Unscented vs. Fragrance-Free Soap: What the Labels Really Mean

"Unscented" and "fragrance-free" sound like the same thing. On a label, they're not. If your skin is easily bothered by scented products, knowing the difference saves you money and a lot of trial and error. As soapmakers who make both scented and unscented bars, here's what those words mean, what to look for on the ingredient list, and how we make ours.

The short answer

• Fragrance-free usually means no fragrance ingredients were added at all.

• Unscented usually means the product doesn't have a noticeable smell. It can still contain a small amount of fragrance or other ingredients added to cover up the smell of the base.

The FDA puts it plainly: "Even some products labeled 'unscented' may contain fragrance ingredients. This is because the manufacturer may add just enough fragrance to mask the unpleasant smell of other ingredients, without giving the product a noticeable scent." The American Academy of Dermatology gives the same warning, and recommends products labeled "fragrance-free" for dry, sensitive skin.

Neither word has a fixed meaning on a label, so the front of the package doesn't tell you much. The ingredient list does.

How to check the ingredient list

Look for any of these. If you see them, something was added for scent:

• "Fragrance," "parfum" or "aroma." One word can stand for a blend of many ingredients.

• Essential oils, like lavender, tea tree, peppermint, orange or lemongrass. They come from plants, but they're still scent ingredients, and some people react to them too.

• Single scent compounds such as linalool, limonene, geraniol, citral or eugenol. These often show up as part of fragrances or essential oils.

• "Masking fragrance." Some products list this outright on an "unscented" label.

Botanical extracts, butters and oils (like shea butter or sunflower oil) have their own faint natural smell, but they aren't added for scent. A product can be truly fragrance-free and still smell a little like its ingredients.

What about handmade soap?

With handmade soap, it's simpler. A bar is made from fats and oils, lye and liquid (in our case, fresh goat milk). Anything added for scent is an extra step the soapmaker chooses. So with soap, "unscented" usually just means nothing was added for scent. Check the list anyway.

Here's exactly what's in our unscented bars:

• Beauty Bare: shea butter, coconut oil, beef tallow, lard, sunflower oil, castor oil, goat milk and sodium hydroxide (lye, which is used up in soapmaking). No fragrance, no essential oils, no masking scent.

• Clay Facial Soap: the same recipe plus rose kaolin clay. Nothing added for scent.

So what do they smell like? Mild and clean, a little creamy from the goat milk and shea butter. Not "goaty." We wrote a whole post on what goat milk soap smells like if you're curious.

Who should choose unscented or fragrance-free?

• Anyone whose skin has reacted to a scented product before.

• People with dry or sensitive skin, especially in winter.

• People who wear perfume and don't want their soap to compete with it.

• Households where several people share one bar and can't agree on a scent.

A simple unscented routine

1. Face: Clay Facial Soap, morning or night.

2. Body: Beauty Bare Goat Milk Soap or Shower Oil in Beauty Bare.

3. Moisturize: Whipped Tallow or Dream Cream, both in Beauty Bare, on still-damp skin.

See more gentle options in our skincare for sensitive skin collection.

Common questions

Is unscented soap better for sensitive skin?

Fragrance is one of the most common reasons people react to skincare, so a soap with nothing added for scent is a sensible place to start. Check the ingredient list to be sure nothing was added to mask the smell.

Are essential oils safer than fragrance oils?

Not necessarily. Essential oils are natural, but they contain the same kinds of scent compounds that can bother sensitive skin. If you're avoiding fragrance, avoid essential oils too. Read more in Fragrance Oils vs Essential Oils.

Is lye soap unscented?

All true soap is made with lye, and the lye is used up in the process. Whether it's unscented depends on what the soapmaker adds. Our Lye Soap guide explains how it works.

Does unscented soap still lather?

Yes. Lather comes from the oils, not the scent. Our unscented bars lather the same as our scented ones.

This post is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition or a known allergy, ask a dermatologist which products are right for you, and patch-test anything new.

Sources: U.S. FDA, Fragrances in Cosmetics. American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin.