🌸 About Fragrance in Korean Skincare — Purposeful, Safe, and Often Misunderstood
Fragrance is one of the most debated ingredients in skincare. While concerns are valid for some with sensitivities, the truth is far more nuanced—especially in Korean clinical skincare, where fragrance is used carefully, minimally, and intentionally to support both results and user experience.
The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that only 1–2% of the population has a true fragrance allergy. Still, the fear of fragrance has grown—particularly in Western markets—leading many consumers to believe that “fragrance-free” automatically means safer.
But in Korean skincare, fragrance plays a more thoughtful and strategic role. It’s not just about scent—it’s about enhancing user experience, creating emotional engagement, and, importantly, masking the often unpleasant natural odors of potent active ingredients. In fact, many of the most effective clinic-grade and post-procedure products in Korea contain small amounts of purified, hypoallergenic fragrance. Without it, the experience can suffer—and so can long-term product compliance.
In modern Korean skincare—especially clinical formulations—fragrance is used sparingly and carefully. Typically at levels below 0.5%, it enhances the sensory experience without compromising safety.
When evaluating whether fragrance is used at a low, skin-safe level, a helpful starting point is the ingredient list. In most countries—including Korea, the U.S., and EU—ingredients are listed in descending order by concentration, with smaller amounts appearing toward the end. So when fragrance (often listed as parfum or 향료) is near the bottom of the list, it’s typically present in very small amounts.
In Korean clinical skincare, this is a common and intentional practice: fragrance is used not to add a strong scent, but to subtly mask the natural odor of potent active ingredients and improve the overall user experience. Many high-performance brands prioritize hypoallergenic, oxidatively stable fragrance blends while avoiding potentially irritating essential oils—especially in formulas designed for sensitive or post-procedure skin. While exact percentages are rarely disclosed due to proprietary formulations, placement near the end of the ingredient list is a helpful indication that the fragrance is used minimally and thoughtfully, without compromising safety.
Why AO MEDICAL Uses Fragrance Thoughtfully
At AO MEDICAL, we ensure that all fragrances used in our formulas are ultra-low in concentration, dermatologist-tested, pH-balanced, and clinically vetted. They’re designed to complement even post-procedure skin. While we always recommend a patch test for those with known sensitivities, our formulations are gentle, effective, and created with user comfort in mind.
Fragrance is not used frivolously—it’s there to elevate the skincare ritual, support daily use, and make powerful ingredients more wearable. “Fragrance-free” may sound safer, but the reality is more nuanced. What matters most is the science, testing, and care behind the formula.
Shifting perceptions around fragrance takes time. For years, many consumers have been conditioned to equate “fragrance-free” with “safe,” making it challenging to re-educate without disrupting the skincare journey. That’s why we continue to move thoughtfully toward fragrance-free formulations—while also recognizing that familiarity and comfort matter. Some of our products still contain trace amounts of purified, hypoallergenic fragrance to support emotional ease and sensory satisfaction, especially when paired with high-performance actives.
As our community becomes more informed, we remain committed to evolving with intention—not rushing change, but progressing with purpose and care.