronellol
  • Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde
  • Coumarin 

How can I avoid it?
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 and also should be avoided. Products labeled as “hypoallergenic” do not assure that the product is truly free of fragrance.

Since some fragrances are also flavors, foods can, rarely, cause flare-ups of dermatitis in fragrance-sensitive individuals. 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. It is possible, but rare, that ingestion of this substance could cause generalized symptoms such as itching or redness of the skin.

Uses:
Fragrances are found in a wide variety of products to enhance odor or mask undesirable odors, including the following:
  • Perfumes / Colognes / After-shaves / Toilet water
  • Skin Care Products / Cosmetics
  • Antiperspirants / Deodorants
  • Hair sprays, gels, tonics and lotions
  • Hair Colorants / “Permanents-Relaxers”
  • Soaps / Cleansers
  • Shampoos / Conditioners
  • Moisturizers
  • Make-ups
  • Nail Polish / Nail Polish Remover
  • Powders / Sprays
  • Sunscreens
  • Medications, topical, prescription and over the counter such as
  • Anesthetics
  • Antiseptics
  • Creams, Ointments, Solutions
  • Foot And Other Powders
  • Nasal Decongestants
  • Traditional Chinese Medications
  • Wound Dressings
  • Fragrance Mix I or II
  • Insect repellent candles
  • Insecticides
  • Household products
  • Cleaning Products / Soaps / Detergents (A preferred household cleaner is dilute white vinegar.)
  • Furniture polish
  • Laundry care (detergent, softeners)
  • Room fresheners
  • Oral Care Products
  • Cough mixtures
  • Toothpaste / Mouthwash
  • Throat tablets and lozenges
  • Flavoring agents
  • Metal working fluids
  • Paints
  • Tobacco
  • Foods
  • Spices / flavoring
  • Oranges and lemons
  • Other names for Fragrances:
  • Aroma Chemicals
  • Colognes
  • Essential oils of plants and animals
  • Masking fragrance
  • Perfumes
  • Toilet water

Potential co-reactive (not cross-reactive) substances:
  • Myroxylon Pereirae Resin (Balsam of Peru)
  • Cinnamic alcohol
  • Cinnamic aldehyde
  • Hydroxycitronellal

How safe is it?

Hang tight. We're thinking.