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Welcome to our comprehensive review of the best fragrance-free face sunscreens available on the market in 2023. As skincare routines become more intricate, sun protection remains a crucial factor for everyone. However, finding a suitable sunscreen can be a daunting task for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
Thankfully, fragrance-free sunscreen options are available, offering effective sun protection without the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. In this review of the best fragrance-free face sunscreens, we will examine fragrance-free face sunscreens, scrutinizing their ingredients, texture, application, and, most importantly, their ability to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Whether you favor a minimalist skincare routine or simply want a sunscreen that allows your skin to breathe, join us as we delve into these products that promise to keep your skin healthy and glowing, minus the fragrance.
It’s crucial to keep your skin healthy by applying sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 on a daily basis, regardless of whether it’s a cloudy winter day or not. This is because the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds, and prolonged skin exposure to these rays can lead to premature aging, sun spots, and even skin cancer. Even if you stay indoors throughout the day, the sun’s harmful rays can still impact your skin!
Thankfully, safeguarding your skin is simple. We suggest using fragrance-free sunscreen every day, and we’ve tested numerous fragrance-free alternatives to help you pick the best one. Don’t hesitate to take care of your skin – it’ll be worth it in the long run.
In search of a fragrance-free sunscreen for your whole body? Read our recommendations for the 9 best fragrance-free sunscreens in 2023. Otherwise, continue reading our guide to the best fragrance-free sunscreens for the face in 2023!
Table of Contents
Why use a fragrance-free face sunscreen?
These protective products guard against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, decreasing the chances of sunburn, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer. As people become more aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin, the use of sunscreens has become widespread. However, many people overlook the presence of fragrances in sunscreens when selecting a product.
When choosing a sunscreen for your face, opt for a product specifically formulated for facial use. These sunscreens are often lighter in texture, less likely to clog pores, and may include additional skincare benefits. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and consider your skin type and any specific concerns you may have (e.g., sensitivity, dry skin, oily skin, or acne-prone skin) when selecting a product.
Is it necessary to use a specific sunscreen for the face?
When searching for fragrance-free sunscreen for your face, it is best to choose a product specifically formulated for facial use. These sunscreens tend to have a lighter texture, are less likely to clog pores, and may even have additional skincare benefits such as hydration, making them a better option for the face. Make sure to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and consider your skin type and any specific concerns, such as sensitivity, dryness, oiliness, or acne-prone skin, when making your selection.
Dermatologists recommend that you wear a cream with SPF or sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
What does SPF stand for? And which SPF should I wear?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure used to determine how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays that cause sunburn. It compares how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned compared to not using any sunscreen. Sunscreens with higher SPF numbers offer more protection, but the additional benefits diminish as the SPF number increases. It’s important to note that no sunscreen can completely block ultraviolet radiation (UV).
SPF protection:
- SPF 15 protects against 93 percent of UV rays
- SPF 30 protects against 97 percent of UV rays
- SPF 50 protects against 98 percent of UV rays
To ensure adequate protection from the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreens with at least 30 SPF. Opting for a broad-spectrum sunscreen is also advised, protecting the skin from radiation and the aging effects of UVA rays. Always apply sunscreen generously and frequently, particularly if you sweat or swim.
Should I wear sunscreen every day?
Yes! Sunscreen should be part of everyone’s daily skincare routine. It is a common misconception that we only need sunscreen on warm and sunny days. Contrary to popular belief, harmful UVA rays radiate all year round and can penetrate clouds even on an overcast winter day. That’s why dermatologists recommend you use a cream or sunscreen daily with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful, damage-causing UVA and UVB rays that can result in long-lasting sun damage like sun spots, premature aging of the skin, and skin cancer.
Remember: when selecting a sunscreen, consider your skin type, concerns, and preferences. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. It’s also wise to patch-test new products on a small skin patch to avoid any potential reactions.
With all the facts out of the way, let’s move on to the 6 best fragrance-free face sunscreens in 2023.
The best fragrance-free face sunscreens in 2023
Without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best fragrance-free face sunscreens in 2023, as tested by us at WithoutFragrance.com. Before you try any fragrance-free face sunscreen, or any product for that matter, always ensure that you perform a safe product test before applying.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Fragrance-Free Face Sunscreen
Neutrogena’s fragrance-free invisible daily defense lotion provides broad spectrum SPF 60+ UVA/UVB protection. It has a smooth and silky texture that absorbs seamlessly, moisturizing and quick-drying. It doesn’t leave behind a white cast. The sunscreen lotion from Neutrogena is excellent if you want a great, hydrating sunscreen before applying makeup.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 60+ | Active ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (13.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%) | Water-resistant: up to 80 minutes
Vanicream Fragrance-Free Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Vanicream’s Fragrance-Free Broad Spectrum SPF 50+Mineral Sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and contains zinc oxide to reflect harmful UV rays. Just like all Vanicream products, this sunscreen is free of fragrance, masking fragrance, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, which is why Vanicream is one of the top dermatologist-recommended brands for those with the most sensitive skin. Vanicream’s mineral sunscreen is also non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about the sunscreen clogging your pores, and it works well as a moisturizer under makeup.
Although it’s a bit thicker than Neutrogena’s, it still absorbs well and has a matte finish. If you have especially dry and sensitive skin, Vanicream’s Fragrance-Free Sunscreen is a great option.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 50+ | Active ingredients: zinc oxide 12% | Water-resistant: up to 80 minutes
Alba Botanica Fragrance-Free Facial Sunscreen
Next on our list of the best fragrance-free sunscreens for the face, we recommend the facial sheer shield sunscreen by Alba Botanica. It feels silky to the touch, applies smoothly, and provides hydration and sun protection. The formula is unscented, fast-drying, and leaves no residue. While the sunscreen is only unscented and not completely fragrance-free as it contains flower extracts that may cause reactions in some people, it has no discernible scent and is still included on our list of the best fragrance-free facial sunscreens (but always perform a safe check before using).
It is recognized by the Leaping Bunny Program (an internationally recognized symbol for cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care, and household products).
Type: Chemical | SPF: 50+ | Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Salicylate 5.0% | Water-resistant: up to 80 minutes
Alba Botanica Sunscreen for Face, Fragrance-Free Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 30,
Another option from Alba Botanica is this sheer mineral face sunscreen. Like the previous sunscreen, this is also only unscented, which means it contains botanical extracts and that it’s not completely fragrance-free, as, for example, the sunscreen from Vanicream. That said, we’ve included it on our list of the best fragrance-free sunscreens for the face because it’s one of the best sunscreens we’ve tested despite having very sensitive skin (but remember to perform a safe test before using the product).
This is one of our preferred facial sunscreens due to its quick absorption, non-drying formula, and ability to leave the skin moisturized and with a radiant glow. Additionally, we really like that it is Leaping Bunny certified.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30+ | Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 24.1% | Water-resistant: up to 80 minutes
Bondi Sands Fragrance-Free Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
This fragrance-free sunscreen from Bondi Sands provides broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA & UVB protection. It is formulated with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to protect and hydrate the skin. It is also free of fragrances, sulfate, and parabens. And it’s reef-safe as it is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate and thus perfect for the beach.
We really like how this sunscreen absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave your face feeling greasy. We also like that the sunscreen is easy to make it easier to apply and blend in. It doesn’t leave any white streaks and works very well under makeup.
Looking for a body sunscreen? Try Bondi Sands Fragrance-Free Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 50+ | Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%, Octyl Salicylate 5.0% | Water-resistant: up to 80 minutes
CeraVe Fragrance-Free Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
CeraVe is a popular drugstore brand that is well-known for its gentle and effective skincare products. This sunscreen is a bestseller on Amazon. It combines sunscreen and moisturizer, making it a popular choice for daily use. As with all CeraVe products, this facial moisturizing lotion is formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
What’s great about this sunscreen lotion is that it’s easy to apply and quickly absorbed, making it a good and straightforward everyday lotion with SPF.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 50+ | Active ingredients: Homosalate (10%), Meradimate (5%), Octinoxate (5%), Octocrylene (2%), Zinc Oxide (6.3%) | Water-resistant: up to 80 minutes
Summary of the best fragrance-free face sunscreens
We’ve tested numerous fragrance-free facial sunscreens and have found the best face sunscreens of 2023 that do not contain perfume or fragrances. We listed our favorite 6 best fragrance-free face sunscreens, which we recommend you try. Fragrance-free facial sunscreens are just as good as perfumed face sunscreen, so there is no reason not to pick a fragrance-free face sunscreen in 2023. We also recommend using a facial sunscreen when possible due to the additional benefits of face sunscreen over body fragrance-free sunscreen. But, as always, perform a safe test before applying.
More fragrance-free reviews at withoutfragrance.com
If you’re looking for whole-body fragrance-free sunscreens or fragrance-free sunscreens for kids, check out our below reviews.
We review all types of fragrance-free products at withoutfragrance.com. See other popular fragrance-free product reviews, such as:
- The best fragrance-free shampoos
- The best fragrance-free conditioners
- The best fragrance-free skincare products
- The best fragrance-free laundry detergents
You can also dive into our list of the best fragrance-free products overall or the best fragrance-free skincare brands.
