Fragrance seems to be in many skin care and cosmetic products these days. While it may seem nice to smell a nice scent as you apply products...beware! Dermalogica does not use fragrance in their products for many reasons. Here are a few downsides:

Triggers allergies

Fragrance is the #1 cause of allergic reactions! Why? A single fragrance can be made up of thousands of different elements. That means the chances are high that you could be allergic to at least one of those elements. Companies are just required to list the term 'fragrance' on ingredient labels, so there is no way of knowing what went in to deriving that scent.

Drives up the cost

It costs more money to add a fragrance, and of course, that cost is passed along to you! Why pay for something you don't need?

Phthalates

(Pronounced 'THAL-ates') These are chemicals that are found in fragrances in consumer products. According to Alan Greene, MD (clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University), "some of the phthalates are known to function as hormones in the human body." While it appears that small consumption from everyday us is probaby ok, he advices that it's "best to avoid them in your personal care products when you can."

No benefit

Aside from the lovely smell that lasts for 2 seconds as you apply your products, there is absolutely NO benefit to fragrance. Since it doesn't improve skin health, Dermalogica chooses to leave it out.

Products that have a natural scent derived from essential oils, plants, etc. are typically fine, and often benefit the skin. Just beware of the word 'fragrance' when you read ingredient lists. Even if your skin doesn't show signs of irritation, it is best for skin health to avoid artificial scents in beauty products altogether.