Guide to the 5 Best Fragrance-Free Body Washes for Sensitive Skin (2023 Review)
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If you’re allergic or intolerant to fragrance or your skin or nose easily gets irritated, then a fragrance-free body wash is a must. And if you want to avoid developing perfume allergies in the future, you should stop using perfumed products today!
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find truly fragrance-free products on the market, not least finding the best fragrance-free body wash. Even the drugstore brands claiming to be “for sensitive skin” and “hypoallergenic” aren’t necessarily fragrance-free!
We have called out before that sneaky marketers use unscented and hypoallergenic labels even though the product is packed with fragrance chemicals!
To help you navigate the complexity of marketing speak and help you find the best truly fragrance-free body wash, we’ve researched the fragrance-free body wash market in 2023.
A lot of the “fragrance-free” body washes we researched contained ingredients such as oat, seed oil, and fruit extract, which can irritate sensitive skin. As a result, we have discarded numerous body washes claiming to be “fragrance-free” but actually contained fragrances.
So, if you’re searching for the best fragrance-free body wash, you’ve come to the right place. Ahead is our review of the 5 best fragrance-free body washes for sensitive skin.
Our pick of the best fragrance-free body washes for sensitive skin in 2023
Vanicream Gentle Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Shop Vanicream Gentle Fragrance-Free Body Wash here
Vanicream is a favorite of people with eczema and dermatitis because its products are squeaky clean. You simply can’t go wrong with this fragrance-free body wash.
It’s an effective cleanser while still non-drying and gentle enough for everyday use. Like all Vanicream’s products, this body wash is not only fragrance-free but also free of dyes, masking fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde.
For those with sensitive skin, this one pretty much checks all the boxes. So it’s no wonder that Vanicream’s body wash has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Fragrance-Free Body and Face Cleanser
Shop Eucerin Advanced Cleansing Fragrance-Free Body and Face Cleanser here
This fragrance-free body wash from Eucerin is designed for normal-to-dry sensitive skin and is non-comedogenic (meaning that it won’t clog pores or cause acne). In addition, because it’s a soap-free formula, this body wash helps prevent skin from drying out. It’s gentle enough to use on your face and body, and in our years of experience with the Eucerin advanced cleansing fragrance-free body wash, our dry skin has drastically improved.
Also, note that this fragrance-free body wash from Eucerin is FSA/HSA Eligible.
CeraVe Body Fragrance-Free Wash for Dry Skin
Shop CeraVe Body Fragrance-Free Wash for Dry Skin here
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash is formulated with ceramides, which help repair the skin’s protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid to help retain your skin’s natural moisture. In addition, the body wash is non-comedogenic (like the Eucerin, it means that it won’t clog pores or cause acne) and fragrance-free, suitable for normal to dry skin.
It’s formulated without soap, sulfates, and parabens. As an added bonus, CeraVe’s fragrance-free body wash has the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. However, do note that it’s very thick and doesn’t foam up as you use it, so if you prefer a foamy soap, consider Vanicream or Eucerin instead.
Dove Dermaseries Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Shop Dove Dermaseries Fragrance-Free Body Wash here
| Seller | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 15.8oz | $14.99 |
Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Body Wash is formulated for those with sensitive and severely dry skin. The body wash is fragrance-free and is “clinically proven to be non-irritating.”
However, Dove’s body wash contains sunflower oil and Cocamidopropyl Betaine, which is a chemical compound that may cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin. Therefore, we suggest that you do a spot test before lathering up.
In 2023, the price has dropped significantly, making the fragrance-free Dove Dermaseries Dry Skin Relief Body Wash much more affordable. Still, we recommend you consider the Vanicream or Eucerin fragrance-free body washes instead.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Fragrance-Free Body Wash
Shop Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Fragrance-Free Body Wash here
The body wash from Cetaphil is labeled “fragrance-free,” but it contains Aloe Vera as well as heliotropin, which is an aldehyde with a similar structure to other fragrance compounds. As we’ve written extensively about before, an “unscented” or “fragrance-free label” is not a guarantee for a safe and completely fragrance-free product.
We’re a bit torn about this body wash. However, we do like it. It has a sweet flowery scent, feels rich and nourishing, and cleanses well. In addition, the wash is quite thick, so you only need to use a small amount (I usually mix this one with the body wash from Eucerin for the perfect consistency).
That said, we don’t appreciate that sneaky marketers have labeled this body wash “fragrance-free” even though it contains heliotropin. Make sure you do a small spot test before using it.
