If you’ve sworn off all things fragrant in your grooming routine, there is a good chance you’re bearing the brunt of sensitive skin. From face cleansers to body lotions, it’s just a vast plateau of a fragrance-free grooming routine with nary a blossom of musk or spice. But hey, we get it. Understanding your skin type and its needs is what keeps your face and body skin a fair bit safe from unwanted flare-ups or nasty reactions. If you’re someone with skin conditions like psoriasis or rosacea, then we may have a fair idea of the intense screening your senses subject ingredients to.

But what if we told you eau de toilettes can be an exception from your fragrance-free grooming arsenal? Though we’re apologetic for sparking memories of perfume mishaps, we’re here to atone for it by telling you that sensitive skin types can wear eau de toilette perfumes without having to worry about the skin breaking into angry red rashes. Don’t worry, there’s no need for a secret magic spell. All it takes is a simple knowledge of how to buy eau de toilette and the best ways to incorporate it into your grooming routine.

Ingredients to Avoid in Eau De Toilettes

Phthalates: Pronounced as “tha-lates”, are components that are known to increase the longevity of fragrances and other cosmetic products. They’re also known as plasticisers as they’re added to plastics to increase their durability. Studies have shown that they can be serious endocrine disruptors which could lead to long-term issues related to hormones, reproductive system and infant growth.

Musk Ketones: Musk is the most sought-after fragrance in the perfume world. It’s the reason behind scents that have a clean, cottony, fresh laundry smell. Musk ketones are synthetic versions of natural musk that lend similar fragrant notes to eau de toilette perfume. However, overexposure to MK can disrupt hormonal balance and can act as potential carcinogens (agents that can cause cancer).

– Polyethylene glycol: If you’re someone who has breathing issues like asthma, then be on the lookout for PEG (polyethene glycol) compounds. These are widely used in fragrances to bind the ingredients together. Otherwise known as an aroma fixator, PEG has humectant properties that help retain an eau de toilette for a long time, slowing down the evaporation process. But they also are known to cause respiratory irritation. Some elements of PEG are also viewed as carcinogens.

If you still find eau de toilette perfumes irresistible, then here is how you can make them work on sensitive skin:

Always patch-test! If you’re trying a new eau de toilette, spray a small bit on a part of the body that is less sensitive. If any kind of irritation persists, avoid using it.
Make sure you’re not using any perfume past its expiration date. Rancid perfume is more likely to leave your skin with rashes.
If you’ve taken a liking to an eau de toilette scent, then go for a travel-sized bottle. This way, you can enjoy the scent while you test its efficacy and effectiveness on sensitive skin types.
Apply a layer of emollient before spraying perfume. Petroleum Jelly is a great option. It acts as a barrier so that the perfume will not directly contact the skin. Moreover, spraying perfume on top of petroleum jelly will also make it last longer.
Another way of reaping the benefits of your favourite eau de toilette perfume is by spraying it on top of your outfit, close to the pulse points, Ends of the sleeve, collar and inside the elbow.
Instead of spraying an entire spritz directly onto the skin, spray the scent from at least a 30-centimeter distance. This way, you will be veiled in a thin mist of the perfume without irritating your skin.

In a world of perfumes, formulations go beyond eau de toilettes. So, trying other types of fragrances that can work on sensitive skin is a good idea. Here are a few ideas:

Perfume oils: Perfume oils or attar are highly concentrated perfume oils without any alcohol (another potential skin irritant). However, potent perfume oils are made with essential oils. But the good thing is that a little goes a long way. You can enjoy long-lasting fragrance sans rashes with just a few dabs on the pulse points.

Solid perfumes: Solid perfumes come in jars and look like balms. Though potent, they’re easy on the skin thanks to moisturising bases like beeswax and shea butter. This will keep sensitive skin nourished and safe while your olfactory nerves enjoy a mellow, lingering scent throughout the day.

Hair mist/perfume: If you want to give your skin a break from fragrant affairs, then rope your hair in. From mists to oils, the grooming market also provides hair perfumes that you can run through the hair without worrying about any damage.

Body splash: Body splashes are a lot more low-key and lightweight than heavy, luxurious perfumes. If you have sensitive skin, then body splashes can be a lot more forgiving. It’s faint, pleasant and can last you anywhere between 3-4 hours.

Fragrance-free deodorants: This may be counterproductive, but deodorants play an important role in preventing body odour. If you’re not a fan of layering scents, then go for a fragrance-free deodorant. It will effectively mask body odour without any added fragrant notes.

See, smelling good isn’t as tough as you seem to think for sensitive skin. Just follow the right tricks and curate the perfect perfume wardrobe so that you can smell divine all day long!