What does 'Parfum' on the label actually mean?
Arin Editorial · how this is made
Near the end of an ingredient list, you often see 'Parfum'. Many people assume it is a single fragrance ingredient. In fact, this one word does not describe a single substance; it can stand for hundreds of components.
What it is and where you find it
Parfum appears in perfume, shampoo, shower gel, lotion, deodorant, makeup, face creams, toners and serums. In the US it is labeled 'fragrance'; in the EU and Canada it is 'parfum'. Turkish labels may also use 'AROMA'. It can contain botanical raw materials as well as dyes, solvents, stabilizers and preservatives.
What it does
Its main job is to give the product a scent. Because it is a mixture of many chemicals, it does not have a single function. The exact components are often treated as a trade secret, so the label does not list them.
Why it is debated
Synthetic fragrance ingredients can cause allergic reactions, skin sensitivity and headaches in some people; US cosmetic adverse event reports include hundreds of records for parfum. The most frequently listed complaints include ovarian cancer, hair loss, rash, hypersensitivity and itching. These reports are not proof of causation. Separately, phthalates are described as banned in cosmetics in the EU because they may affect fertility; this ban does not apply to 'parfum' as a whole but to a specific group of ingredients.
Because parfum is not a single substance, it is not covered by a single ban or limit; individual ingredients are regulated separately, and phthalates are prohibited in cosmetics under EU rules.
If you see 'Parfum', 'fragrance' or 'AROMA' on a label, don't assume it is a problem by itself. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, you can try fragrance-free products or those formulated with natural essential oils. If you develop a reaction, stop using the product and consult a dermatologist.
Sources
- OpenFDA - Cosmetic Adverse Event Reports