Dry patchy skin doesn’t do anyone justice. You’re gorgeous in your own way, but when your face and body feel hydrated, it shows! From those with dry skin to oily T zones, everyone turns to lotion to replenish and nourish their skin. However, buying the right lotion can be tricky. With so many options to choose from, how do you choose? If you’re looking for an unscented, fragrance-free lotion that’s perfect for sensitive skin, we’ve done all the research and gathered the top options. Plus, if you’re still seeking answers, we’ve put together a detailed buyer’s guide to guide you in your choice.
After all, why should you have to waste time and money on moisturizers that never get the job done? Unscented lotions should be hassle-free, easy to use, and effective — all of which you deserve to have in a purchase. So, if you’re sensitive to scents, check out our list of the highest-quality unscented lotions in 2025!
Keep your skin soft and supple with Aveeno’s Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. Not everyone does well with fragrances, especially those who suffer from sinus problems or allergies. This lotion is formulated specifically for sensitive skin through a rich concoction of shea butter, which works wonders for dry patchy dermal layers by seeping deeply inside and repairing the damage.
The Lubriderm Body Lotion is designed to replenish and moisturize normal-to-dry skin. The formula is clinically proven to moisturize for up to 24 hours. It is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 and essential moisturizers that work together to improve your skin’s moisture barrier. This option is the ultimate choice for customers looking for a light, non-greasy body lotion.
Just because a lotion is unscented doesn’t mean it’s worth the buck. However, Everyone’s Nourishing Hand Lotion is certainly worth it. This product is an environmental advocate’s dream, so much so, that even the packaging is made with recycled plastic. The 32-oz bottle contains a lightweight moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin. You can use it on the face as well as other parts of the body, making it an all-around solution for dry skin. Due to its odor-free properties, you can rest assured this lotion won’t irritate your sinuses.
Alba Botanica’s Very Emollient Body Lotion is a fragrance-free moisturizer to suit all skin types from sensitive to dry. It comes in a large, 32-ounce bottle with enough lotion to last at least 30 days, if not longer. With a thin, light texture, this lotion quickly absorbs into the skin. Plus, its incredibly hydrating formula is rich in botanical emollients that gently treat the derma and boost self-repair. This product is super nourishing and made from natural, wholesome ingredients.
As the name suggests, Avalon Organics’ Natural Hand and Body Lotion is an effective, naturally-derived topical. 100% GMO-free and carefully crafted for dry skin, this lotion is packaged in a standard 32-ounce bottle. What’s more, this unscented moisturizer features a large quantity of aloe vera to soothe redness and combat dermal inflammation. One of the many reasons this lotion deserves a spot on your self-care shelf is its impressive composition. Made from aloe vera and wide array organic botanicals and nourishing essential oils, this lotion’s formula will not disappoint.
Human skin is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to treating dry or damaged skin. At the same time, the market is flooded with so many skincare products that do more harm than good. Buying an unscented lotion, free of fragrance and toxins, is a step in the right direction to caring for your skin. Below, we’ve broken down what to look for when making your purchase so you can pick the most hydrating moisturizer for your skin type.
If you’re wondering whether the lack of scent has any effect on the price of a product, the answer is both yes and no. Unscented lotions are often marketed specifically for those with easily irritable skin, or those with specific skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, etc.). What’s more, the difference between scented and unscented lotions is generally defined by the presence of other, more natural ingredients.
Typically, the exclusion of synthetic fragrances falls under the “clean” beauty standard, which is inherently more expensive than traditional skincare. “Clean” beauty is usually non-toxic, paraben- and sulfate-free, and contains no artificial ingredients or coloring. Therefore, unscented lotions typically have these features as well. Keep in mind that the better the quality, the more money you might be expected to pay.
Who doesn’t like to get a whiff of a nice scent? Many of us do! But that doesn’t mean we appreciate artificial scents in our topical skin creams and lotions. It’s no secret that “fragrance-free” is the new cool, especially among Gen-Z and millennials. However, is scent really that bad? Well, no. Unlike harmful ingredients like sulfates and parabens, the scent is merely an irritant. In other words, it can trigger allergic skin reactions, particularly ACD. Therefore, it really depends on how well your skin reacts to fragrance. For those who aren’t highly allergic, scented formulas are fine. Even the most trusted skincare brands today use a little amount of scent in otherwise gentle lotions laden with other soothing ingredients.
While some scented moisturizers may only have a subtle amount of fragrance, most are very overwhelming. No matter how sweet the smell might be, it can become irritating and too strong. In the worst scenario, people have even reported getting headaches after they used scented topicals. Needless to say, you don’t want to lay down in bed only to end up staying awake for hours because of a strong smell.
Unscented lotions, however, are gentle, and subtle, and usually have a little-to-no scent. This makes unwinding after a long day at work a breeze without the worry of unnecessarily stimulating your senses.
Those who’ve experienced allergic reactions know they can be unsettling, uncomfortable, and sometimes very dangerous. Scented lotions are made with synthetic fragrances and artificial ingredients, which have long been known to unpleasantly interact with and irritate the skin (and sometimes even the sinuses).
However, unscented lotions are free from these toxic, synthetic ingredients. Instead, unscented lotions sometimes feature natural botanical or essential oils, giving them a very light scent that won’t cause skin irritation. Many other formulas are 100% scentless, allowing you to moisturize and nourish your skin without worrying about suffering from an allergic reaction.
Skincare experts would all agree that unscented products are often also free of unwanted, dangerous ingredients such as harsh phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and more — all of which are known to cause irritation and other ailments. Plus, artificial fragrances and harmful toxins are often eliminated in lotion formulas for sensitive skin.
When purchasing a lotion, always look for certifications and labels that mark a product. For example GMO-free, organic, sulfate-free, paraben-free, etc. While it’s important to choose a lotion that is unscented and fragrance-free, looking for a lotion that also has some of these other certifications will go a long way in protecting you and your skin from harmful toxins and chemicals.
Always read customer reviews before purchasing a lotion. While the manufacturer provides important information, reading customer reviews will give you a clear sense of how the product functions in real life. Reviewers will point out any flaws in the product, or the packaging, helping you steer clear of a lotion that may not be worth the money. Reviewers may also highly praise one lotion over another, which may help you choose if you’re between two options.
While unscented lotions can have a higher price tag than their counterparts, you can still find affordable unscented options on the market. Remember that you don’t need to spend a huge amount of money for an unscented lotion; if you’re working within a budget, you should be able to find a lower-priced option if you look closely for it.
Yes. The word unscented usually refers to the exclusion of artificial fragrances. It doesn’t mean that natural scents (such as citrus or aloe vera) are removed. However, truly unscented varieties should either have very little smell or none at all.
Yes, but make sure you read the label carefully before applying an unscented lotion to your face as not all moisturizers are meant for the face and may clog pores due to comedogenic elements.
While artificial scents don’t directly affect skin shade, the allergic reactions they trigger can lead to itchy patches which tend to make skin appear darker.
Some manufacturers offer both unscented and scented versions of the same lotion. However, keep in mind that this isn’t very common; you may not be able to find an unscented version of your favorite lotion.
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