Naturally scented skincare has always been a popular way to add a luxurious touch to your daily self-care routine. While you'll commonly find fragrance oils in body oils, lotions, and moisturizers, there are common misconceptions about what is "good" and what is "bad" for your skin. If you find yourself wondering: Are fragrance oils toxic? Are they bad for my skin? Should I be avoiding fragrances completely? You've come to the right place.
Here's everything you need to know:
Are Scented Oils Safe for the Body and Skin?
Are fragrance oils safe for skin? The short answer is yes. Natural fragrances are not considered toxic or harmful to the skin or body. However, there are circumstances where you should avoid body-safe fragrance oils:
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Skin sensitivities and preexisting skin conditions
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Irritated or inflamed skin
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Before spending all day in the sun
You shouldn't worry about irritation if you find a safe, clinically tested fragrance oil. We recommend speaking with a dermatologist for more guidance if you have any skin sensitivities.
Ingredients to Look For
If you're in the market for a new body-safe fragrance body oil to add to your daily routine, there are a few things you need to know to ensure the product you choose is safe and effective.
When looking for body-safe fragrance oils, you'll want to be mindful of the ingredients included in the formula. It's best to look for plant-derived oils and potent botanicals that are clinically proven not to irritate the skin. Some ingredients to look for include:
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a restorative ingredient that can support your skin's barrier function and protect against environmental aggressors. It's an exceptional ingredient to look for in a body-safe fragrance oil that will help hydrate and nourish the skin.
Olive Fruit Oil
Olive fruit oil is a super-hydrating ingredient derived from olives. It contains a blend of fatty acids, vitamin E, and squalene, three ingredients that help nourish and hydrate the skin.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is an ultra-hydrating oil that contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors. It is an ingredient that individuals with dry or sensitive skin should look for in a body-safe fragrance oil.
Essential Oils
Most essential oils are generally safe to use on the skin. Scents like lavender, geranium, rose water, and chamomile are safe and gentle on the skin. They are commonly used in aromatherapy and can help relax and soothe the skin.
Ingredients to Avoid
Of course, not all fragrance body oils are created equally. When exploring the different scents and products available, you'll want to avoid the following ingredients:
Synthetic Fragrances
Are synthetic fragrances toxic? Not exactly, but they aren't always "safe" for the skin. They are designed to replicate natural scents and made in laboratories. Since they are formulated in a lab, there's no telling what exactly is in the product. Companies can list over 100 notes under one general term, "synthetic fragrance," on the ingredient label, which can be misleading. Synthetic fragrances can also cause irritation and be harmful for individuals with skin sensitivities.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a harsh ingredient commonly found in body oil and other skincare products. Excessive use of products with formaldehyde can lead to rashes, redness, and irritation. You'll want to avoid using products formulated with formaldehyde near areas of sensitivity, such as the nose, throat, and eyes.
Parabens
Parabens are a family of chemicals commonly used in skincare and cosmetics. Research suggests that exposure to parabens has been linked to breast cancer and can also trigger allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin.
Fitting a Fragrance Body Oil Into Your Skincare Routine
A body-safe fragrance body oil will complement the rest of your everyday routine in conjunction with your everyday body cream or body lotion for an extra boost of hydration. It can also be a hydrating alternative to switch to during the warmer months when you want a lightweight moisturizer. Body oil is a great option for individuals with dry, dull skin who want a glowy finish after their skincare routine.
The Geranium Rose Body Oil
Our Geranium Rose Body Oil contains a potent blend of olive fruit, argan, vitamin E, and geranium & rose essential oils. This ultra-hydrating and nourishing body oil can help reduce cellulite's appearance while supporting the skin barrier function.
The rose scent is subtle and soothing, designed to help you feel relaxed and at ease. This lightweight formula is naturally scented with geranium and rose essential oil. It doesn't contain synthetic fragrance and is gentle enough for all skin types.
Visible and Proven Results
We tested our newest body oil in our consumer perception study. During this study, 110 men and women between 18 and 70 tested our product consistently for four weeks. Over 94% of participants agreed that this scent helped relax and soothe, and 95% agreed that the oil calmed skin irritation and soothed their skin. 90% also agreed that their skin instantly looked and felt smoother, with 95% experiencing plump, supple, and bouncy skin.
Pregnancy-Safe
Looking for a body oil to fit into your pregnancy-safe skincare routine? Our Geranium Rose Body Oil is safe for pregnancy. However, we recommend consulting with a qualified physician or medical professional if you are pregnant or nursing and have concerns.
We recommend The Body Oil
if you’re looking for a non-scented alternative.
Relax, Soothe, and Hydrate With Augustinus Bader
So, are fragrance oils safe for skin? They can be if you're mindful of the types of fragrance oils and ingredients used in the formula. Our Geranium Rose Body Oil is the newest addition to our collection of clean and effective skincare products. This formula contains a blend of sustainably sourced ingredients and is powered by TFC8® to deliver results.
