Ingredient decoder
INCI name: Farnesol
Scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Farnesol is a light floral scent compound found in many flower oils, used in fragrances and sometimes in deodorants because it can slow odor-causing bacteria. It is one of the scent components that must be named on EU labels above set levels because it can trigger allergic reactions in some people. For acne-prone skin it does not clog pores, but irritation and redness can make breakouts look and feel worse, so sensitive skin may do better without it.
Not usually, but it is worth watching. Farnesol is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.
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Farnesol has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.
In short: scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people. In formulas it is used for masking and perfuming.
On ingredient lists, farnesol can also appear as Trans-farnesol.
