Person gently holding a clear glass perfume bottle, sensitive skin fragrance use

Wash the area with mild soap and water straight away, stop using that product, and avoid applying anything else, moisturiser included, until the irritation has genuinely settled.

Immediate steps

Rinse the affected area promptly with lukewarm water and a gentle, unscented soap rather than scrubbing, which can aggravate irritated skin further. A cool compress can help with any redness or discomfort in the short term. Avoid layering more products on top, including other skincare, until you’ve confirmed the reaction has calmed down, since adding more ingredients into the mix can make it harder to tell what’s actually helping or hindering.

What to do afterwards

  • Note down which product caused it and check the ingredients list for known allergens
  • Avoid that specific perfume, and be cautious with others from the same range
  • See a GP or dermatologist if the reaction is severe, spreads, or doesn’t settle within a day or two

For future purchases, patch testing on a small area before wearing a fragrance properly is a sensible habit, particularly if you’ve had a reaction before. Our guide to perfume allergies and sensitive skin and complete guide to perfume cover this in more depth.