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If you have sensitive skin or struggle with eczema, then it’s crucial to find a great facial cleanser that isn’t filled with harsh chemicals and ingredients that’ll irritate or upset your skin. As we’ve explained, the truth is that many facial cleansers contain fragrances, botanical oils, and natural extracts that can upset sensitive skin and lead to rashes, allergies, and headaches.
Even products labeled “dermatologist-recommended” or “good for sensitive skin” may contain fragrances and other masking ingredients that are harsh on people with sensitive skin. That’s because these terms aren’t regulated. Brands and manufacturers in the US are allowed to label their products “hypoallergenic,” “fragrance-free” and “good for sensitive skin” even without providing evidence of their claims to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
That’s why it’s so critical to conduct thorough research and carefully read ingredient labels. Fortunately, we know how to spot clever marketing and creative labeling sporting overeager promises.
We have read a ton of product descriptions, labels, and testimonials to find the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin. So if you’re sensitive to fragrance or just want to avoid fragrance in your products, then keep on reading.
Guide to the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin in 2023
CeraVe Fragrance-Free Hydrating Facial Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid
CeraVe’s liquid fragrance-free facial cleanser has a creamy lotion-like texture that cleanses and refreshes the skin without leaving the skin dry or irritated. It’s also non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and contains ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II, and hyaluronic acid that helps restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture.
In addition, it has been awarded the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association so you can be sure that it’s suitable for sensitive skin. That’s why we list the CeraVe Fragrance-Free Hydrating Facial Cleanser With Hyaluronic Acid as one of the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin in 2023.
- Fragrance-free, soap-free, paraben-free, and non-drying.
- Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
- The gentle non-foaming cream formula that’s suitable for sensitive skin and eczema.
- Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
CeraVe also has an excellent fragrance-free foaming facial cleanser for normal to oily skin.
Clinique Fragrance-Free Liquid Facial Soap
This liquid fragrance-free facial cleanser from Clinique is part of the legendary Clinique Three-Step System (a simple cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing process, which famously takes just 3 minutes.)
We’ve been fans of the skincare system for nearly a few decades and can highly recommend Clinique’s skincare products. The liquid facial soap cleanses thoroughly yet gently without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry. It’s great for even the most sensitive skin types, and it also comes in mild, and oily skin formulas. Clinique Fragrance-Free Liquid Facial Soap safely makes it onto our list of the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin in 2023.
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalates-free.
- Gentle, effective, and non-drying liquid cleanser.
- Available for five different skin types.
- Perfect for sensitive skin.
Vanicream Fragrance-Free Gentle Cleanser
Vanicream is one of the best fragrance-free skincare brands because its products are so pure and contain so few ingredients. Vanicream’s gentle facial cleanser is free of fragrance, botanical extracts, essential oils, or other ingredients that are known to upset sensitive skin.
Get this cleanser if you have very sensitive skin. The gentle, fragrance-free facial cleanser from Vanicream has also been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you can be sure that it’s suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
The price is unbeatable, and the Vanicream Fragrance-Free Gentle Cleanser is so great that it undoubtedly belongs on the list of the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin in 2023.
- Fragrance-free, soap-free, dye-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, and lanolin-free as well as free of botanical extracts, and masking fragrances.
- A gentle formula that’s suitable for dry, sensitive skin and those struggling with eczema, winter itch, psoriasis, and ichthyosis.
- Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
La Roche-Posay Fragrance-Free Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
This ultra-gentle hydrating cleanser from the French brand La Roche-Posay is formulated without fragrance and contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and ceramide-3. The lightweight cleanser has a creamy texture that doesn’t work up a lather and gently removes makeup and cleanses impurities without leaving the skin dry or upset.
You can’t go wrong with this premium brand sold at drugstore prices and that’s why La Roche-Posay Fragrance-Free Hydrating Gentle Cleanser joins the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin in 2023.
- Fragrance-free, oil-free, soap-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free as well as sulfate-free.
- A gentle cream formula that’s suitable for normal to dry skin and sensitive skin.
- Hydrating and non-irritating cleanser.
Eucerin-Fragrance-Free-Hydrating-Cleansing Gel
This hydrating moisture-rich cleanser is formulated with hyaluronic acid to seal moisture into the skin. It’s great for removing makeup and impurities and leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Plus it’s gentle enough for daily use on even dry or sensitive skin.
Eucerin is another favorite brand of ours and their Fragrance-Free-Hydrating-Cleansing Gel safely makes it onto our list of best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin.
- Fragrance-free, soap-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores.
- A gentle formula that’s suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
- Hydrating and non-irritating cleanser.
Paula’s Choice Fragrance-Free Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Paula’s Choice’s Fragrance-Free Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is one of their best-selling products and it’s for a good reason. The fragrance-free cleanser is created to gently remove excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils (contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides.)
While it’s named a foaming cleanser it actually only produces a soft lather but despite this, it still effectively cleanses the skin while being gentle to your skin. Paula’s Choice Fragrance-Free Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser is our premium pick as the best fragrance-free facial cleanser for sensitive skin in 2023.
- Fragrance-free cream-to-foam formula.
- Contains hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
- Specifically formulated to reduce pores and excess oil.
- Excellent for daily use on oily skin.
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified.
Avène Fragrance-Free Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Avène’s fragrance-free cleansing lotion contains just 7 ingredients and is formulated specifically for sensitive and overreactive skin. It contains thermal spring water and gently removes makeup, dirt, and pollution. It’s quick and easy to use as no rinsing is required. Just use a dry cotton pad to wipe the makeup off.
The Avène Fragrance-Free Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser is our luxury pick of the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin.
- Free of fragrance, soap, dye, preservatives, and parabens.
- Mild and gentle cleansing lotion.
- A no-rinse formula that just wipes off.
- Vegan.
CeraVe Fragrance-Free Renewing SA Cleanser Salicylic Acid Face Wash
CeraVe’s makes it onto our list of best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin again with another of their fragrance-free cleansers.
This liquid fragrance-free facial cleanser with hyaluronic acid is designed to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin (but without the use of microbeads that can be harsh on the skin.) The cleanser is especially great for those who struggle with oily skin and acne flare-ups. And more importantly, it cleanses well without leaving the skin dry or irritated.
We love the CeraVe Fragrance-Free Renewing SA Cleanser and it easily belongs on our list of the best fragrance-free facial cleansers for sensitive skin in 2023. And we’re not alone. Read how 27.000 other people have left glowing reviews on Amazon.
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores.)
- Formulated with essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II.)
- Contains salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin d.
- Gently cleanses and exfoliates the skin without harsh microbeads.
