Fragrance Allergy Testing
View All TestsWhat Is Fragrance Allergy?
Fragrance allergy is a reaction to one or more of the hundreds of chemical compounds used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and household products. Fragrances are the second most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis after nickel.
Fragrance sensitivity can also present as respiratory symptoms (sneezing, nasal congestion, wheezing) or urticaria in some individuals. Natural fragrances from essential oils can be equally problematic — "natural" does not mean hypoallergenic.
Important: Fragrance contact dermatitis is primarily a delayed (Type IV) hypersensitivity reaction best diagnosed by patch testing with a dermatologist. Blood tests can provide supporting information and rule out other allergic causes of symptoms.
How Testing Works
Choose Your Test
Select from our range of allergy blood tests and book a convenient time at our South Kensington clinic. No GP referral needed.
Nurse Blood Draw
A qualified nurse takes a small blood sample at our clinic. The appointment is quick and straightforward.
Get Your Results
Results are sent directly to you, typically within a few working days. Share them with your GP or specialist to guide your next steps.
Available Tests
ALEX² Allergy Test (Venous)
Eosinophil Cationic Protein
Total IgE
Note: Fragrance contact dermatitis is best diagnosed via patch testing. Blood tests can help rule out other allergic causes. View all tests.
Why Choose a Diagnostic-Only Clinic?
Unlike clinics that provide both testing and treatment, our nurse-led service focuses solely on accurate diagnostic testing. Because we don't offer treatments or prescriptions, there is no commercial incentive to recommend unnecessary tests — just honest, impartial results you can trust.
Nurse-Led & Impartial
Our qualified nurses collect your sample — we don't prescribe, treat, or have any reason to upsell.
Results You Own
Your results are sent directly to you. Take them to your GP or a specialist to discuss what's best for your situation.
You Stay in Control
Understand your allergy profile, then decide with your healthcare professional what steps to take next.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "fragrance-free" truly safe?
Not always. Products labelled "fragrance-free" may still contain masking fragrances or botanical extracts that can cause reactions. "Unscented" products may use fragrances to mask other odours. A dermatologist can help identify your specific triggers through patch testing.
Can essential oils cause allergic reactions?
Yes. Essential oils contain potent allergenic compounds. Tea tree, lavender, and ylang-ylang are among the most commonly reported sensitisers. Natural does not mean hypoallergenic.
Do I need a GP referral for allergy testing?
No. You can book directly with our clinic without a GP referral. Simply choose your test and select a convenient appointment time. If you're unsure which test is right for your symptoms, our team can help guide your selection.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before a blood test?
No. Unlike skin prick testing, IgE blood tests are not affected by antihistamines or other allergy medications. You can continue taking your regular medications before your appointment.
What should I do with my results?
As a diagnostic-only clinic, we provide results directly to you. For suspected fragrance allergy, we recommend sharing results with your GP or dermatologist and discussing whether patch testing is appropriate for definitive diagnosis.
Investigate Fragrance Sensitivity
Book a blood test at our South Kensington clinic
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