A good scent is part of why people love their deodorant. You notice it when you put it on, and it makes the routine feel like something you look forward to. The real question is not whether your deodorant should smell good. It is where that scent comes from. Here is the difference between essential oils and synthetic fragrance, and how to tell which one you are wearing.
What "Fragrance" Means on a Label
Most cosmetic ingredients have to be listed one by one. Scent is the exception. The FDA explains that under US rules, fragrance ingredients can be listed simply as "Fragrance," because companies are not required to give away trade secrets. The FDA also describes fragrance formulas as complex mixtures of many different natural and synthetic ingredients. The agency has a separate page on trade secret ingredients that covers the same rule.
So when you see the single word "fragrance" or "parfum" on a label, you are not being told what is in it. It could be a short list or a long one. You just cannot know from the label.
What an Essential Oil Is
An essential oil is the concentrated aromatic oil taken from a plant. Most are made by steam distillation, where steam passes through the plant material, carries the aromatic compounds out, and is cooled back into a liquid so the oil can be collected. Citrus oils are usually cold pressed from the peel instead. Either way, the scent comes from the plant itself, and it can be named on the label by the plant it came from.
Why We Scent With Essential Oils
Our scents come from essential oils, not synthetic fragrance. That is a choice we made on purpose, for two reasons.
The first is that it fits the rest of the formula. Everything we make is plant based, from the coconut oil and shea butter base to the arrowroot powder that absorbs moisture. Scenting it with a lab-made fragrance would not make sense next to all of that. You can read more about the ingredients themselves in Better by Nature.
The second is that you get to know what you are putting on your skin. When the scent comes from a named plant oil, there is no mystery word standing in for it. Our Lavender, for example, is scented with lavender essential oil.
The Honest Part
Plant-based does not mean no one will ever react to it. The FDA notes that some people are sensitive to certain fragrance ingredients, and that applies to essential oils as well as synthetic ones. Most people do fine with essential oils. If your skin is sensitive, or you just do not want a scent, every one of our formulas comes in Unscented, in both sticks and jars. If you have had irritation from a deodorant before, our guide to natural deodorant rash walks through what to try.
How to Read a Deodorant Label
- Look for named plant oils, such as lavender oil or patchouli oil. That tells you exactly where the scent comes from.
- If you see only "fragrance" or "parfum," the company is not required to tell you what is in it.
- If you want no scent at all, look for a product labeled unscented, and check that the ingredient list does not include fragrance.
Finding Your Scent
We make a range of scents, from Lavender and Jasmine to Woodlands, Charcoal Seaside, Orange Vanilla, Coconut Lime, and Vanilla Peppermint, plus Unscented. Our scent guide covers the lineup. If you want to try several before choosing a full size, our mini 7-pack includes all of the travel scents in one box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between essential oils and fragrance?
Essential oils are aromatic oils taken directly from plants, usually by steam distillation or cold pressing. "Fragrance" on a label can be a mix of many natural and synthetic ingredients, and US rules do not require the company to list them.
Does Pretty Frank use synthetic fragrance?
No. Our scents come from essential oils. If you want no scent at all, every formula comes in Unscented.
Are essential oils safe for sensitive skin?
Most people do well with them, but some people are sensitive to certain plant oils, the same way some people are sensitive to certain synthetic fragrance ingredients. If your skin reacts easily, start with Unscented.
Does the scent change how well the deodorant works?
No. Odor control comes from the formula, baking soda in our extra strength line or zinc oxide and magnesium hydroxide in our baking soda free line. The scent is there because you will enjoy putting it on.
The Frank Bottom Line
Scent matters, and you should know where yours comes from. Ours comes from essential oils, named on the label, in a formula that is plant based from top to bottom. Pick a scent you love, or go Unscented, and shop our baking soda stick for extra strength or our baking soda free stick for sensitive skin.
