When it comes to personal care products, such as goat milk soaps and lotions, the terms ‘unscented’ and ‘fragrance-free’ are often used interchangeably. However, neither term has been officially defined and there are subtle differences between the two that might be important to consider particularly for those with dry or sensitive skin and/or skin allergies. Here is what we mean by each term:
What is Unscented Soap?
Unscented soap, as the name suggests, is designed to contain no added fragrances or perfumes. This means that the soap itself has no inherent scent. However, it’s important to note that unscented doesn’t necessarily mean scent-free. The soap might still have a slight natural odor from the ingredients utilized in its production.
 "I've been using your soaps for a couple of years and I love the ambient smells that come with the unscented version (Purity). They don't affect my skin." - Tamar P. |
What are the Benefits of Unscented Soap?
The benefits of unscented soap are long and almost limitless. Here are just a small number of the benefits:
- Skin Sensitivity: People with sensitive skin often find that unscented soaps are less likely to cause irritation, redness or allergic reactions. Fragrances can be harsh on delicate skin leading to discomfort and dryness.
"I’m a mom of three, (13, 7, 19 months) it’s all I use. My children and myself have, contact dermatitis, eczema, and sensitive skin. This soap (Castile) is so gentle and makes our skin so soft. We have experienced no dryness or tight skin from it." - Kalyn B. |
- Allergies: Individuals with fragrance allergies can benefit greatly from using unscented soaps. These soaps eliminate the potential for triggering allergic reactions, providing relief from symptoms like sneezing, itching and skin rashes.
"I have had soap allergies for years and with your soap (Purity Luffa) that worry is gone. Love the nice clean smell and my skin feels like a child again!" - Patricia M. |
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis can be exacerbated by fragrances. Unscented soaps can help to manage these conditions by reducing the risk of flare-ups.
"Just want you to know I use to spend countless appointments with dermatologist for eczema but have not been to one since I started using your (Purity) soap." - Linda H. |
What is Fragrance-Free Soap?
Fragrance-free soap is designed to have no added fragrances. However, unlike unscented soap, fragrance-free soap is typically formulated to have a completely neutral odor. This is often achieved by using masking agents or other ingredients that neutralize any natural scents that may be present in the soap.
What are the Benefits of Fragrance-Free Soap?
Fragrance-free soaps offer many benefits, such as:
- Neutral Scent: For those who prefer a completely odorless soap, fragrance-free options are ideal. This can be particularly beneficial for people who are sensitive to even the most subtle scents.
- Versatility: Fragrance-free soaps can be used for a variety of purposes, including bathing, handwashing, and even cleaning delicate fabrics. Their neutral scent ensures that they won’t interfere with other scents.
What is the Difference Between Fragrance-Free and Unscented Soap?
The primary difference between fragrance-free and unscented soap lies in their intended scent profile. Unscented soaps may have a slight natural odor due to the individual components that exist within the soap, such as castor oil, palm oil, goats milk, etc. While fragrance-free is a chemical fragrance, made up of more than 250 chemicals to hide another chemical fragrance, that creates a completely neutral scent.
"The Activated Charcoal Bamboo soap is definitely very masculine. It has virtually no scent but it cleans like there is no tomorrow. I feel very clean after a shower with the activated charcoal bamboo soap and that is what bath soap is all about." - Lawrence P. |
Both fragrance-free and unscented soaps are better options than scented products for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. While unscented soaps and shampoos eliminate added fragrances, fragrance-free soaps and shampoos go a step further to ensure a completely neutral scent.
 "Just tried the shampoo bar. Unscented. And my goodness, my hair feels so nice and soft. - Mary S. |
But keep in mind that 'fragrance-free' is only achieved through the use of chemicals. Some of which may be harmful to your skin. The best option for you will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and your specific needs.
Why Do We Use Fragrance-Free and Unscented Interchangeably at Goat Milk Stuff?
You will likely notice that we use the terms ‘unscented’ and ‘fragrance-free’ across the website in an interchangeable way. While it would be true to say that our unscented products are fragrance-free (without fragrance), we don't use chemicals to remove the natural scent of the ingredients in our soaps. We also recognize that the vast majority of visitors to our site, and purchasers of our soaps, don't necessarily make a scientific distinction between the two terms.
We use the term 'unscented' because it is most commonly used. But please rest assured that if you are looking for a natural soap, you can trust in our goat milk soaps. We do not add the chemical mixture to make our unscented soaps 'fragrance-free'. So even if a soap on our website says it is 'unscented', it will still smell like soap. An unscented soap on our website simply means that we do not add any fragrance oils or essential oils to that soap.
"Have been using the Calendula olive oil Mega bar soap for almost 2 weeks and I love it. My skin feels so soft and it is helping relieve my eczema. I love the very mild scent." - Renee D. |
So if you have any questions at all about fragrance-free and unscented products, don’t hesitate to get in touch.