Commodity Fragrances Scent Space Discovery Kit Versus Rituals Cosmetics The Ritual Of Yozakura Hair & Body Mist
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
No benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Sd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentParfum
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingVanillin
MaskingCoumarin
Perfuming3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-Cyclopentenyl)Pent-4-En-2-Ol
PerfumingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberBHT
AntioxidantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingEugenol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMyroxylon Pereirae Oil
MaskingBeta-Caryophyllene
MaskingPinene
MaskingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingGeranyl Acetate
PerfumingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingDimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate
PerfumingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Rose Ketones
PerfumingTerpinolene
PerfumingAlpha-Terpinene
PerfumingHexadecanolactone
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingEvernia Prunastri Extract
PerfumingCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil
MaskingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingFarnesol
PerfumingSd Alcohol 40-B, Parfum, Water, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Geraniol, Vanillin, Coumarin, 3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-Cyclopentenyl)Pent-4-En-2-Ol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, BHT, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Myroxylon Pereirae Oil, Beta-Caryophyllene, Pinene, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Dimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citronellol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Rose Ketones, Terpinolene, Alpha-Terpinene, Hexadecanolactone, Benzyl Salicylate, Evernia Prunastri Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Oil, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Farnesol
Water
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingPrunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingVanillin
MaskingCoumarin
Perfuming3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-Cyclopentenyl)Pent-4-En-2-Ol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantPinene
MaskingAcetyl Cedrene
Dimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingBenzaldehyde
MaskingRose Ketones
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingWater, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Parfum, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Potassium Sorbate, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalyl Acetate, Vanillin, Coumarin, 3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-Trimethyl-3-Cyclopentenyl)Pent-4-En-2-Ol, Limonene, Geraniol, Butylene Glycol, Pinene, Acetyl Cedrene, Dimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate, Citronellol, Benzaldehyde, Rose Ketones, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient, also known as ebanol and Trimethylcyclopentenyl Methylisopentenol, is used to add a scent to products. According to the manufacturer, it smells like sandalwood.
In the EU, this ingredient is a regulated allergen.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCoumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinDimethyl Phenylethyl Carbinyl Acetate is a fragrance.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolLimonene is the compound that gives citrus peel its smell.
In skincare, it shows up as a standalone fragrance ingredient or as a natural compound of citrus and other essential oils.
You'll typically see this ingredient used in very small amounts; anything above 0.001% in a leave-on product or 0.01% in a rinse-off has to be named on the label in the EU. The citrus oils that carry it sit around 0.5-1% in a finished formula.
Fresh limonene is a weak allergen; the real issue is that it slowly reacts with air and then breaks down from oxidation to create hydroperoxides (which are strong sensitizers). This is why suppliers are required to keep the peroxide value below 20 mmol.
Positive reactions in people being investigated for eczema vary:
It's worth skipping if you have a known fragrance allergy or a compromised barrier, but the risk is low for most people.
Older or long-opened products are also more likely to bother you than fresh ones due to oxidation.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a small, naturally occurring scent molecule found in plants like lavender, coriander, bergamot, and more.
It is one of the two most-used fragrance ingredients in cosmetics and added purely for smell. Since it's not used for a skin benefit, there's no "effective dose". Concentration depends on the fragrance load of the product.
The EU requires it to be named on the label above 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Fresh linalool is a weak sensitizer but air exposure turns some of it into hydroperoxides, which are strong sensitizers. Those oxidation products are the actual allergy concern.
Patch-test clinics see positive reactions to linalool hydroperoxides in about 4% to 12% of dermatitis patients depending on country and test concentration.
Resassuringly, one analytical study found hydroperoxide levels in real fragranced products to be orders of magnitude below what induced sensitization in animal studies with no evidence of oxidation building up during normal storage.
The practical takeaway is that linalool is fine for most people but worth avoiding if you have a confirmed fragrance contact allergy or a badly compromised barrier.
Products stored a long time after opening are also the high-risk scenario since that is when oxidation happens.
The scent of linalool is described as floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolLinalyl Acetate is the acetate ester of linalool and can be naturally found in many flowers and spice plants.
This ingredient is often used to add a scent or mask an unpleasant one in products.
Linalyl acetate is mildly toxic to humans and toxic to fish.
Learn more about Linalyl AcetateParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPinene is created by distilling the resin of Pinus trees.
It is a known EU allergen. Long term contact with this ingredient can cause dermatitis.
This ingredient is also known as ISO E Super. It is a synthetic perfuming and masking ingredient.
The manufacturer describes this scnet as amber and woody.
According to the EU, this ingredient is a known allergen and some people may develop skin sensitivity from repeated exposure.
Learn more about Tetramethyl AcetyloctahydronaphthalenesVanillin is the main compound of the vanilla bean. It is naturally occuring but can also be artificially created.
This ingredient exhibits antioxidant properties but is also a known skin-irritant.
Vanillism is the term of contact-dermatitis associated with the vanilla plant. The sap of the vanilla plant triggers skin irritation, swelling, and redness.
Learn more about VanillinWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterThis is not an INCI ingredient. Rose ketones are a group of powerful perfuming compounds that provide a floral, sweet, and fruity aroma of roses.
Common rose ketone ingredients include: