10 Best Fragrance-Free Face Moisturizers in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Face moisturizer is essential to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. But the fragrances commonly found in moisturizers are often formulated from chemicals such as acetone and alcohol and might trigger allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin. So switching to a fragrance-free product might be a smart move for those with highly sensitive skin!
Also, fragrance-free moisturizers aren't boring as they sound. Many are crafted from effective and skin-loving ingredients, and actually contain light, natural scents derived from those ingredients. Have you ever heard of La Roche Posay's Double Repair Face Moisturizer? This product is one of our favorites, as it's made with prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3 to hydrate and soften skin. Want to know other options? Scroll down to our list of the top 10 best moisturizers with no fragrances!
Quick List - Top Fragrance-Free Face Moisturizers
Olay
Vitamins and Green Tea Extract to Brighten and Soften Skin
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.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- How to Choose Fragrance-Free Face Moisturizers
- Scan the Ingredient List to Make Sure There's No Fragrance1
- Look for Ingredients That Can Deeply Nourish Your Skin2
- Choose a Moisturizer That's Compatible With Your Skin Type3
- Pay Attention to the Consistency of the Moisturizer4
- A Moisturizer With SPF Can Shield Your Skin From Damaging Sun Rays5
- 10 Best Fragrance-Free Face Moisturizers Ranking
- No. 1La Roche-Posay | Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- No. 2Neutrogena | Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
- No. 3L'Oreal Paris | Age Perfect Moisturizer｜Fragrance-Free
- No. 4Olay | Total Effects 7 in One Moisturizer｜Fragrance Free
- No. 5CeraVe | AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- 5 more products
- Some More Fragrance-Free Skincare Products For You!
- Buying Guide Reviewed by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
How to Choose Fragrance-Free Face Moisturizers
It's not easy to determine which fragrance-free face moisturizer will work great for your skin. You'll have to think about the effectiveness of the formula's key ingredients and also check the product's consistency to see if it feels comfortable for you.
Continue reading our buying guide to learn some more tips that will help you pick out the best fit!
Scan the Ingredient List to Make Sure There's No Fragrance
The first step when choosing a fragrance-free face moisturizer is to seek products labeled fragrance-free. However, to make sure that your product is 100% free from fragrance ingredients, you should double-check by scanning the ingredient list for "fragrance" or "parfum".
Also, don't think that fragrance-free products are completely devoid of a scent. In fact, they can still carry an aroma that comes naturally from ingredients such as nut butters and essential oils.
For example, a face moisturizer that's formulated with rosehip oil or lavender oil often has a floral fragrance, while a product infused with basil extract might smell a bit pungent. So you might want to check what reviewers got to say about the natural scent of a moisturizer to make sure it's pleasant for you.
In addition, many people assume that "unscented" and "fragrance-free" are the same thing. But actually, they are two different concepts. Although unscented moisturizer doesn't have any perceptible smell, it might still contain fragrance chemicals to neutralize noxious odors of the product.
Meanwhile, fragrance-free products are completely free from chemicals that aim to impart a scent.
Look for Ingredients That Can Deeply Nourish Your Skin
The main purpose of a moisturizer is to prevent moisture loss and boost your skin's water content. So it's important to know which ingredients are truly effective and not just put in for show. In this buying guide, we'll list out some fantastic moisturizing ingredients!
Humectants Can Give Your Skin a Moisture Boost
You may have heard that humectants are the savior for thirsty skin, but what's the deal with them? Well, humectants work like a magnet and pull moisture from the lower layers of your skin as well as from the air. That moisture is then delivered to the skin's surface to help your skin stay hydrated.
However, keep in mind that not all humectants work in the same manner. For example, alpha-hydroxy acid, a common humectant derived from plant sources, sloughs off dead skin cells to help moisture penetrate better into your skin.
Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, a sugar molecule generated by the body, retains moisture and increases your skin's water content directly.
Another wonderful humectant that you might want to keep in mind is glycerin. Similar to hyaluronic acid, it draws moisture from the environment to your skin's top layer to keep dryness at bay. Also, don't miss out on aloe vera! This natural ingredient is packed with anti-inflammatory properties and can enhance your skin's water level.
Usually, humectants are lightweight and will leave your skin feeling refreshed without all the greasiness. They can reinforce the skin's natural moisture barrier and accelerate the cell turnover rate as well!
Overusing humectants can ironically dry out skin if overused. This is because it draws water from the deeper layer of the skin to the upper layer of the skin. You should use a moisturizer that has both humectants and emollients to get the best amount of moisture and skin barrier protection.
Emollients are the Secret to Soft and Silky-Smooth Skin
If you're struggling with rough skin, emollients can come to your rescue! They help soften your skin significantly by slowing down the evaporation of moisture from your skin. And in case you don't know, many wonderful emollients come from oils and nut butters such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and macadamia oil.
All of them are jam-packed with fatty acids and vitamins to drive away dryness and smoothe your skin.
However, those with oily and acne-prone skin might want to be a bit cautious with emollients. Emollients are quite rich and might take a while to absorb completely into your skin. Therefore, they can block pores and trigger breakouts.
Nonetheless, emollients are a must-have for flaky, irritated and itchy skin. They contain great healing properties to calm the skin and soothe irritation. On top of that, they can restore the skin's moisture barrier and minimize moisture loss.
If you have atopic dermatitis (eczema) or rosacea, a moisturizer with emollients is what you need to repair the skin barrier. Sometimes with these conditions, certain moisturizers can burn the skin, but using one with emollient properties can actually be quite soothing. They are great to use during the drier winter months as well.
Natural Occlusives Can Prevent Moisture Loss
Not many people know about occlusives, but they're wonderful ingredients that can keep your skin moisturized for a long time. Occlusives are usually oily substances that create a barrier on top of your skin's layer to minimize water loss.
However, synthetic occlusives like mineral oil and petrolatum can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. So if you have irritated skin, go for natural occlusives such as olive oil and jojoba oil instead!
Be careful with occlusive moisturizers if you have oily skin or acne. These ingredients make the moisturizer thicker and can clog pores. Even if you have acne, you may need an occlusive moisturizer if you are undergoing acne treatment with drying medications, like a topical or oral retinoid.
Choose a Moisturizer That's Compatible With Your Skin Type
There is no "one-size-fits-all" moisturizer for all skin type. So to make sure that a product works well for your skin, you should take into consideration its needs!
Irritated and Damage Skin Needs Soothing Ingredients
Excessive dryness can lead to peeling, cracking, and other severe skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis. So if you find your skin to be rough, cracked, red, or inflamed, look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile extract (with the recommendation of your dermatologist or doctor).
With strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, those skin-loving ingredients can minimize the risk of infection and lessen your pain. Importantly, they can facilitate the natural healing process of your skin.
Antioxidants Can Rejuvenate Dull-Looking Skin
Dryness can accelerate the build-up of dead skin cells and cause your skin to lose its natural luster. So for those with dull-looking complexion, make sure that your skin is hydrated all the time!
You might want to consider moisturizers with gentle exfoliants such as beta-lipohydroxy acid to clear away all of the skin debris for a brighter complexion.
You'll also need antioxidant-rich ingredients such as green tea, colloidal oatmeal, or rosehip oil. They can increase the rate of collagen synthesis to improve your skin's elasticity and texture.
Many products are also directly infused with antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, vitamins C, E, and niacinamide to rejuvenate the condition of your skin.
Those antioxidants are not only great in neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals, but they can also support the healing process of your skin to ameliorate its overall health and brighten up your complexion.
Acne-Prone and Oily-Skin Should Avoid Pore-Clogging Ingredients
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, avoid pore-clogging ingredients such as almond oil and coconut oil at all cost! Despite being quite nourishing to the skin, those ingredients are too rich for your skin to handle and can block your pores and trigger breakouts. Eventually, your face might look like it's sweating all the time.
To be on the safe side, you should look for products labeled non-comedogenic or oil-free. They are formulated without pore-clogging ingredients and less likely to cause unwanted acne.
Antioxidants such as niacinamide and zinc can help you tremendously as well! They are super effective in regulating sebum production and reducing the excess oil on your face. Antioxidants can also blur away acne scars to leave your face feeling smooth and vibrant.
For Sensitive Skin, Look for Dermatologist-Tested Products
Choosing a fragrance-free moisturizer is already a safer choice for those with sensitive skin since the fragrance ingredients are often formulated with a myriad of chemicals such as acetone, benzyl alcohol, and camphor that might trigger allergic reactions.
However, you might want to go the extra mile and opt for dermatologist-tested or allergy-tested products to make sure that the moisturizer truly works for your sensitive skin. Products with those labels are usually studied and proven to be suitable for sensitive skin.
And if you think that's still not enough, choose a moisturizer that bears the seal of certifying organizations such as the National Eczema Association (NEA).
To get recognition from the NEA, the product has to meet all the stringent criteria established by the organization and is formulated in a way that doesn't exacerbate the condition of eczema patients or those with highly sensitive skin.
Pay Attention to the Consistency of the Moisturizer
Consistency is another crucial factor that you should take into consideration while choosing a moisturizer. You'll notice that the texture of a moisturizer can vary from very greasy, to creamy, to lightweight. And depending on your skin type, you can easily pick a product with the right consistency!
For extremely dry, rough skin, a rich moisturizer is the way to go since it is often infused with various nutrient-dense ingredients that can pamper your skin with moisture. A thick moisturizer is a great night treatment as well, since it can supply your skin with the needed nutrients and improve its overall health over time.
On the other hand, those with oily or acne-prone skin might appreciate a lightweight moisturizer much more. A light consistency allows the moisturizer to penetrate quickly into the skin without leaving it with a greasy residue.
Therefore, it is less likely to clog pores or lead to breakouts, the perpetual issue of acne-prone and oily skin. Also, a lightweight moisturizer is ideal to wear during the day, since it doesn't take much time to sink in.
You may need to change up your moisturizer depending on the weather or condition of your skin when you add new products to your routine. In drier and cold weather, a thicker cream will provide more moisture. In hot and humid weather, a gel-based or lotion moisturizer is usually preferred since it is lightweight.
Some serums, antiaging products, or acne treatments may be drying, so a cream-based moisturizer may be more beneficial in these situations.
A Moisturizer With SPF Can Shield Your Skin From Damaging Sun Rays
No matter what your skin type is, excessive exposure to UV rays can still wreak havoc on your skin and lead to skin blemishes such as discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines. But do you know that sunscreen isn't the only way to protect your face from the sun's damaging rays?
Many moisturizers are now formulated with SPF to help you protect your skin from sunburn while keeping your skin hydrated. So if you can't seem to remember to apply sunscreen, just go for a moisturizer with SPF! Quick and convenient, isn't it?
But when choosing a moisturizer with SPF, you should choose a broad-spectrum product since it can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Pay attention to the SPF rating as well! Usually, the higher the number, the more protection against UVB rays you get. Dermatologists also recommend using a product with at least SPF 15 for better protection.
Moisturizers with SPF are bonus SPF. In order to get maximum sun protection, sunscreen should be applied under your moisturizer. You would need to apply much more moisturizer than intended to get the benefit of the SPF in the moisturizer.
Look for a moisturizer that has broad-spectrum coverage to give you the best protection from UV rays, which can cause skin cancer and skin aging.
10 Best Fragrance-Free Face Moisturizers Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer | | Gentle Formula for Deep Moisturizing | |
2 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream | | Hyaluronic Acid to Instantly Boost Your Skin's Moisture Level | |
3 | L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Moisturizer｜Fragrance-Free | | Tinted Moisturizer That Gently Exfoliates | |
4 | Olay Total Effects 7 in One Moisturizer｜Fragrance Free | | Vitamins and Green Tea Extract to Brighten and Soften Skin | |
5 | CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 | | Hydration and SPF 30 Protection for Daily Use | |
6 | Baxter of California Oil-Free Moisturizer | | Green Tea Extract to Soothe Inflammation and Reduce Blemishes | |
7 | Every Man Jack Face Lotion and Post-Shave｜Fragrance Free | | Cruelty-Free Formula With Aloe Vera for Intense Hydration | |
8 | Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion SPF 15 Sunscreen | | Coenzyme Q10 for Anti-Aging Effects | |
9 | Burt's Bees Daily Moisturizing Cream｜Sensitive | | Clinically-Tested Moisturizer With Cotton Extract to Soothe the Skin | |
10 | Jack Black Clean Break Oil-Free Moisturizer | | White Tea Extract, Sea Kelp, and Basil to Revitalize the Skin |
Gentle Formula for Deep Moisturizing
This fragrance-free face moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is chock-full of powerhouse hydrators such as ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin to keep your face silky-smooth throughout the day.
This moisturizer also gets extra brownie points for prebiotic thermal water which can drive away dry, rough patches and restore the skin microbiome. On top of that, the product is non-comedogenic and won't clog your pores at all!
A few reviewers weren't really into this product since it pilled up. Still, for various reviewers, this face moisturizer was heaven in a bottle! They were smitten with the lightweight, fast-absorbing consistency that didn't leave behind any greasy residue.
After using the product, many people noticed a major improvement in their skin condition. Their skin's complexion looked more vibrant, and skin issues like redness and burning seemed to disappear as well. Reviewers with sensitive skin also found the moisturizer gentle on their skin.
Hyaluronic Acid to Instantly Boost Your Skin's Moisture Level
One of the secret ingredients to this face moisturizer is hyaluronic acid, an ultra-hydrating ingredient that can boost your skin's moisture level. It also touts a combination of glycerin and dimethicone which can reinforce the skin's protective barrier and seal in moisture.
Another reason to get excited about this product is the oil-free formula that is less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts.
On the other hand, according to many reviewers, this product worked wonderfully for all skin types, from dry, to oily, to sensitive skin. The fragrance-free formula was a huge plus for those with allergies and fragrance sensitivity. People were also impressed with the fast-absorbing formula that soaked into the skin almost instantly.
Tinted Moisturizer That Gently Exfoliates
Enriched with imperial peony extract and beta-lipohydroxy acid (LHA), this product is the ultimate weapon to rejuvenate your skin. While LHA can gently melt away your dead skin cells, imperial peony extract is packed with antioxidants to restore your skin's radiance.
Not to mention this product is allergy-tested and doesn't contain potential irritants such as mineral oil, paraben, and fragrance, so even those with sensitive skin can reap the benefits of this product!
Some reviewers noticed that the product contained a sweet floral fragrance derived from the ingredients. Plus, a few others weren't keen on the thick consistency and further added that the product caused them breakouts.
Nonetheless, for those with aging and dull-looking skin, this face moisturizer was truly a holy-grail product. It improved their skin's texture significantly and gave it a gorgeous, rosy luster. Since this product is slightly pink-tinted, many reviewers even wore it instead of makeup.
OlayTotal Effects 7 in One Moisturizer ｜ Fragrance Free
Vitamins and Green Tea Extract to Brighten and Soften Skin
This fragrance-free face moisturizer packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and vitamins to help brighten and soften your skin. Specifically, it features a blend of vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E to shield the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals and leave it looking dewy and soft to the touch.
The infusion of antioxidant-rich green tea extract helps fade away skin blemishes like wrinkles and fine lines as well as slow down the aging process of your skin. A few reviewers commented that the product made their skin feel a bit tacky at first but added that the greasiness quickly went away.
Meanwhile, this face moisturizer was an essential item in many reviewers' skincare regimes. It deeply conditioned their skin without causing any unwanted allergic reactions or breakouts. Others further mentioned that the product helped minimize their pores and firm their skin.
CeraVeAM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Hydration and SPF 30 Protection for Daily Use
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a daily moisturizer designed to provide essential hydration while offering broad-spectrum sun protection. Enriched with SPF 30, this lightweight lotion shields the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sunburn and premature aging. Its formulation includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which work together to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, ensuring long-lasting hydration and resilience. The non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, and it layers seamlessly under makeup. Free from fragrances and non-comedogenic, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is an excellent choice for daily use, promoting healthy, protected skin with a smooth, comfortable finish.
Baxter of CaliforniaOil-Free Moisturizer
Green Tea Extract to Soothe Inflammation and Reduce Blemishes
This face moisturizer gets its power from a blend of chamomile extract and aloe vera. Both ingredients have been long revered for anti-inflammatory properties that can calm skin irritation.
Another highlight of this product is green tea extract, a superhero for the skin. It's bursting with antioxidants to repair your damaged skin and make blemishes like dark spots and fine lines less visible. Green tea extract is also effective in neutralizing the effects of free radicals.
Some people didn't like how the moisturizer made their skin look shiny. Still, many others found this product a great addition to their skincare routine as it truly kept dryness at bay.
Another bonus point was the light, non-sticky consistency that went on smoothly and was easy to spread. People further added that they only needed a little bit for the whole face.
Every Man JackFace Lotion and Post-Shave ｜ Fragrance Free
Cruelty-Free Formula With Aloe Vera for Intense Hydration
This face moisturizer is specially designed for guys and can be used after shaving to heal razor burn. It features various nourishing ingredients, including aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E. All of them can keep your skin moisturized all day long and protect it from environmental aggressors like pollution and harsh weather.
What's more, Every Man Jack is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand, so you know this product is not tested on animals at all. Plus, the bottle is made with 50% recycled plastic - all the more reason to fall in love with this product!
This face moisturizer earned the love and trust of many reviewers. According to them, this product was a must-have after shaving since it soothed and kept their skin moisturized for a long time.
However, some people noted that the product burned a little, so you might want to check the ingredient list to see if there's anything that might irritate you. Nonetheless, many reviewers still highly recommended this product as it didn't weigh down their skin. Others further commented that a little went a long way.
EucerinQ10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Lotion SPF 15 Sunscreen
Coenzyme Q10 for Anti-Aging Effects
What sets this product apart from others is its secret ingredient: coenzyme Q10. It helps accelerate the natural repairing process of your skin, stimulates collagen production, and enhances your skin's elasticity and texture. So for those who are worried about wrinkles or fine lines, this product can be your savior!
With this product, you'll get the benefits of a sunscreen as well! In fact, it's formulated with SPF 15 to help shield your skin against the harsh sun rays.
A few users weren't really keen on the consistency of the product, saying it left their skin feeling tacky and shiny. Some also noticed that Eucerin changed the formula and the new one caused a tingling sensation.
Nevertheless, for many people, the anti-aging effects of this product were top-notch; it softened their skin and diminished blemishes. The texture of their skin also became much more silky-smooth. Since the product also acted as a chemical sunscreen, many reviewers used it under makeup or by itself before going out.
Burt's BeesDaily Moisturizing Cream ｜ Sensitive
Clinically-Tested Moisturizer With Cotton Extract to Soothe the Skin
This face moisturizer is full of soothing ingredients such as rice extract and aloe vera which can quench your thirsty skin with a moisture boost while not causing irritation. Meanwhile, cotton extract provides comfort for the skin and reduces inflammation.
This moisturizer is tested and recognized by the National Eczema Association as generally safe for those with eczema and highly sensitive skin.
Some users were unhappy, saying the formula had been changed and now the lotion was too thin and watery. Regardless, various reviewers were absolutely infatuated with this face moisturizer.
They commented that this moisturizer soothed their dry, irritated skin with moisture and left their skin feeling luxuriously soft and dewy. Those who were struggling with skin issues such as breakouts, eczema, and rosacea found this product soothing and non-irritating as well.
White Tea Extract, Sea Kelp, and Basil to Revitalize the Skin
This oil-free face moisturizer offers a gentle formula that can brighten up your skin and improve its texture. Jam-packed with antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, white tea extract revitalizes your skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
Sea kelp extract plumps up your skin by drawing moisture into your skin. Meanwhile, basil extract helps improve your skin's protective barrier and gently melt away dirt and impurities that might block your pores.
A few reviewers mentioned that the moisturizer had a lightweight formula that worked well for acne-prone and oily skin, but was not moisturizing enough for those with extremely dry skin.
On the other hand, those who had sensitive skin called the product a game-changer that helped their skin conditions significantly. No irritation and no breakouts were detected at all! They further added that it went on the skin nicely and worked fantastically under other skincare products and makeup.
Some More Fragrance-Free Skincare Products For You!
On the hunt for some fragrance-free skincare products? We've got you covered! Check out our articles for some suggestions you definitely don't want to miss.
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 Face Moisturizers
No. 1: La Roche-Posay ｜Double Repair Face Moisturizer
No. 2: Neutrogena｜Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
No. 3: L'Oreal Paris ｜Age Perfect Moisturizer｜Fragrance-Free
No. 4: Olay｜Total Effects 7 in One Moisturizer｜Fragrance Free
No. 5: CeraVe｜AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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