10 Best Fragrance-Free Hand Lotions in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
We all love a scented hand lotion that can give our hands a pleasant aroma while providing them with the needed moisture. But do you know the harsh reality behind the fragrance ingredients? According to dermatologists, fragrances can cause skin irritations to those with sensitive skin, and are one of the main reasons for allergic contact dermatitis. So if you have sensitive skin, it might be safer to go for a fragrance-free product.
Fortunately, there is a variety of great options out there for you to choose from. And to save you some time researching, we've compiled a list of top 10 best fragrance-free hand lotions that are well-beloved by users. One of them is Neutrogena's Fragrance Free Hand Cream. This clinically-tested product is packed with glycerin, a great moisturizer that can leave your hands feeling moisturized and silky-smooth. There are other wonderful products on our list, so check them out!
Quick List - Top Fragrance-Free Hand Lotions
Jack Black
Vitamins A and E and Eucalyptus to Heal Cracked, Chapped Hands
Aveeno
Colloidal Oatmeal to Soothe Skin Irritation
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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Why Should I Choose a Fragrance-Free Hand Lotion?
Various cosmetic products, including hand lotions, contain fragrance (or parfum). This kind of ingredient can deliver an alluring aroma that sometimes acts as a mask to cover the unpleasant smells of a product. But for those with fragrance sensitivity, this ingredient can be quite irritating.
What is Fragrance Made Of?
The way fragrance is crafted varies among manufacturers. But for the most part, a natural fragrance consists of raw materials like essential oils, distillates, floral waxes, and so on.
Meanwhile, a synthetic fragrance is made of chemicals that are not of a natural origin such as acetone, benzyl alcohol, synthetic camphor, and the like.
Since the Food and Drug Administration doesn't require companies to state clearly the ingredients that go into fragrance, consumers don't really know what fragrances are exactly made of.
Switch to Fragrance-Free Hand Lotion to Avoid Potential Skin Irritations
Unfortunately, both natural and synthetic fragrances can potentially trigger allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, and itchiness. The American Academy of Dermatology also states that fragrance is a common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.
There is an assumption that natural and organic fragrances are safe. You'll find that natural fragrances can actually lead to some painful and itchy rashes as they contain a high concentration of essential oils. Some oils that can cause allergic reactions include cinnamon, clove, citronella, and eucalyptus.
Therefore, if you suspect that you're sensitive to fragrance ingredients, it might be time to switch to fragrance-free cosmetic products! And don't think that they smell bad. Many products still contain a light floral or earthy scent due to natural ingredients like rose oil or fruit extracts.
The hands are in contact with so many materials each and every day. This makes them set up to develop contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a frustrating, itchy, red, burning, and scaly rash that occurs when your skin - in this case, the hands - comes in contact with an ingredient or material you are allergic to.
This could be anything from rubber in a pair of golfing gloves to a fragrance or preservatives in hair or skincare products. Using fragrance-free hand lotions or creams can help decrease the chance of you becoming allergic since they have fewer allergens.
Additionally, if you already have contact dermatitis, fragrance-free is the way to go since fragrances can make the allergy worse. You absolutely need to moisturize often if you have dermatitis on your hand, so choose fragrance-free to avoid making your rash worse.
How to Choose Fragrance-Free Hand Lotions
Now that we've shown you our top 10 best fragrance-free hand lotions, let's move on to see which product is the best fit for you. In this buying guide, we have compiled various important factors that you might want to keep in mind while making a selection, including the effectiveness of the ingredients and your skin type.
Screen the Ingredient List to Make Sure the Product is Truly Fragrance-Free
It's not difficult at all to determine whether or not a product is fragrance-free. But don't just rely on the front of the label. You might want to look at the ingredient list to see if there's something called 'parfum' or 'fragrance'.
Unscented products might pop up as well. But keep in mind that unscented and fragrance-free are completely different concepts. Unscented products have no noticeable aroma. But they might still contain fragrance chemicals to remove certain less-than-pleasing odors from the product.
Meanwhile, fragrance-free products contain absolutely no chemicals that are used to give the product an aroma. Instead, some fragrance-free products may actually have a scent that's a direct result of the ingredients used (think essential oils like peppermint, for example).
These will normally advertise themselves as "no added fragrance". So always screen the ingredient list to verify that the product truly meets your needs.
Keep in Mind Ingredients That Do Wonders for Your Dry Hands
In order to hydrate your skin, you'll need to increase its water content. And moisturizers like squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea can surely help! They are all naturally-occurring substances found in the body that can attract moisture from the environment and bring it to the skin.
Dimethicone, a type of silicone, is another popular emollient that works fantastically in keeping the skin healthy. Specifically, it creates a breathable barrier that helps prevent moisture loss and leaves the skin feeling silky-smooth.
Those with extremely dry hands might want to opt for butter and oil-based ingredients such as shea butter, avocado oil, and olive oil. They're ultra-hydrating and can restore your skin's natural moisture barrier.
For skin that is red, burning, chapped, or has fissures (deep and painful linear cuts) dimethicone and glycerin can be soothing and won't irritate the fissures. They will provide moisture as well. Look for ceramides in hand cream, which can help repair the skin barrier and keep eczema and dermatitis under control. If you have scaly skin on your hand or calluses from weight lifting, urea can help thin these out. In the winter, creams with shea butter can be very hydrating and can be used several times a day.
Take Your Skin's Condition into Consideration
There's no such thing as "one-size-fits-all" hand cream. For example, if you have damaged skin, products that are formulated to solely moisturize the skin might not solve your problem. So it's crucial to keep in mind what skin condition you have before making a selection.
Damaged Hands Need Ingredients With Restorative Properties
If your hands are not that dry, you might just need a cream with moisturizers. But for those with painful, chapped and cracked hands, you might want to go further and look for something with restorative properties.
Nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera and allantoin are some options that can soothe discomfort from dryness and further protect your skin. Particularly, they help reinforce your hands' hydrolipid film, repair the skin's barrier function, and aid in wound healing.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is another super ingredient that helps with wound healing. It promotes the formation of collagen, reduce cell damage and accelerates the healing process of your wounds.
Ceramides are one of the best ingredients for skin that is damaged on the hands. They're part of the skin barrier and prevent the skin from losing water. Adding a hand cream with ceramides can help repair damaged skin on the hands and also help prevent dermatitis.
Dull-Looking or Aging Skin Will Benefit from Antioxidants
As we age, the skin of our hands becomes thinner and wrinkles as well as age spots start to develop. Extensive exposure to pollution and the sun together with frequent hand-washing can make your hands look older than their years as well. In particular, they accelerate the aging of your skin and cause premature wrinkles and discoloration.
Fortunately, there are many hand creams that can help you slow down and even reverse the aging process. They are usually formulated with collagen- and antioxidant-rich ingredients such as green tea, pumpkin oil, citrus fruit extract, and sunflower seed oil.
Those nourishing ingredients can effectively scavenge free radicals and make skin blemishes look much less visible. So your skin you will youthful and glowing in no time!
Plant-based oils and nut butters like macadamia oil, shea butter, and baobab oil can do the trick for your aging and dull-looking skin as well. They are loaded with fatty acids to prevent dry skin, soften it significantly, and deter the formation of skin blemishes.
Allergy-Tested Hand Lotions are Generally Safe for Sensitive Skin
Fragrance-free hand lotions are definitely a better option for sensitive skin than other products. But for those with highly sensitive skin, you might want to choose a lotion that's allergy-tested, dermatologist-recommended, or even verified by the National Eczema Association.
Products that bear the approval seal of this organization do not contain any ingredients that can affect eczema patients and are suitable for other sensitive skin conditions as well.
You might also want to look for products enriched with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender oil. They can have great calming effects on your skin and reduce skin irritations.
Be careful with essential oils or even natural scents if you have a history of eczema or dermatitis. All-natural does not mean that it won't cause an allergy or a skin rash.
Pay Attention to the Consistency of the Lotion
The texture of a lotion is a factor that most people tend to overlook. But it actually matters a lot! If your skin is particularly dry, a product with a rich texture can be your best friend. It's often packed with ultra-hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and will deliver long-lasting moisture to your skin.
However, a thick, creamy consistency might take a while to absorb and make your skin feel greasy initially. So if you will be using your phone right after using a thick cream, expect to leave behind a few fingerprints.
In this case, a product with a fast-absorbing and lightweight consistency might be a better idea. Besides, it's less likely to create a tacky film on your skin. In the daytime, you might want to use a lightweight lotion. A rich cream will be a great overnight treatment.
If you have an active rash on your skin or fissures, some creams or lotions may burn the skin. Ointments or oil-based products are better tolerated for these conditions. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream is my favorite for skin that is red, inflamed, and chapped because it is nourishing and won't irritate the skin or cause burning pain.
10 Best Fragrance-Free Hand Lotions Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream | | Glycerin-Infused Cream for Dry, Chapped Hands | |
2 | Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer | | Vitamins A and E and Eucalyptus to Heal Cracked, Chapped Hands | |
3 | CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream | | Non-Irritating Formula for Sensitive Skin | |
4 | Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream Intense Moisture | | Currently unavailable | Colloidal Oatmeal to Soothe Skin Irritation |
5 | Burt's Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream | | Hypoallergenic Hand Cream With Baobab Oil for Ultra Hydration | |
6 | Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream | | Dermatologist Recommended to Deeply Moisturize the Skin | |
7 | Adamia Therapeutic Repair Hand Cream | | Macadamia Oil to Support Distressed and Thinning Skin | |
8 | MaryRuth Organics Hydrating Hand Cream | | Aloe Vera and Dandelion Extract to Drive Away Dryness | |
9 | HerbXtract Rose Series Hand Cream | | Rose Oil, Vitamin E, and Collagen to Nourish and Repair Hands | |
10 | Kate Somerville Dry Skin Saver | | Clinically-Proven Formula to Hydrate the Skin Up to 24 Hours |
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Glycerin-Infused Cream for Dry, Chapped Hands
Got dry, chapped skin? This hand cream is infused with glycerin to deliver long-lasting moisture to your skin and leave it feeling soft to the touch. The patented formula of this hand cream is clinically-tested, so you know it's truly effective!
Many users found this cream a magical remedy for their dry, chapped hands. Others further added that a little went a long way, so you can still reap the benefits with a small amount.
Nonetheless, a few reviewers weren't really fond of the rich consistency of the product, saying it felt too greasy on the hands. But it's not hard to fix this matter! Some users suggested using this product for overnight hydration to give your hands a silky-smooth feel the next day.
Vitamins A and E and Eucalyptus to Heal Cracked, Chapped Hands
This hand cream harnesses the power of natural moisturizing ingredients such as eucalyptus, vitamin A, and vitamin E to reduce unsightly calluses and heal chapped, cracked hands. Another highlight of this product is the non-greasy consistency that absorbs quickly into your skin and won't leave behind any residue.
Some users noted that despite not containing fragrance, the product had a scent of eucalyptus, one of the key ingredients. So if you're not a fan of an earthy smell, then this cream might not be for you.
On the other hand, many reviewers, particularly those with super dry and cracked skin, were obsessed with this hand cream since it kept their hands soft and moisturized. Various people used this product as an overnight treatment and were hooked on the velvety-smooth results.
Non-Irritating Formula for Sensitive Skin
As one of the products accepted by the National Eczema Association, this hand cream has a non-irritating formula that's suitable for those with eczema or other sensitive skin conditions.
It also boasts three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that can reinforce the skin's protective barrier and prevent moisture loss. Another secret weapon of this hand cream is niacinamide which can help neutralize the effects of free radicals, improve your skin's texture, and balance oil production.
A few users weren't that into the product, mentioning that it had a thin and watery consistency and was not effective for extremely dry hands.
Nonetheless, reviewers with sensitive skin found the product a lifesaver! They noticed a big improvement in their hands' condition, and further added that there were no allergic reactions whatsoever. Plus, it dried quickly to a matte finish and didn't feel greasy at all.
AveenoSkin Relief Hand Cream Intense Moisture
Colloidal Oatmeal to Soothe Skin Irritation
A great addition to this hand cream is colloidal oatmeal, a nourishing ingredient that can deeply hydrate your skin while shielding it from free radical damage. Its soothing properties can also reduce itching, redness, and other skin irritations, so those with sensitive and damaged skin might find relief in this product.
Some reviewers say they preferred the old formula. They say this new one comes off after handwashing, whereas the old one stayed on all day.
Nonetheless, this product was a daily necessary product for many reviewers, especially those with dry and damaged hands. It alleviated pain and resolved dry patches and left the skin feeling smooth and supple without turning it into a greasy mess.
Hypoallergenic Hand Cream With Baobab Oil for Ultra Hydration
Looking for an ultra-hydrating, soothing, and anti-aging treatment for your hands? This product might fit the bill. It's enriched with baobab oil, an ingredient hailed for its regenerative properties. Indeed, it can effectively soothe skin irritations and reduce skin blemishes.
This product also features a proprietary antioxidant blend of green tea extract, pumpkin oil, and watermelon seed oil to help improve your skin's texture and elasticity. What's more, the formula is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, thus it's suitable even for those with sensitive skin.
Some reviewers mentioned that the consistency was a bit oily at first. But many shared that the cream soaked in quickly so the tacky feeling soon disappeared. It has no added fragrance, but some didn't appreciate the natural smell of the ingredients.
Most reviewers vouched for this product's effectiveness in improving their skin's condition. They were highly impressed at how smooth and soft their skin felt after the application. The product also provided relief for painful, cracked, and parched hands.
Dermatologist Recommended to Deeply Moisturize the Skin
This hand cream touts hydrating ingredients such as dimethicone, glycerin, and urea. They can help boost the moisture level within the layers of your skin and keep your skin healthy and vibrant.
However, keep in mind that this product is formulated with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), an ingredient that might increase skin sensitivity to the sun. So you might want to wear protective clothing or sunscreen after applying this hand cream to avoid getting sunburn.
Some users shared that the product felt a bit greasy, and didn't sink in quickly. Many experienced a burning sensation, so do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Others said it worked quickly in smoothing and soothing their dry, cracked, and painful hands. Plus, the consistency felt light and didn't make their hands feel sticky later on. Another bonus point was the compact size that made it easy to carry around.
Macadamia Oil to Support Distressed and Thinning Skin
Formulated with nourishing macadamia oil, this product can reinforce your skin's moisture layer and leave it silky-soft. Moreover, macadamia oil resembles the skin's natural oil, so it can penetrate quickly into the skin layers and deliver the needed nourishment quickly.
The manufacturer also claims that the therapeutic formula of this product can strengthen tissue paper skin and support dry, irritated, and scaling skin.
A few users commented that the cream felt a bit tacky and actually left a greasy feeling on their hands. But the general consensus was that the cream worked like a champ in delivering healing and hydrating effects.
It soothed tears, wounds, and skin conditions such as eczema wonderfully. The cream seemed to be effective for fading blemishes such as aging-spots. Others further added that even during the cold winter months, the cream kept their hands moisturized.
MaryRuth OrganicsHydrating Hand Cream
Aloe Vera and Dandelion Extract to Drive Away Dryness
Crafted by MaryRuth Ghiyam, a certified health educator, this product is promised to penetrate quickly into your skin and deeply nourish all skin types.
And with refreshing ingredients such as aloe vera, dandelion extract, and honeysuckle flower extract, this cream can drive away dryness and make your hands feel much healthier.
The manufacturer also claims that the ingredients are harvested and processed in a way that can retain the nutrients and won't harm the environment, whenever possible.
After using this product, most reviewers were truly pleased with the results. Their hands felt much more tender, and the cream worked beautifully in relieving skin irritations as well. For others, the product absorbed quickly into the skin and made it feel comfortable without any greasiness.
Rose Oil, Vitamin E, and Collagen to Nourish and Repair Hands
Formulated with a combination of rose oil, vitamin E, and collagen, this hand cream claims powerful regenerative properties to improve your skin's elasticity and reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. So if you have dull-looking or aging skin, this product can be your best companion!
This fragrance-free cream is also blessed with an enticing floral aroma that comes from the rose oil. This natural scent will add a dash of freshness to make your day even better! However, there were some buyers who didn't like the scent.
Regardless, many reviewers called this product a game-changer since it got rid of dryness and truly helped blur away skin blemishes. They noticed that their hands looked and felt plumper as well. The lightweight, non-greasy consistency that sank in quickly was another reason various users fell in love with this cream.
Clinically-Proven Formula to Hydrate the Skin Up to 24 Hours
There are just so many skin-loving ingredients in this product that can surely give your hands the nourishment they need. This hand cream boasts a fusion of oat kernel flour, blackcurrant seed oil, and balloon vine extract that can restore your skin's natural barrier function and alleviate skin irritations.
The addition of wakame (or Japanese kelp) further improves the skin's appearance while protecting it from environmental aggressors. Besides, Kate Somerville is certified as a cruelty-free brand by PETA. All the more reason to fall in love with this product!
A few users noted that there was alcohol in the ingredient list. So those with highly sensitive skin might want to do a patch test beforehand since alcohol can trigger redness or itching.
Most reviewers were astonished at the moisturizing, even during the cold winter months. Those with sensitive skin also appreciated the fragrance-free and non-irritating formula and mentioned that this hand cream was an essential part of their daily routine.
More Hand Lotion Tips from a Dermatologist
Dr. Levy says, "Carry around your hand lotion or cream with you, especially in the winter when the skin is dry. With all the extra hand washing and sanitizing, you are more likely to get dermatitis or eczema. Using a hand cream after washing to restore hydration can decrease the chances of getting an eczema outbreak.
Sometimes, it's not always realistic to use greasy hand cream during the day. Instead, try putting on the greasy hand cream at night under white cotton gloves. You will notice in the morning (or even after a few hours) your hands will be softer and less chapped, and your eczema will improve."
Still Need a Hand Finding That Perfect Lotion?
If you have sensitive skin on your hands or don't like strong aromas, the fragrance-free lotions we looked at here are great choices. But if you didn't find quite what you're looking for, check out our articles for some great hand lotions of all types.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Fragrance-Free Hand Lotions
No. 1: Neutrogena ｜Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
No. 2: Jack Black｜Industrial Strength Hand Healer
No. 3: CeraVe｜Therapeutic Hand Cream
No. 4: Aveeno｜Skin Relief Hand Cream Intense Moisture
No. 5: Burt's Bees｜Ultimate Care Hand Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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