Pomade without Parfum: What "Parfum" on the Ingredient List Means

Finding a pomade without parfum is harder than you think. Turn a few tins around and you'll read the same word on almost every ingredient list: parfum. What's behind it, you won't find out.

In this article you'll learn what the term means, why "no parfum" doesn't automatically mean "unscented" and how to recognize a pomade whose scent you can trace line by line.

What "parfum" on the ingredient list means

The ingredient list on cosmetics is called the INCI. It names ingredients using internationally standardized names. Fragrance is the exception: manufacturers may group their scent blend under the umbrella term "parfum". English-language lists often say "fragrance".

That one word can stand for a blend of many individual fragrance substances. Which ones remains the manufacturer's secret. Only certain fragrance substances considered potential allergens must also be listed individually above a small amount. For products that stay on skin and hair, that threshold is 0.001 percent. These substances then appear at the end of the list, for example linalool, limonene or citral.

No parfum doesn't mean no scent

Many people searching for pomade without parfum actually mean one of two things:

• Completely unscented: the pomade smells neutral, no fragrance has been added. These products are usually labelled "fragrance-free".
• A traceable scent: the pomade has a scent, but instead of "parfum" the individual sources are named on the list, such as a specific essential oil.

Both are "without parfum" as far as the ingredient list goes. Essential oils do, however, naturally contain fragrance substances such as linalool or citral. That's why these names also appear on pomades without "parfum". If you react to certain fragrance substances, read the full list and talk to a dermatologist if in doubt.

Check the ingredient list in 30 seconds

1. Look for "parfum" or "fragrance". If it's there, the scent is an undisclosed blend.
2. Look for named oils and extracts. Latin plant names followed by "oil" or "extract" show you where the scent comes from.
3. Read the end of the list. That's where the individually declared fragrance substances are. An asterisk noting "natural origin" means they come from the plant oils listed.

The other criteria that matter when buying are in our pomade buying checklist.

The right pomade

NO STYLIST Pomade Pure Lemongrass contains no "parfum". Its fresh scent comes from three ingredients you'll find named on the list: lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon Flexuosus Oil), patchouli oil (Pogostemon Cablin Oil) and lavender extract (Lavandula Angustifolia Extract). The fragrance substances at the end of the list are marked as being of natural origin.

The oil-based formula with petrolatum, beeswax and lanolin gives you a strong, pliable hold and a silky shine. It's handmade in small batches in Germany. To try it, there's the 10 g trial size with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. How to apply oil-based pomade is explained in our guide how to apply pomade.

Frequently asked questions

Is pomade without parfum better tolerated?

There's no general answer. Essential oils contain fragrance substances too. The advantage is that you can see exactly which ones are in it. If you have known sensitivities, a dermatologist can help.

Why is linalool listed in a pomade without parfum?

Linalool is a natural component of many essential oils, such as lavender. Above a certain amount it must be listed individually, even if no "parfum" has been added.

How long does a pomade with essential oils smell?

A scent from essential oils is usually more subtle than a strong perfume. How to store your pomade so scent and texture last is covered in storing pomade properly. More on the differences between formulas in our comparison oil-based vs. water-based pomade.