No Fragrance
Why We Never Use Synthetic Fragrance in Baby Products
Synthetic fragrance is one of the most common causes of skin irritation in both adults and children. According to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, fragrance mix is the third most common allergen, affecting nearly 13% of tested patients. For babies, whose skin is 30% thinner than adult skin and still developing its protective barrier, the risk is even greater.
A Baby's Skin Is Different
Newborn and infant skin absorbs substances faster and more easily than adult skin. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is thinner and more permeable during the first year of life. This means that any chemical applied to a baby's skin - including fragrance molecules - penetrates deeper and faster. What smells pleasant to you could be causing invisible stress to your baby's skin barrier.
Pediatric dermatologists consistently recommend fragrance-free products for infants and children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. The American Academy of Dermatology advises parents to avoid products with "parfum" or "fragrance" listed in the ingredients.
What "Fragrance" Really Means on a Label
The word "fragrance" on an ingredient list can represent dozens of undisclosed chemicals. Companies are not required to list the individual components of their fragrance blend because it is considered a trade secret. This means you have no way of knowing exactly what is being applied to your baby's skin. Some of these hidden ingredients include phthalates, synthetic musks, and aldehydes - none of which have any place on a baby.
Our Approach
At Baby & Eve, every product is made without synthetic fragrance. If you notice a subtle scent in any of our balms, it comes from the natural oils and butters themselves - shea butter, calendula, lavender, and beeswax all have their own gentle, natural aroma. We never add anything to mask or enhance it.
What to Look For
- Avoid any baby product with "parfum" or "fragrance" in the ingredients.
- Fragrance-free is not the same as unscented. "Unscented" products may contain masking agents.
- Natural ingredients may have a mild scent - that is normal and safe.
- Fewer ingredients generally means fewer chances for irritation.
Your baby's skin deserves ingredients that protect it, not irritate it. That is why every Baby & Eve product is formulated with only what is needed - pure oils, butters, and nothing else.
