Fragrance ingredients teenagers should avoid, parents must know

Fragrances are no longer used solely to enhance appearance; they have become part of the lifestyle of teenagers entering puberty. Behind the appealing scents, doctors warn that not all fragrance ingredients are safe for children and adolescents. Certain ingredients are known to trigger skin irritation, allergies and other health issues in sensitive individuals. Dr Arifin Kurniawan Kashmir, SpA, M.Kes, CHt, FISQua, Vice-Chairman of the Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) in Banten, urged teenagers and parents to be more careful before selecting perfumes, especially products with strong fragrance components. Here are some fragrance ingredients that should be avoided by teens according to doctors. “Some fragrance allergens that are often discussed in the context of contact allergy do exist, such as limonene, eugenol, cinnamal, citronellol, geraniol, and many more,” Dr Arifin said when interviewed by Kompas.com on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. In several journals, ingredients such as limonene and linalool are described as among the most commonly found in fragrance products. The two substances can become stronger allergens after exposure to air over time. According to Dr Atika Kamilia, Sp.DVE, dermatologist specialising in Dermatology, Venereology and Aesthetics at Siloam Heart Hospital, reactions can include reddened skin, itching, a burning sensation and prolonged irritation in users with sensitive skin. “In the skin of a child who is sensitive or in adults who have sensitive skin, this can also cause irritation, dry skin, redness and even burning,” Dr Atika explained. According to Dr Atika, phthalates are not always clearly listed on product labels because they are often hidden behind the term ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’. “Phthalates are often not listed directly on labels, but hidden behind the word "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredient list. This is most commonly linked to hormonal disorders,” she said.