Ingredient

Farnesol

A fragrance ingredient — a naturally occurring compound (found in oils such as neroli, rose, lemongrass and tuberose) with a delicate sweet floral, linden-flower scent, also used as a deodorant agent — added mainly for scent, and one of the fragrance allergens the EU requires to be declared on cosmetic labels (Annex III).

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Caffeine

Temporarily de-puffs and brightens the look of tired skin and under-eyes.

Good to know

Fragrance allergen
One of the fragrance compounds the EU requires to be declared, because a minority of people react to it.

What it does

moderate evidence

Benefits

Adds a soft, sweet floral (lilac/linden) scent note and is used to smooth and round out perfumes

Side effects

Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised people
Its use in perfumery is restricted because some people may become sensitised to it
Offers no skin-care benefit — it is there for fragrance (and mild deodorant scent) only