5 Best Fragrance-Free Skincare Brands

Vanicream is our top fragrance-free skincare brand, especially for very sensitive skin. CeraVe is a good all-round choice for face and body care, while Clinique has more premium options. Eucerin stands out for dry skin, and Aquaphor is hard to beat for very dry or cracked patches.

We have used products from all five brands and return to them because they make it easier to avoid added fragrance. Some make all their products fragrance-free, while others have a mix, so it is still important to check the label.

This ranking is based on more than the size of a brand's catalog. We considered how the products performed in daily use, how easy they were to buy again, the range of textures and product types, and whether fragrance-free choices were available at everyday prices. That is why a simple drugstore brand can rank above a more luxurious one.

Our favorite fragrance-free skincare brands at a glance

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1. Vanicream: best overall for very sensitive skin

Vanicream is our first choice when skin is very sensitive. The brand keeps its formulas simple and makes products for the face, body, hair, and sun care, so it is easy to build a routine without added scent.

Vanicream's products are made without dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. The absence of masking fragrance is helpful because an “unscented” product can still contain ingredients that cover its natural smell.

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Lotion are also made without botanical extracts or essential oils, and both carry the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Vanicream is also one of our everyday favorites and has been good value in our experience. Its rich Moisturizing Cream is best for dry hands, feet, elbows, and other small patches, while the lighter Moisturizing Lotion is easier to spread over larger areas.

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2. CeraVe: best all-round range

CeraVe is a practical choice if you want one brand for cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and other everyday products. The range covers the face and body and includes options for dry, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.

All CeraVe products are fragrance-free. Every product also contains three essential ceramides, which help support the skin barrier. Many of the products are easy to find in drugstores and come in useful sizes for both daily use and travel.

CeraVe has received more National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance awards than any other brand.

Start with CeraVe if you want a broad, affordable range and do not want to check every product for added fragrance. You will still need to choose the right formula for your skin type and concern.

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3. Clinique: best premium choice

Clinique is one of our favorite brands when we want to spend a little more. It has a wide beauty range, including face care and makeup.

Clinique launched in 1968 as the first dermatologist-developed skincare line. Its products are free from parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. Its skincare and makeup are also allergy tested.

This makes Clinique much easier to shop than premium brands that offer only a few fragrance-free products.

Choose Clinique if you want more premium formulas or fragrance-free makeup alongside your skincare. For simple body care, Vanicream, CeraVe, and Eucerin usually offer better value.

4. Eucerin: best for dry and rough skin

Eucerin is one of our go-to everyday brands for dry skin. We have returned to its lotions and body wash because the range is practical and usually affordable. Its fragrance-free options include light lotions, rich creams, cleansers, and products made for rough or itchy skin. This range makes it easier to find a formula that suits both the area you are treating and how dry your skin feels.

However, not every Eucerin product is fragrance-free. For example, the current Eucerin Immersive Hydration Gel-Cream has what the brand calls a skin-friendly fragrance. Check the label and choose a product that is clearly marked fragrance-free.

For everyday body care, Advanced Repair Lotion is a useful place to start. If you need something richer, compare the Eucerin options in our guide to fragrance-free body lotions for dry skin.

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5. Aquaphor: best for very dry or cracked patches

Aquaphor is best known for Healing Ointment, a thick skin protectant for very dry, cracked, or chafed areas. It is useful when an ordinary lotion is not rich enough, but it will feel heavier because it forms a protective layer over the skin.

All products in Aquaphor's US body-care range are fragrance-free. The range also includes lotions, balms, sprays, and products for hands and feet, although Healing Ointment remains the standout choice for small problem areas.

Aquaphor also makes lip care, baby care, and first-aid products.

Use Aquaphor when you need a protective ointment rather than an everyday lotion. For more options, see our guide to fragrance-free creams and ointments for eczema-prone skin.

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How to choose the right brand

Start with Vanicream if your skin is very sensitive and you want simple products without fragrance or masking fragrance. CeraVe offers a broad everyday range, while Clinique is the better fit if you want premium skincare or makeup.

For dry or rough skin, Eucerin has more targeted lotions and creams, but remember to check each label. Choose Aquaphor when you need a thick ointment for a small, very dry or cracked area.

Whichever brand you choose, read the full ingredient list if you have a known allergy or sensitivity. Formulas can change, and a fragrance-free label does not tell you whether every other ingredient will suit your skin.

You can also compare our favorite fragrance-free body lotions and creams and fragrance-free sunscreens.