"Parfum" or "Fragrance" on an INCI list is an umbrella term that can contain dozens to hundreds of substances without you knowing which ones. Essential oils are listed with their full name.
The problem with "parfum"
When you see "Parfum" or "Fragrance" on an ingredient list, you are looking at an umbrella term. Manufacturers don't need to disclose the exact composition of their scent blends; this falls under trade secret protection.
A single "parfum" can consist of:
- —Dozens to hundreds of different substances
- —Synthetic fragrances (produced in a lab)
- —Fragrance isolates (isolated components from natural sources)
- —Fixatives to make the scent last longe
- —Solvents
For consumers who want to know what is in their products, "parfum" is a black box.
Essential oils: full transparency
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, obtained through distillation or pressing. They contain the natural fragrances of the plant.
The difference with synthetic fragrance:
| Aspect | Parfum/Fragrance | Essential Oils |
|---|---|---|
| INCI listing | Only "Parfum" or "Fragrance" | Full name (e.g. Lavandula Angustifolia Oil) |
| Composition | Not public | Known (GCMS analysis available) |
| Origin | Synthetic or unknown | Distilled from plant material |
| Complexity | Can contain hundreds of substances | Natural complex of the plant |
Allergens: what does "naturally present" mean?
On INCI lists, you sometimes see substances like Limonene, Linalool, Citral or Geraniol listed. These are allergenic substances that must be listed separately according to EU legislation above a certain concentration.
Important to know:
- —These substances occur naturally in essential oils
- —They are not separately added
- —They are a natural part of the plant
For example: Linalool occurs naturally in lavender oil. When lavender oil is used, Linalool must be listed separately, not because it was added, but because it is present in the oil above the legal threshold.
How we list scent
We use exclusively essential oils for scent. On the INCI list you see:
- —Pogostemon Cablin Oil · patchouli essential oil
- —Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil · rosemary essential oil
- —Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil · cedarwood essential oil
- —Linalool* · naturally present in the essential oil
*Allergenic substance, not separately added
What is on our NO-list?
We do not use:
- —Synthetic fragrances (parfum/fragrance)
- —Fragrance isolates (isolated components)
- —Artificial colourants
View the full NO-list and ingredients.
Last updated: 2026-02-03