"Fragrance-free" and "unscented" get used almost interchangeably in marketing copy, but they describe different formulations — and the gap matters if your baby has sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
The actual difference
Fragrance-free means no fragrance ingredients were added at all. Unscented often means fragrance ingredients were added specifically to mask the scent of other ingredients — so an "unscented" product can still contain fragrance compounds that trigger a reaction, just without a noticeable smell.
What to check on the ingredient list
- Look for the word "fragrance" or "parfum" anywhere in the list — its presence outweighs a front-of-package "unscented" claim.
- "Essential oils" count as fragrance for reactivity purposes even though they're often marketed as the "natural" alternative.
- Products labeled "hypoallergenic" aren't required to meet a specific regulatory standard — it's a marketing claim, not a guarantee.
Patch test new products on a small area of skin for 24–48 hours before full use, especially for babies with a family history of eczema or allergies.
Rambo checks cosmetic ingredient lists
Scan lotions, sunscreens, and wash products to see fragrance and irritant flags before they touch your baby's skin.