It's undeniable that fragrance has become an increasingly crucial feature in a face wash. But did you know that the fragrance in ingredient in your cleanser might trigger allergic reactions? The American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed that fragrance is one of the common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. So for those with sensitive skin, you might want to opt for a fragrance-free wash instead!
To get you started on your search, we've created a list of top 10 products that are well-loved by the beauty community. Among them, Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser truly impressed us with its nourishing blend of soy protein, cucumber extract, and rose water that can deeply hydrate your skin and remove all the stubborn impurities. There are more amazing products on our list, so keep scrolling to see what they have to offer.
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.
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Table of Contents
Choosing a fragrance-free face wash is a tough and time-consuming job. To save you some research, we've compiled a buying guide with various tips to help you look for a formula that works for your skin.
To make sure that a face wash is free from fragrance ingredients, your best bet is to look for those labeled as "fragrance-free". This label means that there're no masking scents or chemicals used to create a fragrance in the formulation. However, to be on the safe side, check the ingredient list for the words 'parfum' or 'fragrance'.
Also, keep in mind that a fragrance-free face wash can still contain scents that are derived from its ingredients. For instance, a product containing eucalyptus oil might have an earthy scent, and a cleanser that's formulated with rose oil will have a subtle, floral note.
So check reviews for this information as well to make sure the natural scent of your fragrance-free product works for you and that it doesn't contain any other potential irritants.
Another point - don't confuse unscented and fragrance-free face washes. Unscented products don't have any discernable smell, but may still contain fragrance chemicals to mask any unappealing odors. So to give yourself peace of mind and avoid sneaky fragrances, screen the ingredient list!
If you have sensitive skin or wear only light makeup, you might want to opt for a face wash with gentle cleansing ingredients like coconut oil and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). These can effectively melt away daily grime and makeup while maintaining your skin's moisture barrier.
On the other hand, for those of you who usually wear a full face of makeup or struggle with excess oil, you should consider a cleanser with more powerful exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic and glycolic acid.
Products with strong foaming attributes can deliver more cleansing power and help you wash away all the tenacious makeup as well. In fact, the foam helps surfactants penetrate deeper into impurities and drive them away.
These face washes are less likely to trigger skin irritation and are suitable even for sensitive skin. But, you should still do a patch test beforehand to make sure it's compatible with your skin.
Avoid coconut oil if you have acne-prone skin as this ingredient can trigger outbreaks. Glycolic acid washes are a wonderful option to treat acne in pregnancy since glycolic acid is safe. These washes can also help with melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Be cautious with glycolic and salicylic acid washes if you have a history of rosacea as these can trigger red and burning skin. Use sunscreen if using washes with these ingredients since they make you sun-sensitive.
When choosing a face wash, it's important to take into consideration your skin type and what it truly needs. This section will list out some ingredients that can make your skin feel healthy and vibrant all the time.
Some face washes might feel too abrasive on the skin and can actually draw out the moisture. So for those of you with dry skin especially, you might want to pick a formula that contains moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
These are substances that can be found naturally in the body and can boost your skin's moisture level. At the same time, they can reinforce your skin's protective barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Another great thing about these amazing ingredients are their lightweight texture that is easily absorbed by the skin and doesn't leave behind any greasy residue. They will leave your skin feeling refreshed!
Face washes with added humectants like hyaluronic acid are a great addition to the skincare routine if you have dry skin, or if you are using acne or anti-aging medications like retinols or retinoids that can dry you out. They can be used twice a day without any issues since they are usually hydrating.
If I recommend a medicated face wash to treat acne once a day, like one with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, I also like to recommend a moisturizing and hydrating product to be used for the second wash of the day.
For those of you with acne-prone and oily skin, pore-clogging ingredients such as coconut oil and almond oil can be a nightmare. While they are nutrient-dense and can deeply nourish your skin, they might clog your pores and cause acne. Emollients like petrolatum and mineral oil can make your skin feel extra greasy as well.
The list of ingredients that can block your pores is quite extensive and tough to remember. But there's an easy way out! You can opt for a product labeled as non-comedogenic, which means it doesn't contain any ingredients that might clog your pores.
You might also want to check out ingredients that regulate sebum production as well as the growth of acne-causing bacteria such as niacinamide, green tea, and aloe vera. And don't forget about the consistency! Instead of a thick lotion, a fast-absorbing, lightweight one that doesn't leave your skin feeling tacky is probably a better choice.
Use a wash with salicylic or glycolic acid if you have lots of whiteheads and blackheads. For more inflammatory lesions of acne, like cysts or painful pimples, using a wash with benzoyl peroxide can help.
Avoid using washes that are oil-based, as these can cause acne flares. Some of these ingredients can dry out the skin since they remove natural oils, so use a non-comedogenic moisturizer after you wash.
If you wish to brighten your skin's complexion and improve its elasticity, make sure your face wash is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacinamide. They can protect your skin from the damaging effects of environmental aggressors such as pollution and sun rays, and even accelerate the cell turnover rate.
Some other super-ingredients that can help slow down the aging process of your skin include green tea, aloe vera, and rosehip oil. They have a lot of antioxidants to help heal your skin's imperfections and rejuvenate its condition.
If you have sensitive skin, you know it's challenging to find a compatible face wash. To be on the safe side, you should always do a patch test before using the product on your whole face. You might want to screen the ingredient list to make sure that there's nothing that can irritate your skin.
Usually, face washes that have been tested by dermatologists and designed specifically for sensitive skin are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
While searching for fragrance-free products online, you'll see some that bear the National Eczema Association (NEA) seal of approval. This label acts as a guarantee that the products are suitable for eczema patients and those with highly sensitive skin.
If you're dealing with symptoms of skin irritation such as redness, inflammation, and itching, then soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber extract, and feverfew extract might be useful. They are effective in calming irritated skin and will make it feel much more refreshed and energized.
The consistency of face wash varies, but most of the time, you'll see those that are either cream- or foam-based. Each kind of consistency might have different effects on different skin types, so definitely take into consideration this factor while making a selection.
If you love the squeaky-clean feeling on your skin after washing your face, then you'll most likely love foaming face washes. The delightful, fluffy suds produced by a foaming face wash will help exfoliate your skin, slough away all the impurities, and remove thick, tenacious makeup effectively.
For those of you with normal, oily, and acne-prone skin, you'll find this type of face wash a must-have, as it cleanses your face thoroughly and reduces excess oil!
Meanwhile, those with dry skin might want to be cautious of foaming cleansers, since they're often formulated with sulfates, an effective foaming agent that can remove the skin's natural oil and even lead to dehydration. If that is you, go for products with gentle, non-drying foaming agents such as fruit sugars and coconut.
And since a foaming face wash tends to give your skin an extra-thorough cleanse, you might want to follow up with a moisturizer to supply your skin with the needed hydration and keep it silky soft.
Foams are excellent at removing makeup, dirt, and oil, and are lightweight and easy to rinse off. They are a great option to use if you need an extra wash during the day before or after working out since they are so effective at removing makeup, sweat, and oil.
For those with dry and/or sensitive skin, you might find a creamy face wash a great addition to your skincare regime. It contains less water and is often packed with skin-loving ingredients such as ceramides, vitamins, and more to nourish your skin.
And since it doesn't have a foaming action, it's gentle on your skin and won't strip it off moisture at all. Your skin will feel more clear without your face feeling tight.
If you are on an acne regimen or have eczema-prone skin, look for a cream-based hydrating face wash. These will help keep the skin barrier intact and prevent dry skin and irritation.
Fragrance-free cream washes are my preferred face washes for those with eczema. They can usually be used twice a day without causing extra dryness.
$38.00
Concerned about your dull-looking and uneven skin? This face wash can come to your rescue! The MVP of this product is soy protein, which is rich in amino acids that help improve skin tightness and elasticity, as well as aesthetics.
Rosewater and cucumber extract are two other key ingredients that help soothe the skin and balance your skin tone. However, a few users didn't really like the milky consistency of this product since it didn't foam up at all. Others noted that the product had a cucumber scent that was quite off-putting.
Regardless, this product was a go-to for many reviewers. They loved the pH-balanced, non-stripping formula that removed their impurities thoroughly while making their skin feel absolutely supple and luscious. Those with sensitive skin also found the formula gentle on their skin.
$14.99
This fragrance-free face wash has a gentle formula that helps melt away impurities, excess oil, and makeup. It packs a powerful punch of hydration for your face, too. The prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin work together seamlessly to soothe and hydrate your skin without leaving behind pore-clogging residue.
A few reviewers, particularly those with rosacea, experienced a burning sensation after applying the product. Take caution and do a patch test beforehand!
Still, for many users, this face wash was a must-have in their daily routine. They loved the creamy, non-foaming consistency that quickly dissolved makeup, sunscreen, and dirt. Many used this product as the second of their double cleanse and found it worked wonderfully.
$21.00
Frustrated with all the face washes that make your skin feel extra tight? You might find relief with this product! With a creamy, velvety texture, it will quickly sink into your skin to drive away all of the makeup and daily grime.
On top of that, the blend of aloe, allantoin, and glycerin keeps your skin healthy and improves its smoothness. However, a few users mentioned that the wash stung and caused their eyes to burn, so make sure you avoid getting it in your eyes!
On the other hand, there were many reasons why reviewers called this face wash an essential in their skincare regimen. It had a non-stripping formula that didn't trigger any irritation and left their skin soft to the touch. This wash helped many reviewers reduce breakouts as well!
$11.99
This rich, milky cleanser features foams on your skin yet effectively rinses away stubborn impurities. A highlight of this cleanser is the infusion of hyaluronic acid to boost your skin's moisture level and leave your face looking plump and dewy after each wash.
Some users mentioned that the wash was too gentle and didn't remove tough makeup. Others seemed to agree that it worked only for light makeup and for removing dirt and oil. You'd probably be better off using makeup remover or using this as the second step of your double cleanse.
But overall, many buyers were smitten with the creamy, rich consistency that lathered up wonderfully. After using the product, various people found their faces super soft and moisturized.
$6.24
Need a face wash that's gentle enough to calm your irritated skin? Look no further! This product is enriched with feverfew extract, which has been long revered for its powerful anti-inflammatory qualities that can get rid of redness, itching, and other skin irritations.
A few reviewers weren't really satisfied with the moisturizing properties of this product, commenting that it was a little drying on their skin. You might want to follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Nonetheless, many users were amazed by the cleansing ability of this face wash as it removed heavy makeup and impurities effortlessly. Those with highly sensitive and irritated skin further vouched for the gentle formula that didn't trigger any allergic reactions.
$12.40
This face wash is made with sensitive skin in mind. Pycnogenol and green tea are a fantastic source of antioxidants that can rejuvenate your skin's condition and reduce skin inflammation. It also features chamomile and lemongrass to soothe and calm itchy skin, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed. And the formula is 100% cruelty-free and vegan. All the more reason to love it!
A few users doubted the authenticity of the product sold on Amazon, and some others mentioned that they received items without a pump. That's why we've included a link to the brand's website for you!
This face wash was a holy grail product for many reviewers. It removed impurities and make-up without causing breakouts or allergic reactions. The formula was quite moisturizing and didn't tighten or dry out users' skin. Many people highly recommended this face wash for sensitive skin.
$13.99
Formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic, this face wash can reduce oil production and clear out impurities while leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Those ingredients are also effective in reinforcing your skin's barrier and shielding the skin from environmental aggressors.
A few users were disappointed to receive leaking bottles. Others further suspected that the item sold on Amazon was counterfeit, so we've attached the official link for you just to be safe.
However, this face wash was a favorite skincare product of many users, particularly those with oily and acne-prone skin. It removed daily grime and makeup effectively and gave their skin a clean, tight feeling. Plus, it didn't overdry or suck up all the natural moisture from the skin. The face wash helped reduce acne as well.
$6.99
Infused with soothing ingredients such as rice extract and aloe vera, this face wash can bring you a silky-soft skin without causing redness or irritation. Plus, this product is dermatologist-tested and approved by the National Eczema Association, so you know it's less likely to irritate your skin!
Some users found the consistency a bit too thick for their preference and further commented that it didn't foam very much. Nonetheless, the general consensus was that the formula worked wonders for sensitive skin.
On top of that, for various reviewers, this face wash did its job in wiping away heavy makeup. They noticed their skin got softer after using the wash, and no breakouts were caused!
$9.81
This face wash has a gentle yet powerful formula to slough away all the impurities. And for those with sensitive skin, don't worry! It's dermatologist-tested and contains no sulfates, oil, alcohol, and of course, fragrance. Your skin won't react, and you'll feel refreshed in the process. Plus, it harnesses the power of glycerin to moisturize and soften your skin.
A few reviewers with extremely dry skin mentioned that the wash was not moisturizing enough for them. Besides, some others mentioned they received products with a broken pump.
Nonetheless, for many reviewers, this product was truly a keeper. They approved of its gentleness and said it took off every single trace of makeup and daily grime. Various others commented that it foamed up nicely and didn't leave behind any annoying residue.
$9.01
This face wash offers a gentle cleansing formula that can preserve your skin's natural pH level. The mild surfactants and moisturizing ingredients, such as hydrogenated castor oil and glycerin, help keep the skin healthy and won't strip away any natural oils. Moreover, you can use this face wash for both your face and body!
Some users mentioned that this face wash didn't foam well. A few others noted that the product had a medicinal scent from the ingredients. But overall, most reviewers shared that this cleanser wiped away impurities nicely and was able to remove makeup as well.
Those who had irritated and sensitive skin found the product truly a game-changer that alleviated their skin conditions immensely. Reviewers further added their skin felt pretty moisturized after using the product.
Choosing a skincare product for sensitive skin is difficult. As well as the effectiveness of the ingredients, you'll have to consider whether a product is gentle enough for your skin. But don't fret if you feel lost! We have more product guides to help you quickly figure out which skincare products work for you. Give them a look!
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