In rare cases, yes. Certain fragrance ingredients, most famously bergamot oil, can make skin react to sunlight. If perfume containing a phototoxic ingredient is on your skin and that skin is then exposed to UV light, a sunburn-like reaction can follow and sometimes leaves brown patches that take weeks or months to fade. It is uncommon, and most people wear fragrance in the sun without any problem, but it is well documented, and a few simple habits remove most of the risk.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin reaction, speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist.
What is berloque dermatitis?
The reaction has a name: berloque (or berlock) dermatitis. It describes skin inflammation and pigmentation that appear after perfume or cologne containing bergamot oil is applied to the skin and the area is then exposed to sunlight. The name comes from the French and German words for a pendant, because the marks often form drip-like or pendant-shaped streaks, classically on the sides of the neck where perfume runs down.
The link to bergamot was first suspected over a century ago. A 1916 report described patients who developed redness and pigmentation after using an eau de cologne containing bergamot, and later research traced the effect to a specific compound in bergamot oil called bergapten. A 1970 paper in the Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists reviewed the evidence and concluded that bergapten was the only significant phototoxic component of bergamot, and that unless it is removed, bergamot is likely to be phototoxic for some people when used in practical amounts in perfumes.
Why bergamot, and is it only bergamot?
Bergamot is a citrus fruit grown mainly in the Mediterranean, and its cold-pressed peel oil is a classic perfume ingredient. That oil contains furocoumarins such as bergapten, which become reactive under UVA light. Bergamot is the best-documented culprit, but other cold-pressed citrus oils can also be phototoxic to varying degrees, which is why safety standards for fragrance ingredients set limits for them.
Modern perfumery often uses bergapten-free versions of bergamot, and industry guidelines restrict phototoxic ingredients in products meant to be left on skin. That is why serious reactions are rare today, but you cannot see how any individual bottle was formulated from the notes list alone.
Does a bergamot note on the label mean it is unsafe?
No. Many popular fragrances list bergamot or lemon in the top notes. For example, Lattafa Khamrah lists bergamot, and our Emeer review covers a fragrance that lists lemon and bergamot. A note appearing in a pyramid is not a warning label, because formulations vary and the ingredient may be a treated version. The point of knowing this is to make sensible choices about where and when you apply fragrance, not to avoid citrus altogether.
Who may be more likely to react?
The 1970 research found that more permeable skin, such as the neck, was among the most susceptible, which suggests people with a weaker skin barrier may be at greater risk. A dermatologist quoted in lifestyle coverage also notes that the alcohol in perfume can dry the skin and affect its barrier, especially around the neck. In practice, the combination that matters is:
- perfume on skin that is directly exposed to the sun;
- strong or prolonged UVA, such as holiday sun, midday sun or sunbeds;
- heavy or repeated application, or perfume running down in drips;
- skin that is already dry, irritated or sweating.
What the reaction looks like
The typical sequence is redness, sometimes itching or mild blistering, in the places where perfume was applied, followed by brown pigmentation in the same pattern as the application. Dermatologists note that this pigmentation can take months to fade. If you notice marks in the shape of a spray or drip on your neck, chest or wrists after a sunny day, keep that area out of the sun, use sun protection and ask a health professional about it. Do not scrub the skin.
How to wear fragrance sensibly in the sun
- Apply to covered skin or clothing. Spraying areas that will stay under clothes, such as the chest under a shirt, avoids direct UV on perfumed skin. Test fabric first, because perfume can stain delicate materials. Our guide to getting perfume stains out of clothing explains what to do if it does.
- Be careful with the neck and exposed wrists in strong sun. These are the classic spots.
- Let it dry, then use sunscreen. One dermatologist’s tip in lifestyle coverage is to apply an unscented sunscreen a few minutes after the fragrance.
- Do not rub or over-apply. Fewer sprays means less on the skin and fewer drips. Our guide to where to spray perfume covers pulse points.
- Keep citrus-heavy scents for cooler or shaded days, and consider warm, woody or amber styles for peak sun. Our best summer perfumes and beach and holiday picks can help.
- Protect the bottle too. Heat and sunlight are bad for fragrance. See leaving perfume in a hot car and how to store perfume properly.
Should you stop wearing perfume in summer?
Not necessarily. The risk is specific, uncommon and manageable. If you have previously had a reaction, or you are prone to pigmentation, it makes sense to apply fragrance only to covered areas or to clothing, or to speak to a dermatologist about what suits you. If your skin is generally sensitive, our overview of fragrance and sensitive skin is a good next read.
If you would like help choosing a scent family for sunny weather, our Perfume Finder can narrow it down, and you can browse all Lattafa perfumes.
Related reading
- Does Perfume Damage Jewellery and Watches? Pearls, Silver and Straps Explained
- Perfume Before or After Deodorant? The Right Order to Apply Fragrance
- Lattafa Emeer Review (UK 2026): A Fresh, Woody Unisex Fragrance
Frequently asked questions
Can perfume cause dark patches on skin?
It can in rare cases. If perfume containing a phototoxic ingredient such as bergamot oil is on skin that is then exposed to UV light, a sunburn-like reaction can follow and sometimes leaves brown pigmentation that takes months to fade. It is uncommon, and sensible application largely avoids it.
What is berloque dermatitis?
Berloque dermatitis is a phototoxic skin reaction linked to bergamot oil. It appears as redness followed by pigmentation, often in drip-like or pendant-shaped patches on the neck where perfume ran down, after sun exposure.
Is bergamot in all perfumes?
No, but it is very common in top notes. A bergamot note on a label is not a warning, because formulations vary and bergapten-free versions are widely used. Industry standards also restrict phototoxic ingredients in leave-on products.
Does it only happen in hot countries?
No. UVA radiation is present in the UK as well as abroad, and strong sunlight, sunbeds and bright days in spring and summer can all be enough. Risk is higher with strong sun, heavy application and exposed skin such as the neck.
What should I do if I notice patches after wearing perfume?
Keep the area out of the sun, protect it with sunscreen, avoid scrubbing and avoid applying more fragrance there. Speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist, especially if the skin is blistered, painful or the marks are not fading.
