There are two main categories of fragrance used in skincare: natural (extracted from their natural source, e.g. a fruit or plant) and synthetic (developed in a lab).
Fragrance in skincare is often present as a pleasurable experience for the user, or to cover up potentially less pleasing smells. It is also important to note that "fragrance-free" and “unscented” are two different things. Fragrance-free means there are no masking scents within the product, whilst unscented may contain chemicals that mask any aromas. Those with a sensitivity to fragrance or an inflammatory skin condition (such as eczema or rosacea) should consider avoiding fragranced products.