Why so much anxiety about fragrance? There are multiple reasons, one of which is the effect these compounds have on sensitive and acne-prone skin. The other reason is that beauty manufacturers aren't required by law to list the ingredients they use in fragrance. That means you could be applying a host of toxic chemicals to your face without ever even knowing it. Particularly concerning is the high concentration of phthalates, which we'll talk about more in a bit. All you need to know for now is that phthalates are harmful to your health. That's why many conscious consumers choose unscented or fragrance-free products instead.