A good moisturizer is a staple in almost every skincare routine, from dry to oily and everything in between. Moisturizer is vital for locking in hydration and priming your face for makeup, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re using quality ingredients in order to give your skin the love it deserves. While moisturizer is a largely innocuous product, there are ingredients included in some formulas that may have a negative impact on your skin and alter your complexion for the worse. If you’re struggling with surface level irritation or other flare ups, this is the one ingredient that a skin expert warns to avoid.
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Scented moisturizers are the worst addition to your medicine cabinet if the goal is clear, hydrated skin. While the added fragrance may create the illusion of luxury, ingredients that provide scent to your moisturizer may cause flare ups on the surface of the skin. According to board certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling, “When looking for the best moisturizer, keep an eye out for the ingredients. Fragrances are a key ingredient in moisturizers that should be avoided in those with sensitive skin as they can be extremely irritating. As a dermatologist, I have seen numerous instances of contact dermatitis that stem from the fragrances added into common moisturizing products.”
Dermatitis is another name for skin inflammation which can come as a result of ingredient induced irritation from your products. According to Healthline, “With dermatitis, your skin will typically look dry, swollen, and red. Depending on the type of dermatitis you have, causes vary. However, it’s not contagious.” While a fragrance may seem initially pleasing, the drying side effect of dermatitis directly counteracts any moisture that the product may have added, so it’s best to avoid ingredients that are known to cause flare ups.
Fragrances in your moisturizers are likely to cause an allergic reaction in your skin that you may try to combat by adding another layer of moisturizer which will only further aggravate the issue. According to a study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, “Of the 276 moisturizers accounted for in the database, 68 percent contained fragrance making it the most common allergen found in these moisturizers.” While restocking your medicine cabinet, it’s best to opt for fragrance free products across the board, but particularly when the product in question is intended for your face. The less ingredients that double as potential allergens, the better.
It’s far too easy to fall into the trap of splurging on a scented moisturizer which will transport your senses to a tropical vacation or a rose garden. But if your end goal is a well hydrated and clear complexion, it’s best to skip the scents and opt for a more basic option to bring out the best in your skin. Even if you don’t struggle with sensitivity, exposing yourself to ingredients that are known to cause dryness, redness and itching can be damaging in the long run, so a fragrance free formula will be your best bet.
