Hygiene products without perfume
Approximately 20% of the population in Switzerland is affected by a contact allergy at some point in their lives. Perfumes are among the most common triggers which are unfortunately also found in many hygiene products. With the new regulations of Service Allergie Suisse hygiene products that come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes such as baby nappies or sanitary towels, can now be tested and certified with the Allergy Seal of Quality.
What is tested
Hygiene products certified with the Allergy Seal of Quality must not contain any of the 26 allergenic compounds, azo dyes and disperse dyes, formaldehyde, or the contact allergens nickel and chromium.
You can find more information under "frequently asked questions".
There are countless substances that can act as contact allergens in causing eczema. They are mostly small-molecular, chemical substances, but natural substances, for example in plants, can also cause eczema. The most common triggers include: preservatives, perfumes, coloring agents, disinfectants and plants (Swiss Allergy Center, 2016).
In contact allergy, the eczema first appears where the skin comes into contact with the causative substance. To prevent further eczema, avoiding the trigger is therefore the most important strategy for treatment.
Hygiene products with the certified claims “does not contain any of the 26 allergenic compounds” or "without perfume / without fragrances" offer people suffering from a contact allergy a high level of protection from these triggers. Choosing a suitable product is also easier if a whole category of possible triggers is not included.
The criteria for the certification of hygiene products can be downloaded here.
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Fragrance-Free Day Switzerland
Fragrances are part of our everyday lives for example in cosmetics, washing and cleaning products. However, many people are unaware that at least 20% of the Swiss population is sensitised to at least one contact allergen. Fragrances are often involved and can trigger contact allergies and irritation. Fragrance-Free Day will take place for the first time on 1 February 2026 and is being launched jointly by aha! Allergy Centre Switzerland and Service Allergie Suisse. It draws attention to the health effects of fragrances and gives advice on choosing fragrance-free products. You can find more information (in German or French) on aha.ch.
When buying cosmetics, detergents, or cleaning products, look out for products with the Allergy Seal of Quality. This seal confirms that the products have been rigorously tested and are suitable for sensitive skin. Find your products.