The Quick Answer

  • The word "Fragrance" or "Parfum" on baby shampoo, lotion, or detergent is a trade secret loophole. Manufacturers are legally permitted to hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals under this single word without disclosing them to you. The most common hidden chemicals are Phthalates (used to make the scent linger) which are potent endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues. Always choose products explicitly labeled "Fragrance-Free." Avoid "Unscented" products, as they often contain masking fragrances.
Editor's NoteThis guide references the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) and how the term "trade secret" allows for systemic chemical non-disclosure in cosmetics.

The Legal Loophole

In the United States, the FDA requires cosmetics to list all ingredients. However, there is a massive exception: the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1966 explicitly protects "trade secrets."

Perfume formulas are considered highly valuable trade secrets. Therefore, a company can dump an orchestration of 300 different synthetic chemicals into a baby shampoo to create a "fresh lavender" scent, and they only have to list one word on the back of the bottle: *Fragrance*.

You have absolutely no legal right to know what those 300 chemicals are.

“"Fragrance" isn't an ingredient. It is a locked vault where companies hide the chemicals they don't want you to see.”

— Renee Says

Section Summary

  • The FPLA protects scent formulas as trade secrets.
  • One word can represent hundreds of hidden chemicals.
  • The FDA cannot force disclosure of these specific chemicals.

The Phthalate Connection

Why should you care? Because synthetic scents evaporate quickly. To make that "baby powder" smell last all day on your infant's skin, chemists must use a chemical anchor.

The most common anchors are Phthalates (specifically DEP - diethyl phthalate). Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. They interfere with testosterone production and are strongly linked to male reproductive malformations, asthma, and neurodevelopmental issues.

When you use a fragranced baby lotion, you are frequently smearing synthetic hormones directly onto an infant's porous skin.

Section Summary

  • Phthalates are used to make scents stick to skin.
  • They are potent endocrine disruptors.
  • They are not listed on the label.

The Bottom Line

  • "Unscented" is not the same as "Fragrance-Free." Unscented products often use hidden masking chemicals to neutralize the smell of raw ingredients. You must look strictly for "Fragrance-Free" on the label, and verify the ingredient list has no "parfum" or natural essential oils if your baby has eczema.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about toxicology: skincare answered by our research team.

QAre essential oils safe to use as fragrance?

Not necessarily. While they are natural, essential oils (like lavender or citrus) contain high levels of volatile organic compounds known as allergens. They are the leading cause of contact dermatitis and eczema flare-ups in babies. Just because it is natural does not mean it is skin-safe.

QWhat does "Unscented" mean?

"Unscented" usually means the product contains a masking fragrance—a chemical cocktail designed to trick your nose into smelling absolutely nothing, covering up the unpleasant baseline smell of soaps and oils. It is often more chemically intense than a normal fragrance.

R

Renee, R3 Founder

Environmental Toxins Analyst

Renee is the founder of R3 and a lead researcher in environmental toxins. She specializes in translating complex toxicology reports into actionable advice for families.

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