You’ve probably seen laundry detergents labeled as “fragrance-free” or “free & clear.” But what do those terms really mean and can you trust them?

Fragrance in detergent is one of the most confusing and under-regulated areas in home care labeling. Many products that claim to be fragrance-free still contain scent components, masking agents, or additives that give them a noticeable smell. Others use vague terms like "clear" or "gentle" while still including ingredients that may be irritating to sensitive skin.

Here’s what to know, and what to look for, when choosing a truly fragrance-free option.

What “Fragrance-Free” Should Mean

A fragrance-free detergent should contain no added scent ingredients at all. That means no synthetic perfumes, no essential oils, and no masking agents designed to neutralize or obscure odor. The product may still have a mild natural scent from the base ingredients, but nothing should be added to create or alter the smell.

Unfortunately, there’s no strict enforcement of this definition as the FDA and FTC in the U.S. provide only general guidelines. 

Why Fragrance Is So Hard to Regulate

In the U.S., “fragrance” is legally considered a trade secret. That means manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the individual components that make up a scent—whether synthetic or natural. A single word like “fragrance” or “parfum” on a label could represent dozens or even hundreds of separate chemicals.

Some of these compounds are benign. Others may be linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, or respiratory issues—especially with repeated exposure. The lack of full disclosure leaves consumers in the dark, especially those trying to avoid specific triggers.

Unlike food or drug labeling, there’s no centralized system requiring ingredient-level transparency in cleaning products. That’s why choosing a brand that voluntarily shares what’s inside (and what isn’t) makes a real difference.

Why Some “Fragrance-Free” Detergents Still Smell

Some detergents that claim to be fragrance-free may still include:

• Masking agents that suppress odor perception or neutralize certain odors without being labeled as fragrance
• Botanical extracts added for scent, but not clearly disclosed
• Fragrance components present in small enough amounts to fall below reporting thresholds

The issue isn’t with any one type of ingredient, it’s with the lack of clarity. For people with allergies, eczema, or fragrance sensitivities, those omissions can make a real difference.

What About Fragrance-Free Products That Still Smell?

It’s one of the most common questions: “How can this be fragrance-free if I still smell something?”

In many cases, the answer is simple: the base ingredients themselves may have a mild, natural scent. Plant-based cleaners, enzymes, or surfactants can carry a barely-there smell that disappears during rinsing. That doesn’t mean the product contains added fragrance.

Other times, brands use masking agents – compounds that dull or suppress odors without being labeled as fragrance. While they don’t create a strong smell, they still qualify as scent-active ingredients. That can be a problem for anyone trying to eliminate fragrance exposure entirely.

A truly fragrance-free product should disclose that it has no added scent, synthetic or natural, and avoid the use of masking agents altogether.

Free & Clear ≠ Fragrance-Free

“Free & Clear” is a marketing term, not a regulatory one. It generally suggests a product has fewer dyes or irritants, but it doesn’t guarantee that it’s fragrance-free. Some well-known brands still add essential oils or light perfumes in low concentrations while using these labels.

The ingredients might technically be safer or derived from plants, but if you’re aiming to avoid all scent – whether for medical, sensory, or preference reasons – these products may not be suitable.

What You Should Expect from a Truly Fragrance-Free Detergent

A detergent that’s genuinely fragrance-free should be:

• Clearly labeled as unscented
• Free from synthetic fragrance, natural fragrance, and masking agents
• Transparent about ingredients, with no vague aroma descriptors
• Safe for use on baby clothes, sensitive skin, and fragrance-free environments

This is the standard Orchard’s fragrance-free formula is built to meet.

What About Natural Fragrance or Essential Oils?

Even natural scent ingredients can trigger reactions in people with fragrance sensitivities. While essential oils like citrus or lavender are derived from plants, they can still cause skin irritation, respiratory discomfort, or allergic responses in sensitive users especially when not clearly labeled.

Orchard offers both unscented and scented varieties. Our fragrance-free formula contains no added fragrance of any kind. Our scented options use 100% essential oils and are clearly labeled, so customers can choose based on their needs and preferences.

The Bottom Line

Fragrance-free doesn’t mean the same thing across every detergent brand. If you’re trying to avoid scent entirely, you need a formula with full transparency, no scent ingredients, and no marketing spin.

Orchard’s fragrance-free detergent is made to meet that standard – so what’s left behind is nothing but clean.