How should you handle a client who has a known allergy to fragrance in cosmetics?

• A. Use fragrance-free products, perform a patch test, and choose hypoallergenic formulations
• B. Use fragrance-free products only
• C. Use scented products and patch test
• D. Avoid patch testing

Answer: (A)

When someone has a fragrance allergy, the aim is to remove the trigger and verify skin tolerance before proceeding. The best approach is to use fragrance-free products, perform a patch test, and choose hypoallergenic formulations. Fragrance-free products reduce the chance of exposure to the allergen from the outset. A patch test checks for any reaction to the ingredients in the products you plan to use, so you can select items that won’t provoke dermatitis or irritation. Hypoallergenic formulations are designed to minimize common irritants and fragrance-related ingredients, offering an extra level of safety for sensitive skin.

Using fragrance-free products alone isn’t enough because you still need to confirm that the specific formulation won’t cause a reaction for this client, and some products marketed as hypoallergenic may still contain potential irritants. Scented products should be avoided entirely for someone with a known fragrance allergy, as fragrance is the obvious trigger. Patch testing should not be skipped, since it helps catch sensitivities before full application, reducing the risk of an adverse reaction during or after treatment.