TL;DR: "Unscented" and "fragrance-free" sound like the same thing, but they aren't. An "unscented" product can still contain masking fragrance that covers up the smell of other ingredients. "Fragrance-free" means no fragrance has been added, and that is the term dermatologists recommend for babies with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Even then, the full ingredient list tells you more than any front-of-bottle claim.
I remember standing in the baby aisle holding two bottles. One said "unscented" and the other said "fragrance-free," and I honestly assumed they meant the same thing. Neither one smelled like anything, so what was the difference?
It turns out there's a real difference, and it's one of the quieter loopholes in baby skincare labeling. If you've ever bought an "unscented" product and still watched your little one's skin turn red and blotchy, your instincts weren't off. Here's what the difference between fragrance-free and unscented actually means, and how to read past both claims.
What's the Difference Between "Fragrance-Free" and "Unscented"?
The short version: unscented describes how a product smells, while fragrance-free describes what's in it.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "unscented" means a fragrance has been used to cover up other smells so you can't detect it, while "fragrance-free" means the product contains no fragrance at all, including ones you can't smell. That's why the AAD recommends choosing fragrance-free products for children with eczema.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the same thing: even some products labeled "unscented" may contain fragrance ingredients, added to hide the odor of other ingredients without making the product noticeably scented.
Why Would a Brand Add Fragrance to an "Unscented" Product?
Many cleansing and moisturizing ingredients, such as fatty oils, surfactants, and some preservatives, have a natural odor that can be earthy, waxy, or a little "chemical." Rather than reformulate, some brands add a small amount of masking fragrance to neutralize that smell. The product ends up smelling like nothing, so it can be called "unscented," even though fragrance is in the bottle.
Why Does Masking Fragrance Matter for Baby Skin?
Your nose can't detect masking fragrance, but your baby's skin can still react to it. A 2026 clinical review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology notes that masking agents can trigger allergic reactions even when a product has no detectable scent. The review also cites a study that found known fragrance allergens such as linalool, limonene, and geraniol in some cosmetics labeled "fragrance-free."
Fragrance is one of the more common sources of contact allergy in children. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis in Contact Dermatitis pooled patch-test data from more than 11,000 children. About 4.8% reacted to fragrance mix I, one of the standard fragrance allergen panels, which put it among the top allergens identified.
Most babies won't react to fragrance at all. But if your little one has dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, fewer potential irritants on their skin every day is a reasonable, gentle choice.
Why Can't You Just Check the Ingredient List for Fragrance?
You can, and you should. It just won't always tell you everything. Under U.S. labeling rules, fragrance ingredients can be listed collectively as a single word, "fragrance" or "parfum," to protect trade secrets. One word can stand in for dozens of compounds.
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) requires the FDA to create rules for labeling fragrance allergens. Until those rules are in place, though, parents are still left reading between the lines.
What Should You Look for on a Baby Product Label?
- Look for "fragrance-free" rather than "unscented." It's the stronger claim, and it's the one dermatologists point to.
- Scan the full ingredient list anyway. Watch for "fragrance," "parfum," "aroma," or "masking agent."
- Know the named fragrance allergens. Linalool, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, and eugenol often come from essential oils or added fragrance.
- Be thoughtful with "naturally scented" claims. Plant-derived scents can still contain these same allergens.
- Favor brands that name every ingredient. If a company is open about what's inside, you don't have to guess.
Why Did We Choose Transparency Over a "Fragrance" Line?
When Mike and I started Kindred Naturals, the word "fragrance" on our baby's shampoo label was one of the things that stopped me cold. I didn't know what was behind it, and the brand wasn't going to tell me.
So we made a simple rule: no synthetic fragrance, and no ingredient we wouldn't name. Our Baby Shampoo & Body Wash gets its gentle cleansing from soapwort, a plant-based surfactant, rather than SLS. And every ingredient we use is listed by name on the product page, so you can read it the same way you'd read any other label: carefully, and on your own terms.
That's really the point. You shouldn't have to decode a bottle to know what's going on your baby's skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "unscented" the same as "fragrance-free"?
No. "Unscented" means a product doesn't have a noticeable smell, which can be achieved by adding masking fragrance. "Fragrance-free" means no fragrance has been added. For sensitive baby skin, fragrance-free is the better label to look for.
Is fragrance-free baby wash better for eczema?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer for babies with eczema. Fragrance-free products remove one common potential irritant. Talk with your pediatrician or dermatologist about your child's specific needs.
Can products with essential oils be called fragrance-free?
Labeling practices vary. Essential oils naturally contain fragrance compounds like linalool and limonene, so some brands still use "fragrance-free" on products that contain them. If your child is sensitive, check the ingredient list for essential oils and named allergens.
Does "fragrance-free" mean a product has no smell at all?
Not necessarily. A fragrance-free product can still have a faint, natural smell from its base ingredients, such as plant butters or oils. That mild scent is normal, and it can be a sign that nothing was added to cover it up.
How can I tell if a baby product contains hidden fragrance?
Look for "fragrance," "parfum," "aroma," or "masking agent" in the ingredient list, along with named allergens such as linalool or limonene. When in doubt, choose brands that disclose every ingredient by name.
Your instincts to read past the front of the bottle are good ones, and now you know exactly what to look for. If you'd like to see what a fully transparent ingredient list looks like, you can explore ours at shopkindrednaturals.com.
Written by Mike & Carly Pronsky, founders of Kindred Naturals.