13 Best Fragrance-Free Skin Care Products (2024), As Per An Esthetician
Protect your skin from harsh chemicals with these gentle and light odor-free products.
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provided ample opportunities for her to collaborate with some of the most popular names in the beauty industry, such as Dr.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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You may need to switch to fragrance-free skin care products if your cleanser or moisturizer causes you to sneeze, cough, break out in rashes, or cause other allergic responses. While the added fragrance feels nice and gives you a good feeling every time you apply lotion or serum to your face and body, it is not for everyone because fragrance can trigger an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin.
Most commercial skin care products contain irritants and harsh chemicals such as dyes, phthalates, aluminum, and baking soda. However, fragrance, whether synthetic or natural, can affect your skin. That is why you should choose skin care products that are chemical-free and fragrance-free. We realize how difficult it can be to get the right products for your skin care, especially if you have sensitive skin. Don’t worry. We can help you find the right product. Here, we have compiled a list of the top 13 fragrance-free skin care products that are less likely to trigger allergic responses and irritate your skin. Scroll down and take a look.
In This Article
13 Best Fragrance-Free Skin Care Products Of 2024 That Are Gentle
1. Best Non-Comedogenic: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Kickstarting our list of the best fragrance-free skincare products is this Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser that’s not only free of fragrance but also has no trace of masking fragrance— lanolin, sulfate, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, and paraben. As the name suggests, it is gentle on dry, sensitive skin since it is soap-free and non-comedogenic. Use this cleanser to remove all your makeup and excess oil in a breeze without worrying about it drying out your skin, thanks to its pH-balanced formulation. Rest assured, this dermatologist-tested product will leave your skin feeling smooth. Check out this YouTuber’s review of the product if you require more details.
- No gluten
- Does not clog pores
- Suitable for everyday use
- Smoothens the skin
- Doubles as a fragrance-free acne wash
- Dye, betaine, and preservative-free
- It does not contain harsh cleansing agents and essential oils.
- Might not work well on oily skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 20,397 rave reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Daily Use: Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion
Achieve incredibly soft and clean skin with Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion that’s packed with essential moisturizers and vitamin B5. These ingredients keep your dry skin moisturized all day long while also offering replenishing benefits. Recommended for normal to dry skin type, this dermatologist-developed fragrance-free lotion absorbs into your skin quickly to give you instant results. This product is also highly recommended for tattoo aftercare. You can also check this YouTube video for a complete idea about the product.
- Affordable
- Clinically-proven
- Non-greasy
- Ideal for daily use
- Lasts for up to 24 hours
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- It contains parabens as preservatives that could be harmful.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 17,142 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best For Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
This Cetaphil fragrance-free moisturizing cream is a holy-grail product for those of you suffering from rough hands, cracked feet, or an all-in-all extremely dry, sensitive skin. As soon as you apply this rich, non-greasy cream to the affected areas, it provides instant hydration and soothing relief. Additionally, it will also prevent the loss of moisture and nourish very dry skin in just 1 day, making it soft to the touch. It is a hypoallergenic product, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating your skin. It comes in a pack of 3. If you want to know more about the results, take a look at this review on YouTube.
- Gentle formula
- Clinically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Provides 24-hour hydration
- Lends healthy-looking skin
- May not be suitable for use on the face
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 21,727 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Best Non-Comedogenic | Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion Best For Daily Use | Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Best For Sensitive Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.25 x 6.75 x 1.75 inches | 2.07 x 3.99 x 9.2 inches | 11.63 x 3.68 x 3.75 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 1.7 Pounds | 3.53 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 20,397 | 17,142 | 21,727 |
| Price | $8.86 | $9.82 | $22.23 |
4. Best Budget-Friendly: Summer’s Eve Fragrance Free Cleansing Wash
What’s not to love about this cleansing wash that can be used on your nether region and doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet? First off, it is free from fragrance, parabens, and dyes, so you don’t have to worry about it causing any discomfort. Plus, it is a pH-balanced formulation that will help keep itching at bay. Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, it can be used daily to clean your intimate areas to eliminate odor-causing bacteria and leave you feeling fresh. Also, this one has excellent reviews from users, confirming why this product is on our top list.
- Soap-free
- Budget-friendly
- Gynecologist-tested
- Clinically-tested
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Not tested on animals
- May dry out the skin a bit
Pro Tip5. Best Antioxidant-Enriched Formula:Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme
It’s a known fact that as we age, our skin begins to change. It starts to sag, and fine lines become prominent. Achieving that youthful-looking skin might seem like a far-fetched dream. But worry not! With the right face cream such as this one, you can make your skin appear younger and healthier. This fragrance-free face cream is infused with Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and beta-carotene that will help minimize the look of wrinkles and fine lines in less than 5 weeks, given that you apply it twice daily. Plus, it will keep your skin moisturized for long, giving you smooth and supple skin. This cream shows visible results within 5 weeks.
- Antioxidant-rich
- Firms skin
- Alcohol-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- May take some time to be absorbed into the skin since it’s slightly heavy
"This face cream feels gentle on my skin. It never triggers breakouts or clogs my pores. It has a rich consistency that penetrates deep into my skin within seconds without leaving greasy residues. My skin looks firm and youthful after consistent use of this cream."
Pro Tip6. Best For Oily Skin:Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
One of the best fragrance-free face moisturizers, this Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is exactly what your dull, dry, aging skin needs to perk back up. It is powered with a moisturizing blend of skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, antioxidants, and amino-peptide that keep your skin hydrated all day while also eliminating dead skin cells and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types, this formula will make your skin look and feel plumper, fresher, and firmer. You can use this hydrating moisturizer in the morning and night to see visible results in about 28 days.
- Makes skin smoother
- Improves skin elasticity
- Enriched with anti-aging ingredients
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lends you younger-looking skin
- Penetrates deep into the skin
- Slightly expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 10,715 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
7. Best Hypoallergenic: Liquid Neutrogena The Transparent Facial Cleanser
Infused with the goodness of glycerin, an emollient that diminishes the loss of moisture, this fragrance-free cleanser helps moisturize your skin and gently cleanses to remove dirt, grime, excess oil, and bacteria from the skin. Rest assured, you will be left with clean and healthy-looking skin. Oil-free and non-comedogenic, this mild liquid face wash won’t clog your pores or leave behind a greasy residue. This is a dermatologist-proven formula and is suitable for people with fragrance sensitivity.
- Affordable
- Hypoallergenic
- Does not contain harsh detergents
- Won’t leave pore-clogging residue
- Lends you younger-looking skin
- May sting eyes
- May not work well for dry skin
8. Best For Dry Skin:Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream
If you have very dry skin that needs extra hydration or sensitive skin that’s yearning for some much-needed relief, Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream is your best bet! This fragrance-free body cream is formulated to provide intense moisturization as it contains Triple Oat Complex (oat extract, oil, and flour), ceramide, and other high-quality emollients. In addition to that, this formula will also help prevent moisture loss by repairing your skin’s moisture barrier. Your extra-dry skin will look and feel hydrated, healthier, and smoother after using this cream, and will stay that way all through the day.
- Steroid-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically-proven
- Offers 24-hour hydration
- Soothes and heals itchy, dry skin
- May take a while to absorb into the skin
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 9,145 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
9. Best Dermatologist-Tested: The Honest Company Face + Body Lotion – Purely Sensitive
Got super-sensitive skin that’s made you extra cautious about what you apply? In search of a skincare product that won’t make your skin itch or cause rashes? You have come to the right place! We present to you The Honest Company Face + Body Lotion that’s hypoallergenic and free from fragrance, dyes, silicones, phthalates, parabens, and mineral oil, making it a perfect product for anyone with delicate skin, including babies. Enriched with the nourishing combination of jojoba oil, vitamin E, shea butter, aloe vera, and chamomile, this formula will instantly hydrate and soothe your skin. Plus, this is a non-greasy formula that will make your skin incredibly soft without the sticky feeling.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Suitable for everyday use
- Contains naturally-derived ingredients
- Might have a watery consistency
10. Best Non-Greasy Formula: Gold Bond Ultimate Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Hydrating Lotion
A diabetic person is prone to a lot of issues, some of which are dry, itchy, and cracked skin that can be quite a pain to manage in the long run. It is essential to keep your skin protected and well-hydrated not only with the help of water and the right diet but also with a good lotion. Enter Gold Bond Ultimate Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Hydrating Lotion! Specially created for diabetics’ dry, uncomfortable skin, this hypoallergenic, fragrance-free lotion features 7 effective moisturizers, including aloe and vitamins A, C, and E. These ingredients help the lotion absorb into your skin instantly to soothe and nourish it while minimizing dryness.
- Non-greasy
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lightweight formula
- Improves skin elasticity
- Helps relieve eczema and psoriasis
- Provides 24-hour moisturization
- Contains parabens
11. Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream
If you’re looking for something to help your increasing fine lines and parched skin, this Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream should do the trick. It is a skin-perfecting serum and moisturizer combined in one, which means it will not only exfoliate the skin and protect it from harmful free radicals but also rehydrate your skin instantly without clogging the pores. This lush, silky gel is rich in super hyaluronic acid (proprietary blend of 3 types of hyaluronic acid), arginine, and ceramide, all of which are good for providing intense hydration and locking in moisture. It also contains collagen as one of the key ingredients that helps improve skin’s texture and tone and soften fine lines and wrinkles. For best results, use this fragrance-free, mild exfoliating cream a.m. and p.m. to achieve a supple, super-soft, energized, youthful skin.
- Lightweight
- Quick-absorbing
- Clinically-proven
- Non-greasy
- Offers all-day moisturization
- Works well for all skin types
- Paraben, mineral oil, and dye-free
- Slightly expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,150 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
12. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Everyone loves a good cleanser that helps you have a clean and clear complexion. But this fragrance-free facial cleanser does more than just that — it will hydrate and soften your skin too. Some cleansers feel a bit harsh on the skin, but not this one. It will wash away all the makeup and surface impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture or making it stretchy. Featuring a combination of 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it will restore the skin’s protective barrier and provide nourishment. This formula is also equipped with MVE Delivery Technology that releases a steady supply of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day. Suitable for normal to dry skin type, it is non-irritating and incredibly gentle on the skin. Besides, it is also paraben-free.
- Non-drying
- Non-comedogenic
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Helps lock in moisture in the skin
- Dermatologist-developed formula
- Might have a thick consistency
13. L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler
The fragrance-free, skin-plumping L’Oreal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler replenishes hydration and gives your skin its bounce back. It offers powerful hydration to your skin that works to even out wrinkles and lines and replenish moisture for plumper, smoother skin. This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer gets absorbed rapidly into your skin without leaving a sticky coating and provides hydration and nourishment to all skin types, even sensitive skin.
- Skin-plumping
- Offers anti-aging benefits
- Absorbs readily
- Suitable for sensitive skin
None
Now that you have taken a look at our list of best fragrance-free products, let’s determine how you should pick the right one.
How To Choose The Best Fragrance-Free Skincare Products
- Fragrance-free
To ensure that a certain skincare product does not contain any scent, you need to check if it is labeled ‘fragrance-free’. This determines that the product has been developed without natural, synthetic, or masking fragrance. Another point to keep in mind is that ‘fragrance-free’ and ‘unscented’ have different meanings. While, fragrance-free, as mentioned previously, will not have any kind of fragrance. Unscented could mean that the product contains a masking fragrance that is added to prevent your nose from detecting the real scent of the product. Also, try choosing the ones that are dermatologist-recommended or expert-recommended for better results.
- Ingredients
When purchasing a fragrance-free product, it is essential to go through the ingredients list at the back of the box or bottle. Most products are made using a blend of active chemicals and natural ingredients, and they may not be suitable for all skin types. If you only have a nasal allergy, a fragrance-free product is your best bet. But if you have sensitive skin, you need to opt for products that are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and formulated without paraben, alcohol, sulfates, and other chemicals. Opt for the ones made with scientifically formulated ingredients that offer a multitude of benefits.
- Skin type
You need to identify your skin type and choose a product accordingly. For instance, people with dry or mature skin should opt for products that feature moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, those with an oily skin type should pick water-based or oil-free, fragrance-free moisturizers or cleansers. That said, no matter what the skin type, it’s best to choose non-toxic products. Also, always remember to do a patch test before using any product to avoid adverse reactions.
- Price
No matter what type of product you choose, the price should always be taken into consideration. It’s easier to pick a product if you are aware of your budget.
The Bottom Line
Fragrance-free skin care products are the need of the hour! If you are sensitive to smell, you might have allergic responses to newer products due to their odor. Hence, it is always safer to use fragrance-free skincare products that wouldn’t make you sneeze or cough uncontrollably. The smell in some products also comes from intense usage of chemicals and toxins, which can further cause rashes and other skin disorders. So, it is better to choose products that don’t contain harmful chemicals and can be used on dry and sensitive skin types as well. Prioritize your skin with the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, a non-comedogenic choice which ensures clean pores. Opt for the paraben-free Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream that offers intense hydration. The cruelty-free The Honest Company Face + Body Lotion – Purely Sensitive is ideal for skin care enthuasists who are looking for ethical options. While choosing fragrance-free products, you might want to steer clear of the ones that are greasy and leave a residue on your skin after each use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fragrance-free products better than unscented products?
Unscented products have more chance of causing itching and irritation. They can have added fragrance agents used to mask other uncomely smells. Masking fragrances often contain phthalate which is linked to many health issues. Fragrance-free products are made without adding synthetic fragrances and are safer for your skin.
Why should you avoid fragrance in skin care?
Artificial fragrances in skin care can trigger skin allergies and irritations. It is best to go with fragrance-free products, especially if your have sensitive or damaged skin.
Can fragrance in skincare cause wrinkles?
Yes, fragrances used in skin care can cause wrinkles. Fragrance can cause collagen depletion. It can also impact the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV damage. This, in turn, can cause hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Inflammation and UV damage are two big reasons for skin aging.
Is hypoallergenic the same as fragrance-free?
No, they are not the same. Hypoallergenic products are made of gentle ingredients that are very unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. But these products can still have fragrance in them. Fragrance-free products, on the other hand, are made without adding any artificial fragrance to the formula.
What do fragrance-free products smell like?
The fragrance-free products will have the natural scent of the ingredients used in them.
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