Allergic or sensitive to essential oils? Why fragrance free hair products are better for your skin

If you’re prone to irritation or even allergic reactions at the first sign of stress, you’ll know all about treading carefully when it comes to your sensitive dermis. 

One of the best ways to avoid flare-ups is by choosing fragrance free formulae. Fragrance free shampoo and conditioner can help prevent redness, irritation, dryness and flakes on your scalp, and face (and even your body, as the suds will trickle down while you lather). Here’s why shopping for fragrance free curly hair products is better for your skin.

What are the benefits of using fragrance free shampoo?

We believe every ingredient in our products should work hard to deliver results you can actually see (as opposed to smell). So, if you have sensitive skin, let’s celebrate. The days of choosing between amping up your curls and listening to your skin are done. With fragrance free versions of your Bouclème favourites, you can do both.

Fragrance free hair styling products mean no nasty chemicals

Fragrance free means that no fragrance, whether natural, synthetic or essential oils, are used AT ALL. Beware ‘unscented’ products – this means that although there’s no fragrance, nasty chemicals that mask the odours of other ingredients may be lurking. 

Fragrance free shampoo means healthier scalp

All perfumes can put your skin at risk of inflammation and trigger allergic reactions. If you have problems with sensitive skin, we advise opting for fragrance free shampoos that don’t contain any irritants. After all, your scalp health should never be neglected – it’s essential to proper hair growth. 

Fragrance free hair products mean happy skin

Mintel’s Women’s Facial Skincare report shows that 32% of British women described their skin type as sensitive, with the number increasing in older age groups. Although everyone’s skin is different, we react to fragrances in different ways. Fragrance can be perfectly fine for some skins, but on others it can wreak havoc. Our fragrance free collection keeps everyone’s skin happy. 

What are fragrances in hair products?

Fragrance has the power to lift our moods and relieve stress – a sensory benefit that goes hand in hand with our beauty products. 

There are two categories of fragrances: synthetic and natural or essential oils. They can all cause problems if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to fragrance.

Synthetic fragrances in hair products

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) research shows that synthetic fragrances are the biggest cause of irritation and contact dermatitis in beauty products. This can manifest as redness, itching, hives and eczema flare-ups.

Natural scents in hair products

Natural scents, such as essential oils and other botanicals derived from plants, trees and flowers, are often harnessed in product formulations because they not only smell good but also have therapeutic benefits. 

Bouclème scents are 100% nature’s own, perfumer-blended essential oils. These natural products are aromatic compounds extracted from plants and can serve as a beneficial part of your hair care routine. However, it is possible to experience an allergic reaction from using them. 

What if I’m allergic to essential oils? 

We’ve gone back to basics and skipped the essential oils in our fragrance free shampoo. And FYI, removing the essential oils does not affect the efficacy of your favourite products. You get all that curl-defining power you know and love, minus the scent for zero irritation. 

What are the effects of fragrance on skin?

For those with sensitive skin and specific allergies, products formulated with fragrance – or fragrant ingredients – can have the potential to irritate and cause inflammation.

Fragrance can be very damaging to sensitive skin. It can cause dermatitis, red and itchy rashes, as well as other allergic reactions. Plus, a lot of fragrance free beauty products include fragrance to mask the smell of the ingredients that don’t smell very good! So you can’t be sure of your sense of smell to tell you if something is fragranced or not.

It’s worth noting that just even if your skin appears to cope well with fragrance, it doesn’t mean that it’s OK. Your skin can mask aggravation and not show the damage immediately, similar to sun damage on skin, which can cause problems later on. 

Nowadays, there are more and more fragrance free hair styling products available, such as Boucleme’s fragrance free black hair products. The collection is dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or reactive, or if you have allergies. 

What are the best fragrance free hair styling products?

Here’s how to get the best from our fragrance free collection. In just four steps, you get healthy, bouncy curls that look and feel good as well as do you good.

1. Kick off with our Curl Cleanser – the best fragrance free shampoo to clean your hair while retaining moisture. 
2. Next, load up on our Curl Conditioner, which detangles, strengthens and protects. 
3. Fresh from the shower, reach for our Curl Cream, to soften and define those locks. 
4. Then, layer on our Curl Defining Gel, to smooth and set your spirals with long-lasting effect.

What are phthalate-free products?

Phthalates are commonly used in perfumery to make scents last longer. They are a family of chemical compounds used as either a bonding agent or to make plastics more flexible. They’re in everything from fragrances and food packaging to flooring. 

In recent years, researchers have linked phthalates to a number of different health concerns, including asthma, obesity, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and male fertility issues. This had led to the creation of phthalates-free and fragrance free hair products.

Just so you know: Bouclème products are at minimum 92% plant based and biodegradable. They’re free from silicones, sulphates, PEGs, parabens, mineral oils, petroleum AND phthalates. Our short ingredients list means our high-quality products are better for you. But we do recommend doing your research or speaking to your dermatologist before incorporating a new product into your hair care regime, especially if you have sensitive skin.