Who doesn’t love wearing perfume? It lets you express your personality through fragrance. Unfortunately, it also can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities.

Some of the more common symptoms of a perfume allergy include skin irritation, headaches, or sneezing – all which can make it a challenge to avoid your favorite scents.

Sensitivity to perfumes doesn’t mean you have to go scentless, though. All you need are the right strategies to mitigate your reactions. You, too, will be able to enjoy the world of fragrances.

Want to reduce or even eliminate your perfume allergies? These tips will help you manage them effectively,

What Are Perfume Allergies?

Of course you already know what an allergy is, but what specifically makes someone allergic to perfumes? Such sensitivity occurs when either the skin or the respiratory system reacts to the ingredients that are in a fragrance.

Sometimes these reactions arise through exposure to synthetic chemicals, essential oils, and alcohol-based compounds used in perfumes.

The signs include redness, itching, watery eyes, sneezing, or even migraines.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 35% of the population reports a sensitivity to fragrant products. That includes lotions, bath and shower products, home fragrances, laundry detergent, and, yes, even perfume.

What to Do if You’re Allergic to Perfumes

Just because you have an allergy to some or even most perfumes, that still doesn’t mean you have to go completely fragrance-free. There are several steps you can take to reduce your negative reactions.

1. Choose Hypoallergenic Perfumes

Your first step might be to seek out some hypoallergenic perfumes. These scents are designed to minimize allergic reactions. They do this by using fewer irritants and more skin-friendly ingredients.

Instead, the products often include natural compounds instead of synthetic chemicals. That makes them a safer choice for sensitive wearers.

Consider light, clean fragrances such as Juliette Has a Gun’s Not a Perfume, which is available on LaBelle Perfumes. The scent combines elegance with gentler formulations, so you can enjoy perfume without discomfort.

2. Test Before You Buy

If you’re prone to allergies, why not test a perfume before committing to a full-sized bottle? Start by performing a patch test. It will help you identify any potential irritants.

When you’re ready to conduct a patch test, apply a small amount of cologne or perfume to the inside of your wrist or elbow. Wait 24-48 hours to see if a reaction occurs. Make sure you don’t apply the fragrance to broken or sensitive skin.

Luckily, many retailers offer sample sizes or testers, so you can more easily try before you buy.

3. Check the Ingredient List

One of the best ways to avoid allergens is by reading the label on the perfume bottle or packaging. Look for common irritants like synthetic fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.

Try to find labels that specify the product is “paraben-free,” or “phthalate-free.” You’ll be able to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful compounds.

You might have better luck with natural perfumes which more often use essential oils and organic extracts. LaBelle Perfumes has an excellent selection of options that include high-quality, well-labeled fragrances.

4. Apply Perfume Strategically

Did you know that where and how you apply perfume can change your reaction to it?

If you’re allergic to perfume, you might be able to spray it onto your clothing or hair from a distance, creating a barrier between the scent and your sensitive skin.

Or, you might instead apply perfume to areas with less sensitive skin, like your clothing collar or the backs of your knees. All of these methods will reduce the likelihood of skin irritation.

5. Choose Alcohol-Free Alternatives

Perfumes commonly use alcohol as a main ingredient, but the chemical exacerbates many skin sensitivities. It also tends to dry the skin. Instead, opt for alcohol-free fragrances like perfume oils. They tend to be gentler, plus they often last longer.

You can also consider using a roll-on perfume or a solid perfume. These types of scents are great for people trying to avoid alcohol-based formulas while still wearing luxurious scents.

6. Use Fragrance-Free Moisturizers as a Base

Another great way to reduce your reactions to perfumes is by creating a natural barrier between your skin and the product. Rub in a layer of unscented moisturizer. You’ll reduce the risk of irritation when you then spritz on the fragrance.

In fact, adding a fragrance-free lotion before your perfume also helps the scent last longer, all the while shielding your skin. Look for hypoallergenic moisturizers to make sure your skin is compatible with the cream.

7. Control the Environment

Before you toss out your new perfume, consider that you might be allergic to something else. Sometimes, perfume reactions aren’t from the product by itself. They’re caused by environmental factors that serve to intensify other sensitivities.

Try not to layer too many scented products. For example, combining lotion, body wash, and perfumes. The mix might overwhelm your senses.

Always make sure there is proper ventilation when you’re applying your perfume – especially in enclosed spaces. That way, you can enjoy your fragrance without as much irritation.

8. Switch to Lighter Scents

It shouldn’t be a surprise that stronger, overly complex perfumes and colognes are far more likely to trigger allergies. If you are sensitive to fragrances, stick to lighter, single-note scents. Those labeled “eau de cologne,” usually have fewer concentrated ingredients, so they’re less likely to cause a reaction.

You also might look into options like citrus-based or herbal fragrances. They offer a fresh, subtle aroma that’s less likely to overwhelm people. LaBelle Perfumes has some of the best perfumes for women with lighter scent profiles.

9. See a Specialist

Still stuffy, itchy, or otherwise uncomfortable?

If, after all of these tips, you still get discomfort from wearing perfume, it’s time to consult a dermatologist or an allergist. Medical pros can help you figure out your specific triggers. Then they can recommend a solution just for you. For example, the doctor might recommend certain hypoallergenic products or prescribe a treatment plan.

Personalized advice from your healthcare provider will help you to enjoy perfumes without the risk of adverse reactions.

You Can Enjoy Fragrance Safely

Perfume allergies are no biggie!

You can still let perfume add that special touch of luxury to your daily routine. All you have to do is choose gentler products and test before committing to a product. Really, just be mindful of what and how you apply the scent, and you can enjoy fragrances without worrying about sensitivities.

From exquisite perfume to cologne that is hypoallergenic, LaBelle Perfumes will introduce a huge array of high-quality options able to fit every taste and preference.

Now, go ahead and find your favorite scent! With just a little extra care, fragrances can be enjoyed without sacrificing your health.