Parfumfreie

Parfumfreie, often written as parfumfrei or parfümfrei, is a labeling term used in German-speaking markets to indicate that a product contains no added perfume or fragrance substances. It is commonly applied to cosmetics, skincare products, detergents, personal care items and baby products. The term implies that the formula does not include perfuming ingredients intended to produce a noticeable fragrance. However, parfumfreie does not automatically guarantee that the product is completely scentless, since natural odors from ingredients or trace amounts of fragrance allergens can still be present.

In regulatory terms, the labeling of fragrance-containing products in the European Union follows the cosmetics regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which requires listing of fragrance ingredients and potential allergens on the ingredient list. A product marketed as parfumfrei is typically intended for consumers seeking fragrance-free options, including those with fragrance sensitivities or allergies. Consumers should still carefully review the ingredient list for terms such as Duftstoffe, Parfüm, Fragrance, or listed fragrance allergens to assess exposure risk.

Limitations: The label parfumfrei is voluntary and not standardized; different brands may apply it with varying strictness. Some products labeled parfumfrei may avoid synthetic perfumes but include other odorants or essential oils. For sensitive individuals, additional steps such as dermatological testing, hypoallergenic claims, and patch testing may be advisable.