Fragrance vs essential oils on a soap label: how to read it

On a soap label, fragrance and essential oils are listed separately, and neither word tells you whether a bar will suit your skin. Read the exact wording and decide for yourself. None of our SoftWell bars is sold as fragrance-free.

What our labels say

• Lists fragrance: Oat Milk + Honey, Aloe & Cool Cucumber, Rich Sandalwood, Coconut Beach
• Lists essential oils: Charcoal (peppermint, tea tree), Calming Lavender (lavender), Slumber (fir needle, lavender), Lemongrass & Sage (lemongrass, sage)
• Lists both: Breathe Clear (eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, lemon and thyme essential oils, plus natural fragrance)
• Other botanical scent: Kojic Acid & Turmeric lists organic lemon oil

How to read it

1. Look for the word fragrance or parfum. It is a blended scent ingredient.
2. Look for named essential oils such as lavender or peppermint.
3. Natural does not mean gentle for everyone. People can react to either.

If you avoid scent

Choose carefully, patch test a small area, and stop use if irritation occurs. We have no fragrance-free bar, so we won't suggest one.

FAQ

Are essential oils the same as fragrance?
They are listed separately on the label.

Which of your soaps is fragrance-free?
None.

Is one safer for sensitive skin?
We make no such claim for either.

See every ingredient list in our glossary or browse all SoftWell soaps.