Fragrance-free & hypoallergenic – what labels really mean
3 min reading time
Learn what hypoallergenic and fragrance-free really mean. Discover with PRO HAAR experts how to choose safe baby care without irritants.
Fragrance-free formulas & allergy-free care – what do labels really mean?
When you buy baby products you often see terms like hypoallergenic , dermatologically tested or fragrance-free .
They sound reassuring, but what do they actually mean?
The experts at PRO HAAR explain which labels really say something about safety and which are mainly marketing jargon.
Why fragrance-free care is so important
Babies' skin is sensitive and still developing. Fragrances—both synthetic and natural—are one of the most common causes of irritation, redness, or allergic reactions .
Even products with a mild “baby scent” can cause micro-irritation that only becomes apparent later.
That's why experts recommend using completely fragrance-free formulas in the first years of life.
What exactly does 'fragrance-free' mean?
✔ No added fragrances: no perfume or essential oils.
✔ No masking fragrance: no ingredients intended to hide natural odor.
✔ Neutral odor of raw materials: this is permitted – the product may still have a slightly natural smell.
Please note: “natural perfume” is still perfume – lavender, vanilla, or citrus may also contain allergens.
Hypoallergenic – what does it really mean?
A product labelled hypoallergenic means that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, but it does not completely eliminate the risk.
It mainly says that the formula has been tested to limit risks, not that it is 100% safe.
Still, it is a good sign – it indicates a mild and carefully composed product .
Dermatologically tested – reliable claim?
This term means that the product has been tested for skin reactions under the supervision of a dermatologist .
However, not all tests have the same stringency.
Find products with the label:
✔ Tested on sensitive or baby skin
✔ Clinically confirmed
✔ Independent laboratory testing
Allergy-free baby care – what to look for when purchasing
✔ Short ingredients list (max. 10–15 ingredients).
✔ Free from perfume, dyes and alcohol.
✔ Natural oils in low concentrations (such as almond, jojoba, sunflower).
✔ Protective ingredients such as panthenol, shea butter, ceramides.
✔ Note: Suitable for newborns or atopic skin.
Common misconceptions
❌ “Natural = better” – natural fragrances can also cause allergies.
❌ “Baby scent is mild” – scent is never necessary for care.
❌ “Hypoallergenic means odorless” – not always, check the label.
❌ “Alcohol-free products are not drying” – some contain drying alcohol substitutes.
How to recognize safe formulas in practice
💧 Read INCI list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients):
– Avoid words like Parfum , Linalool , Limonene , Citral .
💧 Look for quality marks: such as ECARF (European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation) or AllergyCertified .
💧 Trust transparency: Brands that clearly publish their ingredient lists have nothing to hide.
Additional care tips for sensitive baby skin
✔ Wash baby clothes with unscented detergent .
✔ Do not use scented candles or sprays in the baby's room.
✔ Always test new products on a small area of skin first.
Conclusion – purity is the best protection
Fragrance-free, allergy-free care is not a limitation, but a guarantee for peace and safety.
The fewer stimuli the skin receives, the better it develops.
At PRO HAAR we believe: the softest scent is that of healthy skin.
