Body acne, also known as truncal acne, is breakouts on the upper arms, shoulders, back, and chest. Similar to facial acne, it results from a mixture of excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria clogging pores.

But unlike the face, the skin on the body often deals with extra friction from clothing, longer exposure to sweat, and sometimes, a dose of heavy perfume or fragranced products sprayed directly onto the skin.

Fragrances are one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. According to research published in 2022, the most common allergens were fragrances, skin-conditioning agents, surfactants, and preservatives, in that order.

When sprayed directly on the skin, certain ingredients in perfumes can:

One of the key concerns? Fragrance mixes often contain alcohol, synthetic musks, essential oils, and preservatives, some of which are known as skin sensitisers or comedogenic (pore-clogging).

Although perfumes are not directly labelled as comedogenic, many contain occlusive or irritant compounds. A 2020 study found that synthetic fragrance components, particularly limonene, linalool, and eugenol, can oxidise on exposure to air and create irritant byproducts that lead to inflammation or allergic responses.

Additionally, body sprays and lotions with fragrance are often underreported culprits in truncal acne, especially in individuals with sensitive skin types.

These areas are also more likely to be exposed to heat, sweat, and friction, all of which increase the skin’s sensitivity to external irritants like fragrance.

If you are repeatedly breaking out in the areas you apply perfume or fragrant lotions, but not otherwise, it's likely your body care or skincare routine.

Look out for:

Don’t spray perfume directly on your skin. Spray it on your clothes or hair instead.

If your body acne is persistent, painful, or leaving marks behind, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist. You may need a customised skincare regimen or patch testing to identify fragrance sensitivities.

Perfume may lift your mood and boost your confidence, but if it is sprayed directly on sensitive or acne-prone skin, it could also contribute to unwanted breakouts. Pay attention to what your skin is telling you, and try shifting your scent strategy. After all, healthy skin and great fragrance don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

[ This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]