Fragrance is part of our everyday lives — in the air we breathe, the spaces we move through, and the products we use daily. It’s found in dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, trash bags, body wash, deodorant, lipstick, and even toothpaste. When it comes to skincare, however, we have the choice to decide how much fragrance we invite into our routines.
That choice is becoming more common. In fact, the fragrance-free skincare category is growing rapidly. Market research shows that over 250 million fragrance-free skincare units are sold annually. One reason is that sensitive skin has become increasingly common. Another is that people are more aware than ever of potential skin irritants. As a result, many people now seek out gentle, natural, and fragrance-free options to better support their skin.
This growing awareness is one reason Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner and Black Rice Hyaluronic 10 Cream are offered in both standard and fragrance-free versions. Both are made without artificial (synthetic) fragrance. However, the standard scented formulas feature the naturally soothing, clean floral scent of lavender oil. Yup, most essential oils are considered fragrance ingredients in skincare products.
The scented version of our beloved Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner also contains two naturally occurring fragrance compounds: limonene and linalool, two of the most commonly used fragrances in scented skincare products. Limonene is naturally found in the rinds of citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and limes, and gives them their zesty, fresh scent. Linalool, on the other hand, is a scent molecule naturally found in flowers and herbs, like lavender, coriander, and bergamot. Because it has a comforting powdery floral scent with hints of woodiness, you can also find it in most floral perfumes on the market.
Other fragrance ingredients you might spot on skincare labels include:
- Parfum (Fragrance)
- Citronellol
- Geraniol
- Hexyl Cinnamal
- Benzyl Salicylate
- Eugenol
- Essential oils, like bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon
Next, we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of fragranced versus fragrance-free skincare, as well as how to determine which option may be right for you.
Fragranced Skincare
PROS
Fragrance in skincare transforms a simple daily routine into something more indulgent and enjoyable. Washing your face or slathering on moisturizer becomes less of a task and more of a calming ritual you can look forward to each day and night. Scent plays a powerful role in how we experience these moments. Certain aromas can help relax the mind and body, while others can awaken the senses and energize the spirit.
In the case of Haruharu wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner and Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream, the addition of lavender oil complements the products’ soothing and hydrating properties. The scent enhances the overall sensory experience, amplifying the comfort of the toner’s glassy, non-sticky texture and the cream’s lightweight, airy consistency. Each use feels like a mini at-home spa treatment.
Research also suggests that certain fragrances, including lavender, may help promote relaxation, improve mood, and support circulation. Improved blood flow can make skin appear naturally fresh and radiant, while helping maintain overall skin health over time.
CONS
Unfortunately, not everyone’s skin can tolerate fragrance. It’s a known irritant and the most frequent trigger of contact allergies, also known as contact dermatitis. This occurs when the skin becomes irritated or inflamed after coming into contact with a specific ingredient. In some cases, the reaction is immediate due to direct irritation of the skin barrier. In others, it’s the result of an allergic response, where the immune system becomes sensitized to an ingredient over time.
Common signs of contact allergies include redness, itching, dryness, or small bumps on the affected area. Fragrance ingredients, such as linalool and limonene, are among the most common culprits, especially for those with reactive or sensitive skin. They can also further aggravate acne, especially when you’re experiencing an active breakout.
Fragrance-Free Skincare
PROS
Fragrance-free moisturizers and other skincare products are an excellent choice for those with reactive, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. By excluding one of the most common sources of irritation — fragrance — these formulas help minimize the risk of redness, dryness, and contact dermatitis.
They’re also a gentler option for anyone dealing with chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea. If your skin barrier is already compromised and more vulnerable to external stressors, avoiding fragrance is key. Swapping fragrance-free toner and moisturizer, like Haruharu’s, into your skincare routine helps support calm, balanced skin by focusing solely on nourishing, restorative ingredients without added scent.
Both versions of our Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner and Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream are infused with fermented black rice extract, which helps soothe existing inflammation, decrease the appearance of wrinkles, and fade hyperpigmentation. This antioxidant-rich ingredient is also super moisturizing and deeply nourishing. For those with sensitive or reactive skin, choosing the unscented formulas ensures your skin has the best chance of experiencing glowing, glassy, even-toned results — without any risk of irritation.
CONS
Although fragrance-free skincare is often the gentlest choice for sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
One is the absence of a luxurious sensory experience. Without scent, some products may feel less indulgent and even more clinical, particularly if you enjoy the aromatherapy-like benefits that fragrance can provide. Additionally, unscented formulas may retain the natural (and sometimes unpleasant) aroma of their ingredients, which some people find less appealing.
Takeaways
In short, fragrance-free skincare products prioritize skin health and comfort. Although they may feel less indulgent compared to fragranced alternatives, many are willing to make that trade-off for the sake of calmer, balanced skin.
Fragrance in skincare, on the other hand, isn’t just about how a product smells; it’s about how applying it makes you feel. When chosen carefully and formulated thoughtfully, a touch of natural scent can elevate your routine into a daily self-care ritual.
Both approaches are valid and effective, and we’re proud to offer them to our community. You know your skin best, so choose the formula that will support it most — whether that’s fragrance-free, fragranced, or somewhere in between.
Fragranced Skincare vs. Fragrance-Free Skincare: Explained
Fragrance is part of our everyday lives — in the air we breathe, the spaces we move through, and the products we use daily. It’s found in dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, trash bags, body wash, deodorant, lipstick, and even toothpaste. When it comes to skincare, however, we have the choice to decide how much fragrance we invite into our routines.
That choice is becoming more common. In fact, the fragrance-free skincare category is growing rapidly. Market research shows that over 250 million fragrance-free skincare units are sold annually. One reason is that sensitive skin has become increasingly common. Another is that people are more aware than ever of potential skin irritants. As a result, many people now seek out gentle, natural, and fragrance-free options to better support their skin.
This growing awareness is one reason Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner and Black Rice Hyaluronic 10 Cream are offered in both standard and fragrance-free versions. Both are made without artificial (synthetic) fragrance. However, the standard scented formulas feature the naturally soothing, clean floral scent of lavender oil. Yup, most essential oils are considered fragrance ingredients in skincare products.
The scented version of our beloved Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner also contains two naturally occurring fragrance compounds: limonene and linalool, two of the most commonly used fragrances in scented skincare products. Limonene is naturally found in the rinds of citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and limes, and gives them their zesty, fresh scent. Linalool, on the other hand, is a scent molecule naturally found in flowers and herbs, like lavender, coriander, and bergamot. Because it has a comforting powdery floral scent with hints of woodiness, you can also find it in most floral perfumes on the market.
Other fragrance ingredients you might spot on skincare labels include:
Next, we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of fragranced versus fragrance-free skincare, as well as how to determine which option may be right for you.
Fragranced Skincare
PROS
Fragrance in skincare transforms a simple daily routine into something more indulgent and enjoyable. Washing your face or slathering on moisturizer becomes less of a task and more of a calming ritual you can look forward to each day and night. Scent plays a powerful role in how we experience these moments. Certain aromas can help relax the mind and body, while others can awaken the senses and energize the spirit.
In the case of Haruharu wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner and Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream, the addition of lavender oil complements the products’ soothing and hydrating properties. The scent enhances the overall sensory experience, amplifying the comfort of the toner’s glassy, non-sticky texture and the cream’s lightweight, airy consistency. Each use feels like a mini at-home spa treatment.
Research also suggests that certain fragrances, including lavender, may help promote relaxation, improve mood, and support circulation. Improved blood flow can make skin appear naturally fresh and radiant, while helping maintain overall skin health over time.
CONS
Unfortunately, not everyone’s skin can tolerate fragrance. It’s a known irritant and the most frequent trigger of contact allergies, also known as contact dermatitis. This occurs when the skin becomes irritated or inflamed after coming into contact with a specific ingredient. In some cases, the reaction is immediate due to direct irritation of the skin barrier. In others, it’s the result of an allergic response, where the immune system becomes sensitized to an ingredient over time.
Common signs of contact allergies include redness, itching, dryness, or small bumps on the affected area. Fragrance ingredients, such as linalool and limonene, are among the most common culprits, especially for those with reactive or sensitive skin. They can also further aggravate acne, especially when you’re experiencing an active breakout.
Fragrance-Free Skincare
PROS
Fragrance-free moisturizers and other skincare products are an excellent choice for those with reactive, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. By excluding one of the most common sources of irritation — fragrance — these formulas help minimize the risk of redness, dryness, and contact dermatitis.
They’re also a gentler option for anyone dealing with chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea. If your skin barrier is already compromised and more vulnerable to external stressors, avoiding fragrance is key. Swapping fragrance-free toner and moisturizer, like Haruharu’s, into your skincare routine helps support calm, balanced skin by focusing solely on nourishing, restorative ingredients without added scent.
Both versions of our Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner and Black Rice 10 Hyaluronic Cream are infused with fermented black rice extract, which helps soothe existing inflammation, decrease the appearance of wrinkles, and fade hyperpigmentation. This antioxidant-rich ingredient is also super moisturizing and deeply nourishing. For those with sensitive or reactive skin, choosing the unscented formulas ensures your skin has the best chance of experiencing glowing, glassy, even-toned results — without any risk of irritation.
CONS
Although fragrance-free skincare is often the gentlest choice for sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
One is the absence of a luxurious sensory experience. Without scent, some products may feel less indulgent and even more clinical, particularly if you enjoy the aromatherapy-like benefits that fragrance can provide. Additionally, unscented formulas may retain the natural (and sometimes unpleasant) aroma of their ingredients, which some people find less appealing.
Takeaways
In short, fragrance-free skincare products prioritize skin health and comfort. Although they may feel less indulgent compared to fragranced alternatives, many are willing to make that trade-off for the sake of calmer, balanced skin.
Fragrance in skincare, on the other hand, isn’t just about how a product smells; it’s about how applying it makes you feel. When chosen carefully and formulated thoughtfully, a touch of natural scent can elevate your routine into a daily self-care ritual.
Both approaches are valid and effective, and we’re proud to offer them to our community. You know your skin best, so choose the formula that will support it most — whether that’s fragrance-free, fragranced, or somewhere in between.