"Parfum" or "Fragrance" on an INCI list is a collective name that can include tens to hundreds of substances, without you knowing which.
Essential oils are listed with their full botanical INCI name. That way you can see exactly what is in your product.
We use only essential oils. Every fragrance component is traceable.
What is the problem with "Parfum" on the label?
When you see "Parfum" or "Fragrance" on an ingredients list, you're looking at a collective name. Manufacturers don't have to disclose the exact composition of their fragrance blends. This falls under trade secret.
A "Parfum" can consist of:
For consumers who want to know what's in their products, "Parfum" is a black box.
- -Tens to hundreds of different substances
- -Synthetic fragrances (lab-made)
- -Fragrance isolates (isolated components from natural sources)
- -Fixatives to hold the scent longer
- -Solvents
How do essential oils work in skincare?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, obtained by distillation or pressing. They contain the natural fragrances of the plant.
The difference with synthetic fragrance:
| Aspect | Parfum/Fragrance | Essential oils |
|---|---|---|
| INCI listing | Only “Parfum” or “Fragrance” | Full name (e.g. Lavandula Angustifolia Oil) |
| Composition | Not disclosed | Known (GCMS analysis available) |
| Origin | Synthetic or unknown | Distilled from plant material |
| Complexity | Can contain hundreds of substances | Natural complex from the plant |
Allergens: what does "naturally present" mean?
On INCI lists you sometimes see substances like Limonene, Linalool, Citral or Geraniol listed. These are allergenic substances that must be listed separately above a certain concentration according to EU legislation.
Important to know:
For example: Linalool occurs naturally in lavender oil. When lavender oil is used, Linalool must be listed separately. Not because it was added, but because it's present in the oil.
- -These substances occur naturally in essential oils
- -They are not added individually
- -They are a natural component of the plant
How does La Fuente Mía list fragrance on the label?
We use only essential oils for fragrance. On the INCI list you'll see:
*Allergenic substance, not added separately
- -Pogostemon Cablin Oil: essential patchouli oil
- -Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil: essential rosemary oil
- -Cupressus Funebris Wood Oil: essential Chinese cedarwood oil
- -Linalool*: naturally present in essential oils
What's on our NO-list?
We don't use:
- -Synthetic fragrances (Parfum/Fragrance)
- -Fragrance isolates (isolated components)
- -Artificial colorants
View the complete NO-list and ingredients.
Last updated: 6 March 2026