The Best Fragrance-Free Products for Babies in 2023

Studies show that exposure to fragrance can be harmful and cause unwanted reactions such as rashes and skin irritation. And because babies and children have thinner and more fragile, sensitive skin than adults, it’s even more crucial to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and unnecessary fragrances and oils.

That’s why we decided to find the best fragrance-free products for babies in 2023.

As a current infant and toddler-mom, who is also highly sensitive to fragrance, I didn’t want to expose my little one to harsh chemicals and fragrances. And thus I tried all the products available on the market. From the “best for babies,” to “great for sensitive skin,” “hypoallergenic” and “unscented.” I’ve spent countless hours looking for the best fragrance-free products for babies, and hope that it can save you some time and effort.

Many manufacturers label their products as “great for sensitive skin” and “recommended by dermatologists.” However, that, unfortunately, doesn’t mean much because there is no federal standard or definition that governs the use of these terms in the US.

That means that a product labeled sensitive for babies and unscented may still be full of harsh and harmful fragrance chemicals!

With so many products falsely claiming to be fragrance-free, it can be overwhelming and downright frustrating to know which products are truly fragrance-free and safe to use for your little ones.

To guide and help you, we have created a quick review of our favorite best fragrance-free products for babies in 2023.

Best fragrance-free wash and shampoo for babies

Best price for Aquaphor Fragrance-Free Baby Wash and Shampoo – Mild, 2-in-1 Solution

There are many washes on the market that are targeted toward babies and their sensitive skin. Unfortunately, many of them still contain essence or oils that can upset babies’ sensitive skin or cause an allergic reaction, even if they might look like a truly fragrance-free body washes for babies.

The Aquaphor Fragrance-Free Baby Wash and Shampoo is formulated with chamomile essence and provitamin B5 to soothe and cleanse a baby’s skin and hair without irritating or drying the skin.

We have used this body wash with our little one since the newborn days. And we can attest that it is indeed very gentle and doesn’t carry a scent. Plus, it comes in a practical pump dispenser for convenient one-handed use (because the other one is probably preoccupied).

Best fragrance-free moisturizing cream for babies

Best price for Vanicream Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Cream

This moisturizing cream is a favorite among dermatologists because it is free of dyes, fragrances, lanolin, masking fragrance, formaldehyde, parabens, and common chemical irritants found in other skincare products.

We have used the Vanicream Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Cream for our little one. While it’s not developed (or marketed) for babies, we actually find that this thick cream is the best fragrance-free moisturizing cream for babies and their sensitive skin.

It does actually come in a “baby edition” with a higher price tag, but the content is the same as the cheaper “ordinary” cream. Read here to learn about the best fragrance-free body lotions (for everyone).

Best fragrance-free ointment for babies

Best price for Aquaphor Fragrance-Free Healing Ointment

We really like this versatile healing fragrance-free ointment from Aquaphor. This ointment is truly fragrance-free and paraben-free. It is excellent for preventing and curing diaper rashes as well as for dry skin on your baby. Note that it contains lanolin (also referred to as wool fat) and petrolatum, which are known allergens.

Bonus: The Aquaphor Fragrance-Free Healing Ointment is FSA-eligible.

Best fragrance-free laundry detergent for babies

Best price for All Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent with Stainlifters and OXI

Using a fragrance-free laundry detergent is important when washing your little one’s clothes. Babies and children have more sensitive skin than adults do, which means their skin more easily reacts to various chemicals present in detergents.

All, just like the competing brands, has a “for babies” detergent, but we think it’s just a marketing ploy because a “gentle for babies” laundry detergent is just as good at cleaning as the regular version. And more importantly, it’s only unscented, not fragrance-free, meaning it actually contains fragrance chemicals! In addition, All’s baby-friendly laundry detergent costs more per load. We think you get the picture.

So, if you want to avoid all scents and fragrances, stay away from baby detergents, as the majority of them aren’t truly fragrance-free. You don’t really need a special detergent for your baby.

Instead, opt for the All Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent with Stainlifters and OXI. It’s the best fragrance-free laundry detergent on the market. Baby or not.

Read our review of the best fragrance-free laundry detergents on the market in 2023 and see for yourself.

Best fragrance-free baby wipes for babies

Best price for Fragrance-Free WaterWipes, 9 packs (540 Count)

WaterWipes fragrance-free baby wipes are fantastic for your baby’s bottom. These fragrance-free baby wipes consist of the simplest ingredients: 99.9% water with just a drop of fruit extract. This means they are gentle on even the most sensitive skin. And the one drop of fruit extract has not caused any allergic or skin-sensitive reaction in our case.

We love that the wipes are strong and much wetter than other wipes, so the wipes are wet all the way through the package – and not just the bottom ones.

Best fragrance-free baby lotion – eczema

Best price for Eucerin Fragrance-Free Eczema Relief

Babies are predisposed to eczema which can cause their skin to become irritated and itchy. This Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream is great for eczema-prone skin. It’s fragrance-free but enriched with colloidal oatmeal (a skin protectant) and licorice root extract. Note that the lotion Eucerin contains mineral oil, which is a distillate of petroleum.

Bonus: The Eucerin Fragrance-Free Eczema Relief is FSA-eligible.