Fashion
8 Fragrance-Free Products for Sensitive Skin
Having sensitive skin can be incredibly irritating (both physically and psychologically), and shopping for sensitive skin products can be even worse. Here's the silver lining: the ingredients that irritate you, such as "fragrance," are actually pretty bad for you, too. According to the Environmental Working Group, a product that lists "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label may be hiding a pretty ugly truth: "[the term] represents an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients used as fragrance dispersants such as diethyl phthalate. Fragrance mixes have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system."
So don't feel sad about missing out on perfumed lotions and cleansers — by going fragrance-free, you're doing yourself a solid. Take a look at these for starters.
Fragrance-Free Facial Serum
This powerful serum for normal to dry skin has argan oil, apricot kernel oil, and rosehip oil, but not a drop of perfume. And it’s vegan!
Nourish Pure Hydrating Organic Argan Face Serum, $17, Target
Fragrance-Free Shampoo
This simple, affordable shampoo gets the job done with chamomile and jojoba. The conditioner’s a good deal, too.
Earth Science Pure Essentials Shampoo Fragrance Free, $11, Amazon; Earth Science Pure Essentials Conditioner Fragrance Free, $15, Amazon
Fragrance-Free Chapstick
Now is the time when lips get irritatingly chapped. Soothe them sans perfume with this sweet little indie chapstick that sports aloe oil, beeswax, and avocado oil.
Fragrance-Free Soap
If you’re looking for fragrance-free, sometimes it’s best to turn to the baby section. This classic liquid soap is as simple as it gets.
Fragrance-Free Body Cream
This luscious body cream smells a bit like chocolate, but that’s only from the cocoa butter. It doesn’t have a single added scent — in fact, it’s made of only 4 ingredients (hempseed oil, virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter).
Fragrance-Free Eye Cream
Even if the rest of your skin isn’t sensitive to fragrances, the super-delicate skin around your eyes might appreciate a break from all things perfumed.
Fragrance-Free Deodorant
Unscented deodorant? Surprisingly, it’s not an oxymoron. This fragrance-free version has orange, lemon, and linseed extracts to keep you fragrance free, too.
Kiehls Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant And Deodorant 1.7 oz, $16, Nordstrom
Fragrance-Free Facial Cleanser
Sensitive skin needs a gentle skin cleansing routine — no sebum-stripping or over-exfoliating here, please. This cleansing “milk” helps battle oily skin and breakouts without a single harsh ingredient.
Nurture My Body Organic Fragrance Free Cleansing Milk, $28, Amazon
Fragrance-Free Skin Relief
And if your skin is feeling generally itchy and irritated, whether because your cheeks are wind-chapped or someone at the Bloomingdale’s makeup counter just drenched you with Chanel No. 5, this soothing spray uses one ingredient and one ingredient only: coconut oil. Spray it onto irritated skin for all-natural relief, no scents in sight.
