Fragrance-free vs unscented body wash: which is best?

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

They sound interchangeable, but when it comes to personal care products like body wash, the terms “fragrance-free” and “unscented” mean different things. One means that no artificial fragrance has been added, while the other may be using chemicals to mask scents. Read on to find out more about fragrance-free body wash vs unscented body wash. We’ll also look at which option is best for sensitive skin. .

What does fragrance-free mean?

Products like body wash may be labelled as fragrance-free, but this doesn’t mean they don’t have a scent. It means that no natural or artificial fragrance has been added to the formula to make it smell pleasant; however, the ingredients themselves may have their own scent. For example, if coconut oil is used in a hydrating body wash, the product could still be labelled as fragrance-free as the oil is included to aid hydration, not for its scent.

What does unscented mean?

On the other hand, unscented products have no scent at all. However, these products use chemicals to neutralise the odour of their ingredients, leaving them free from any scent. Most beauty and skincare ingredients have a naturally occurring scent; if that scent isn’t very pleasant, it may be neutralised and masked to create an unscented product instead.

Fragrance-free vs unscented body wash: what’s the difference?

Knowing the difference between fragrance-free and unscented products is the best way to make an informed decision on which body care products to use. Fragrance-free body wash has no added perfume or synthetic scent chemicals, making it a good choice if you have sensitive skin, skin conditions like eczema or a fragrance intolerance. These products are much less likely to cause irritation or skin inflammation. When buying a product marked as “unscented”, be aware that these products may still contain fragrance chemicals, but the scent has been neutralised by other chemical ingredients. If you dislike products with a strong odour, you may prefer unscented body wash; however, be aware that these products are not always ideal if you suffer from allergies or skin conditions.

Fragrance-free shower gel:

• Has no added fragrance, but may still have a mild scent caused by the ingredients it uses
• Avoids all fragrance chemicals
• Is a good choice for sensitive or allergy-prone skin
• Has a lower risk of causing skin irritation

Unscented shower gel:

• May include masking fragrance  
• Includes chemicals to neutralise odours, leaving the product with no scent
• Is a good choice if you dislike highly scented body products
• May cause skin irritation or adverse reactions, especially in people with sensitivities or skin conditions

Why are products with fragrance so popular?

The simple answer is: because most people like their skin, hair and body products to smell nice! Many brands add pleasing smells to their products because they know a nice scent can be an attractive selling point. Also, many personal care products don’t smell very nice before a synthetic fragrance is added. However, people are increasingly searching for beauty and skincare products without artificial ingredients like fragrance, as studies have shown that these chemicals have been linked to hormone disruptions, allergies and other health risks. 

Sanex Zero% Sensitive fragrance-free shower gel contains 0% fragrance, colourants, sulphates* or soap. Its hypoallergenic formula helps to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, it’s also dermatologically tested and respects your skin’s natural pH. 

How to choose the right body wash for daily use

Here are some tips for choosing the right fragrance-free body wash for sensitive skin that can be used every day:

• Read the ingredients list – look for terms like “parfum”, “fragrance” or “masking agent” to understand where synthetic fragrances have been used. Unscented body wash is likely to contain these ingredients.

• Consider your skin type – if you have sensitive skin or suffer with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, opt for a fragrance-free body wash to minimise your risk of adverse reactions.

• Create a gentle skincare routine – look for fragrance-free shower products that are hypoallergenic and have been dermatologically tested to reduce the chance of allergies or skin irritation.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about fragrance-free body wash vs unscented body wash.

What is the difference between fragrance-free and unscented body wash?

Unscented body wash has no scent; however, it may still contain artificial fragrance. Any synthetic fragrance is then masked with other chemicals to neutralise the odour, leaving the product scent-free. Fragrance-free, on the other hand, means that no additional scent has been added to the product; however, the ingredients used in that product may still have a mild scent. 

Is fragrance-free body wash good for everyday use?

Fragrance-free body wash is less likely to irritate sensitive or allergy-prone skin, making it a great choice in your shower every day. Look for formulas that are hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and pH-balanced to help maintain your skin barrier. 

What does natural actually mean when it comes to fragrances?

Natural fragrance must be derived from plants or from aromatic natural raw materials. The scent must be extracted by mechanical extraction, like cold pressing, or distillation via water or steam. Essential oils or floral extracts are good examples of natural fragrance. 

*Does not contain sulphate-based surfactants.