Strong Odor in Cholesterol/Palmitamide MEA/Ceramide Cream - Adding Fragrance?

A cream formulation containing Cholesterol, Palmitamide MEA, and Ceramide can sometimes have a noticeable inherent odor, which is normal for these raw materials, particularly Palmitamide MEA and certain Ceramide Complexes. Adding 1% fragrance to mask the odor may help reduce the unpleasant smell. Fragrances are designed for cosmetic use to add pleasant scents and cover raw material odors. However, there are additional considerations: * Effect on Scent: Different fragrances have varying scents and masking abilities. Sometimes, a fragrance might interact with the original raw material odor, creating a new, undesirable smell, or the original odor might still be present alongside the fragrance. * Effect on Skin: Adding fragrance can increase the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if this cream formula is intended for sensitive skin or skin with impaired barrier function (which ingredients like Ceramide, Cholesterol, Palmitamide MEA are often used for). * Effect on Stability: In some cases, fragrance might affect the stability of the cream texture or the efficacy of active ingredients, although this is less common with small amounts. Recommendation: 1. Test in a Small Batch: If you decide to add fragrance, it is recommended to try mixing it into a small amount of the cream first (e.g., make a small test batch and add 1% fragrance) to see how the scent turns out and if the texture remains stable. 2. Consider Necessity: If the cream is intended for very sensitive skin or problematic skin, consider how much the strong odor truly bothers you, as fragrance-free products are often a better choice for delicate skin. In summary, adding 1% fragrance can potentially help mask the odor, but it might come with a risk of irritation for sensitive skin, and testing a small batch first is advisable.