Sensitive Skin? Try These Fragrance-Free Skincare Products Recommended by Experts
Head-to-toe essentials for sensitive skin.
By Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director
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Have you ever smelled a skin-care product that says “fragrance-free” on the label, but it still has a scent? This is where things can get tricky. Oftentimes a product will be marketed as having no fragrance, when in fact, the company is referring to no synthetic fragrance and there is actually natural fragrance from essential oils or other ingredient extracts.
To this point, Spokane, WA dermatologist Wm. Philip Werschler, MD says it’s important to remember that “unscented” and “fragrance-free” are different. “Unscented means the product often has a masking fragrance to hide an offensive odor. Many skin-care products have an offensive odor from their constituent ingredients. For example urea, sulfur/sulfa, hydrolyzed collagen, or other animal extracts can be considered offensive by some noses.”
Fragrance-free, on the other hand, means no synthetic fragrance ingredients, but it doesn’t always mean the product won’t have a smell. Many products (especially those made with essential oils) are naturally fragrant thanks to their ingredient lineup, so it’s important to know the difference between the two. “I tell my patients that skin irritation is not always from fragrance, and fragrance-free doesn’t always mean no odor. I know this is seemingly complicated, but unfortunately that’s the reality. If someone wants fragrance-free, they need to read labels for ‘no added fragrance’ and then try it and see what their noses or skin tell them!”
SCHLESSINGER Fragrances can be a love/hate situation when it comes to cosmetics. Most of my patients are stunned when I encourage them to avoid them, but it makes sense to me as a dermatologist. Having said this, I do feel there are some products that add a natural and safe fragrance to products, but they must be used very sparingly and always identified on the ingredients. That is one reason that when I created my own line, I had to work for about 2 years to get the exact formulation I wanted. Most companies won’t take the time to do this and end up with an overpowering and potentially irritating blend of fragrances. Fragrances are a known trigger for those with eczema and are often a suspected culprit behind other irritations in sensitive skin. Additionally, fragrances in skin care are not regulated, so it’s often difficult to know what the fragrance is sourced from and how much is used in the product. Choosing a fragrance-free line of skin care is a great way to avoid these issues all together.
HAUSAUER
With the rise of clean beauty and the focus on absence in skincare, it can be challenging to determine what is truly necessary, or not, in your products. Fragrance is a common allergen and irritant. For those with true sensitivities, many or specific fragrances can result in delicate, itchy or inflamed skin as well as headaches. But aside from those with allergies or reactions, whether fragrance free is better is not as cut and dry.
First fragrance free and unscented are not the same thing. Unscented means there is no scent, but chemicals and fragrances may still be added to mask or make it a neutral odor.
This begs the questions who should avoid fragrance: 1) if you have or suspect you have an allergy or irritation (I always recommend seeing a board certified dermatologist or allergist who can patch test your skin to determine the exact cause) 2) if you have inflammatory skin concerns such as rosacea or eczema sine fragrance can cause irritation to already compromised skin 3) if you have hyperpigmentation (dark discoloration) and fragrance may cause irritation that will worsen the condition. Bottomline if you have damaged skin barrier or more generically sensitive skin, avoid to be safe.
Interesting fact, fragrance is a common migraine trigger so those who suffer from the condition may also want to adhere to a fragrance free skincare routine.
Important to note that there is a lack of regulation when it comes to fragrance, so brands can just list listing ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient without disclosing what ingredients actually make up that scent. Natural fragrances may be more easy to decipher since they are extracted from a source while synthetic/semi-synthetic are made in a lab and have longer shelf lives. It’s key to always check the expiration date on any skincare product
If you’re in search of skin- and body-care essentials that are free of synthetic fragrance (fragrance-free), these 42 products also come with the endorsement of a leading dermatologist, and in some cases, several!
“Note that even ‘fragrance free’ products often contain ‘masking fragrance’, an undetectable fragrance that masks the smell of the underlying ingredients, and many patients with a true fragrance allergy can’t tolerate a masking fragrance. The Vanicream line of products is my go-to for those patients. It has cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos and conditioners.” —Nanuet, NY dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD
“The Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is a lightweight mineral sunscreen that provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage and is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as it is fragrance-free and paraben-free. It also contains ceramides to support the skin barrier and moisturize the skin.” —New York dermatologist Marisa K. Garshick, MD
“Vanicream! I love all of them, from their moisturizer to washes, and even their deodorants! Their products are free of common irritants, dyes and fragrances. Super affordable and can find it at any drugstore or on Amazon. Great for sensitive skin patients. I use it on my toddler who has eczema, too.” —Washington, D.C. dermatologist Sarika Snell, MD
“There are so many fragrance-free products available now that it is much easier to find a regime without dye or fragrance. Among the ones I like are Vanicream’s moisturizer and sunscreen.” —West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth R. Beer, MD
“CeraVe Cream is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. As someone who has both acne and eczema, these are favorites of mine, as they are also noncomedogenic.”
“As far as unscented or odorless products, I love the TNS A+ Serum by SkinMedica. This dynamic, multipurpose serum is full of antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients. It’s also super tolerable and produces an immediate plumping effect, as well as lasting effects that change your skin in the long-run.”
“Fragrance is a very common allergen for a lot of patients. Many products have masking fragrance, where you might not even know there’s a fragrance by its smell, but it can exacerbate skin irritation.
Covey makes a great line of straight-to-the-point, fragrance-free products. In addition to being fragrance-free, they are also free of sulfates, silicones, phthalates, synthetic dyes and essential oils, and they are hypoallergenic, suitable for all skin types, vegan and cruelty-free.”
“I love this cleanser because it’s so gentle, but cleans the skin effectively. It’s a milky, non-foaming cleanser that can easily be wiped off instead of rinsed off without leaving any residue. Great for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.”
“I love this moisturizer because it provides the perfect level of hydration and protects the skin, without being heavy or clogging pores. The balance of fatty acids is what makes it unique.”
“I love this cream. It’s fragrance-free, preservative-free, dye-free, and noncomedogenic! It’s particularly great for people who are prone to eczema flare-ups, but it’s a wonderful moisturizer for the entire family!”
—Harrison, NY dermatologist Jennifer Silverman Kitchin, MD
“I personally use this on my sensitive, dry skin. Drunk elephant is 100-percent fragrance- and essential oil– free. I love this micellar water as a way to remove makeup without removing all the beneficial oils our skin needs to hydrate and protect.”
“This line of skin care is not only fragrance-free, but also medically safe and highly effective. This line contains active, proven skin-care ingredients like resveratrol, peptides and the line’s signature ingredient, afaLUXE, which is a novel blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals. This patented ingredient complex encourages natural exfoliation with a nonirritating, yet low pH to help improve skin’s barrier functions, making it an effective option for all skin types, including sensitive.”
“As a dermatologist, one of the very first things I tell my patients about skin care is that fragrance is a no-no: it is a frequent cause of irritation, and does not belong in skin care. In order for skin care to work, we have to be able to use it regularly, so of course it needs to be tolerable in addition to being effective. I am always surprised when I see fragrance added to a skin care product—it should not be there!
This is an all-in-one, super active serum that includes six categories of derm-approved skin essentials, and is of course fragrance-free. Compatible ingredients are combined in their ideal proportions to create a serum with an overall power that is greater than the sum of its parts. Functioning as a daily antioxidant, collagen and elastin builder, and intense hydrator, Serum 6 delivers superior results in one streamlined step.”
“My favorite fragrance-free product is as one of the most effective and well-tolerated hero skincare products that combines a retinoid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, peptides, and vitamin C, in an advanced formulation, for little to no irritation.”
—New York dermatologist Melissa Levin, MD
“This is one of my personal favorites because it is a heavy-hitting targeted treatment—a retinoid infused with lactic acid. Most medical-grade skin care like this that is sold through physicians is now fragrance-free in order to avoid unwanted allergens and irritants.”
“This Extremolyte Stem Cell Serum is excellent for preventive care, anti-aging, hydrating, protecting against pollution, and skin tightening. It is great for all skin types and has very few strong and powerful ingredients. The following product is the Papaya Enzyme Peel, an at-home treatment that is strong enough to see benefits and results after a few times of use, but sensitive enough that you don’t see the actual peeling process. The peel has become part of my Sunday ritual. You can apply it for 10 to 15 minutes or leave it on overnight. I wake up glowing and stay glowing all week long. Most importantly, both of these products have clean ingredients and are fragrance-free!”
“This cleanser provides the perfect balance of getting skin completely clean without stripping it of what it needs to stay healthy. Gentle surfactants thoroughly remove makeup, dirt and sunscreen, while glycerin hydrates and supports the skin barrier. It’s fantastic for sensitive skin, and of course fragrance-free!”
“This boosts your natural collagen and elastin fiber production while clearing out old defunct fibers—without the use need for masking scents that may cause some low-level irritation that may potentially work against skin barrier health and integrity. My husband does notice the lack of perfumed scent at times…I have told him ‘that’s the smell of science.'”
“It’s the most popular product in my office. Not only do I use it every morning myself, but I prescribe it for nearly every patient I treat. Its formulation is just the right weight—not too greasy—and provides enough hydration that an additional layer of moisturizer is often unnecessary. A real time-saver! Lastly, the airless pump dispenses just the right amount of product to cover the entire face and keeps the product from turning yellow over time, thus keeping it fresh and effective. And, it’s also now available on Amazon.”
“For those who prefer a cleansing bar option, this fragrance-free bar won’t dry out the skin or strip it of its natural oils, as it is also formulated with one-fourth moisturizing cream to help restore moisture.”
“Burt’s Bees has a great lineup for sensitive skin. This includes the facial cleanser, daily moisturizer and night cream. All have been accepted by the National Eczema Association. These products have soothing aloe, as well as cotton extract, which helps to guard skin against potential irritants. But the biggest reason I like them is that they’re sulfate- and propylene glycol–free, which is NOT easy to find these days.”
“It contains ceramides, but has the added benefit of colloidal oatmeal to help with itching and inflammation. I use this when my skin needs extra barrier protection overnight with intense moisturization.”
“I also love Alastin products for daily skin care, especially the broad-spectrum Hydratint Sunscreen, which is elegant and great for all skin types. Alastin has an amazing lineup of effective, gentle skin care for even the most sensitive skin types.”
“I love Avène Thermal Water in the a.m. and p.m. and my moisturizer after, which is great for hydration. I also love their Cicalfate+, which is also fragrance-free. I use it on my face, hands, neck! Very good for very dry, sensitive skin without being too greasy, and it’s safe to use on children.”
—Dallas dermatologist Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD
“I love to blend this with my sunscreen for an immediate glow. I particularly appreciate that this product is not only fragrance-free—an excellent choice for my sensitive skin patients—but also mineral oil–free, phthalate-free, and talc-free. I also love that it supports our skin’s healthy microbiome by incorporating prebiotic and probiotic complexes.”
“This fragrance-free body wash is good for sensitive skin, as the creamy formula works to nourish the skin while also cleansing. It’s sulfate-free and has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, making it a good option for those with eczema-prone skin, too.”
“It’s a hydrating, nongreasy option for dryness that layers well with serums. It contains plant-based NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) such as amino acids, dermal lipids, saccharides and hyaluronic acid, which provide lightweight moisturization.”
“This serum is a non-hydroquinone and non-retinol formula; instead it contains their patented bioactivated ingredient diglucosyl gallic acid to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.”
“This moisturizing cream is rich and goes onto skin so smoothly. I love it as a body moisturizer and recommend applying it within three minutes after getting out of the shower for best results. It absorbs quickly and hydrates completely!” —Dr. Marcus
“This is a great option for patients who have dry skin all over their body.” —Dr. Callender
“As a dermatologist who also struggles with sensitive eczema skin, I’m constantly on the look out for moisturizers that provide good hydration and must be fragrance-free. One of my favorites for the face is La Roche-Posay Double Repair. It contains ceramide-3, niacinamide and prebiotic thermal water, which has a unique prebiotic action on the skin microbiome, helping to replenish moisture up to 48 hours, as well as restoring skin’s natural barrier. It’s also oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it’s a great product for my acne-prone patients, as it doesn’t clog the pores and will not cause breakouts.” —Flushing, NY dermatologist Dr. Winifred Chu
“It’s one of my favorite non-fragranced facial moisturizers that does the trick on a crisp, winter day on patients with sensitive skin!” —Austin, TX dermatologist Sarah Gee, MD
“This moisturizer is one of my favorite creams. It contains ceramides and niacinamide to counteract inflammation and support the skin barrier. It absorbs without a trace and is non-comedogenic.” —Dr. Marcus
“This vitamin serum is super potent and long-lasting in the skin, and it not only lightens brown spots and brightens the complexion, but it can also stimulate collagen production to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and firm and tone skin.”
“I have very sensitive skin, and I am always very cautious what I recommend. Many over-the-counter and prescription products make my face fall off. My go-to everyday sunblock is Olay Moisturizer SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin. You won’t find it with the other sunscreens—it’s found in the anti-aging aisle. I love it. I can use it all over my face, including my eyelids. It rubs in quickly and does not have a pasty look. It also does not feel or smell like sunscreen. Of course, you would want to use caution not to get it in your eyes.”
“This is great for babies who have a bad diaper rash, great for eyelids that get eczema and hands that get cracked from all the hand washing we are doing lately.”
“The Bruise Cream contains arnica and vitamin K, and is a great option for bruising that is fragrance-free. The Siberian Silk Daily Moisturizing Cream is a a fragrance-free moisturizer made with natural and organic ingredients. It has ceramides that also help with eczema. I helped develop both products and have received great feedback about them from patients and customers nationally.”
“I usually recommend the Cetaphil Restoraderm line. I do a lot of patch testing in the office, and although not perfect, these products don’t have a lot of the common preservatives that cause sensitivity in a lot of patients. It’s also paraben free which many patients want, although that doesn’t concern me.”
“I like this cleanser because it removes dirt and grime without stripping the skin of its natural oils, which will cause oil production to go into overdrive.”
“I am always on the lookout for the most cutting-edge and scientifically proven active ingredients to help each one of us reach our healthy skin goals. Fragrance-free products I love to rotate into my personal skin-care regimen are the DefenAge Barrier Cream and BioSerum—a powerful duo with the key ingredient of defensins. Research shows that defensin molecules can reprogram dormant cells to promote healthy and more youthful-looking new skin in a short period of time, resulting in improvement of pigmentation, pores, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as enhancing hydration.”
“Skinfix makes excellent moisturizers for the super dry or eczema-prone. They started in 1950 with a handmade healing cream from a single Canadian pharmacy.”
“Avène has an amazing line that has been extensively tested to minimize allergic reactions. It is my go-to for patients who come in and say they have very sensitive skin and have failed with other products.”
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