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Fragrance and fragrance-free cosmetics: UK buying dossier

Front-label scent wording is a starting point, not a universal suitability test. Work from the exact variant and ingredients list.

Compare the four fields See the decisive checks
Cosmetic bottles and cartons arranged for a product-label comparison.

Compare exact wording with the complete current INCI

Front-label scent wording is a starting point, not a universal suitability test. Work from the exact variant and ingredients list.

Front-label scent wording

01

Compare: Record whether the pack says fragrance-free, unscented, scented or makes no scent statement.

Why it matters: These descriptions are not automatically interchangeable.

Evidence check: Keep the exact wording and product variant rather than applying a brand-wide label.

Parfum or aroma in INCI

02

Compare: Check the complete ingredients list for parfum, aroma or other explicitly named fragrance ingredients.

Why it matters: A front-label phrase does not replace the legally presented ingredient information.

Evidence check: Read the current physical pack because formulas and regional variants can change.

Listed fragrance allergens

03

Compare: Review any fragrance allergens declared for the exact product under the applicable label rules.

Why it matters: A missing familiar allergen name is not proof that every possible sensitivity trigger is absent.

Evidence check: Use exact INCI names when checking a known allergy with a qualified professional.

Variant and use area

04

Compare: Compare the exact scent variant, leave-on or rinse-off format, and intended face, body or hair use.

Why it matters: Exposure pattern differs by product type and variant.

Evidence check: Do not transfer a tolerance conclusion from one item in the range to another.

Three checks before checkout

Enough detail to make the choice better informed and clearer, without turning a quick buying decision into a compliance manual.

  1. 1 Read the current ingredient list and label wording; fragrance-free is not a universal suitability guarantee.
  2. 2 Match the exact product, variant and pack rather than a similar marketplace image.
  3. 3 Use the current physical label for ingredients, precautions and Responsible Person details.

Take the next useful step

Continue to the closest practical comparison or official source.

Use the next buying route
Why these checks matter in the UK

Check that the physical pack identifies the product and carries a UK Responsible Person address, nominal content, precautions, batch reference and ingredient list where required.

A cosmetic made available in Great Britain needs a UK-established Responsible Person and required information on the product or packaging.

Great Britain · current

Use public label and alert checks without claiming that UK Shortlists has confirmed the product notification, PIF or CPSR.

The notification, Product Information File and Cosmetic Product Safety Report are not general public lookup records.

Great Britain · current

Do not treat a Great Britain label check as a complete Northern Ireland market check.

Northern Ireland is not covered by the Great Britain cosmetics market route in exactly the same way.

Northern Ireland · current

Sources and review boundaries