The Truth About Fragrance: What You’re Not Being Told
- Petal & Root
- May 7
- 2 min read
You’ve spotted it on ingredient lists: “Fragrance.” Maybe it’s sandwiched between wholesome sounding botanicals or featured front and center in your favorite so-called “clean” shampoo. But have you ever stopped to wonder: what does that word actually mean?
“Fragrance” is one of the least regulated and most misleading ingredients in the beauty industry. Let’s pull back the curtain and explore what you’re not being told and how to truly spot clean beauty from clever greenwashing.
What Is “Fragrance,” Really?
Under U.S. law, companies are allowed to list “fragrance” as a single ingredient, even though it can represent a mixture of dozens to hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. This “trade secret” loophole allows brands to keep their exact scent formulas hidden, but it also gives them a free pass to include ingredients linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and more.
Common Hidden Chemicals in Fragrance:
Phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)
Synthetic musks (potential endocrine disruptors)
Allergens and irritants (that don’t have to be disclosed individually)
Clean Beauty vs. Greenwashing: Know the Difference
Many products with calming packaging and buzzwords like “natural,” “plant-based,” or “eco-friendly” still contain synthetic fragrances. That’s where greenwashing comes in; when companies use marketing to appear clean and sustainable without living up to those claims.
Signs of Greenwashing:
Vague labels like “natural fragrance”
No full ingredient transparency
Emphasis on packaging over formulation
“Free of X” claims, while still including questionable ingredients
What Clean Fragrance Should Look Like
At Petal & Root, we believe you deserve to know what’s in your skincare down to the last drop. That’s why we use only 100% natural, cosmetic-grade essential oils, resins, and plant extracts to scent our products. No synthetics. No shortcuts. Just the full power of nature.
Why This Matters:
Essential oils not only scent but offer therapeutic skin benefits
You avoid unknown chemical exposures
Your body and skin stay in harmony with nature
How to Protect Yourself: 3 Simple Tips
Read the full ingredient list, not just the front label. Look for “fragrance” or “parfum” and be cautious.
Ask questions; Email brands. A truly clean company will have nothing to hide.
Support transparent makers, Small batch brands often go above and beyond to ensure ingredient integrity and ethical sourcing.
Final Thoughts: Demand Better
The truth is, the word “fragrance” hides a lot; and most people don’t realize what they’re putting on their skin. You have the right to transparency. You have the right to choose what touches your body. And when you know better, you can do better - not just for your skin, but for your health, your family, and the planet.
At Petal & Root, we’ll always tell you exactly what’s in our products, because your trust means everything.
Your skin is sacred. Your products should be too.
🌿Explore Our Fragrance-Free + Naturally Scented Collection
Stay Radiant,
