What “Fragrance” Really Means on Ingredient Labels (And Why It Matters)

You’ve probably seen the word “fragrance” on an ingredient label before. It looks harmless. Simple. Almost comforting.

But in the world of body care, “fragrance” is one of the most misleading ingredients you’ll find — and understanding what it really means can completely change how you choose products for your skin.

At Desert Moon 25, ingredient transparency is one of our core values. We believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting on your body — and why it matters.

The Problem With the Word “Fragrance”

When a product lists “fragrance” (or “parfum”) on its ingredient label, it doesn’t refer to one single ingredient.

It can legally represent dozens — sometimes hundreds — of undisclosed chemicals blended together to create a scent.

Manufacturers are allowed to keep fragrance formulas secret under “trade law,” meaning:

  • You don’t know what chemicals are included

  • They don’t have to disclose potential irritants

  • Many fragrance blends contain synthetic compounds linked to skin sensitivity, headaches, hormone disruption, and allergic reactions

For people with sensitive skin, eczema, hormonal imbalances, or migraines, this lack of transparency can be especially problematic.

Why Synthetic Fragrance Is Often an Issue

Synthetic fragrance is commonly made using petroleum-derived chemicals. These compounds are designed to be strong, long-lasting, and inexpensive — not necessarily skin-friendly.

Some commonly associated concerns include:

  • Skin irritation and redness

  • Increased sensitivity over time

  • Disrupted hormones

  • Triggered headaches or nausea

  • Dryness that worsens with continued use

What makes it even trickier is that reactions don’t always happen immediately. Sometimes it’s the long-term, daily exposure that causes issues.

Natural Fragrance vs Synthetic Fragrance

Here’s where things get important.

Natural fragrance, when done intentionally and responsibly, usually comes from:

  • Essential oils

  • Plant extracts

  • Botanicals

These ingredients don’t just smell beautiful — they often serve a purpose, offering calming, uplifting, or grounding effects.

That said, even natural ingredients should be used thoughtfully and in proper dilution. Clean beauty isn’t about overload — it’s about balance.

At Desert Moon 25, we choose ingredients that work with the body, not against it.

How to Read Labels With Confidence

When shopping for body care products, look for:

  • Specific essential oils listed by name (lavender, eucalyptus, cedarwood, etc.)

  • Transparency in ingredient sourcing

  • Brands that explain why they use what they use

If a brand simply lists “fragrance” with no explanation, that’s a sign to pause and ask questions.

Your skin is your largest organ — what you apply matters.

Why We Choose Transparency

We believe scent should enhance your self-care rituals, not compromise your health.

That’s why our products are crafted using:

  • Plant-based ingredients

  • Thoughtfully chosen essential oils

  • No synthetic fragrance blends

Our goal is to create products that feel grounding, nourishing, and safe — the kind you can trust in your daily rituals.

Because self-care should never come with hidden ingredients.

Although we do use fragrance in our products it is a fragrance +esssential oil blend: they are parabean free, sulfate free, prop 65 free. We have also reviewed the scientific data make sure that all the ingredients used to create the scents are skin safe.

No fragrance products that we create here at Desert Moon 25: Tallow Butter, Lip Balm, Shampoo Bars, Body Oil, Essential Oil Rollers

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