The Best Fragrance-Free Moisturizer

Buying Guide

Fragrances seem to be a natural addition to any beauty product. But with nearly one-third of adults reporting sensitivity to fragrances, cosmetics manufacturers have also long realized the need for fragrance-free products.

But adverse health effects aren’t the only reason people might wish to use fragrance-free cosmetics. If your lotion, moisturizer, foundation, powder, lipstick and eye makeup all include different scents, they can conflict with one other — or combine to create an overwhelming experience. If you prefer to wear a very specific aroma, you’ll find it tough to get that desired effect if you’re also using other scent-infused products.

And of course, you’ll want to find the right type of moisturizer for your skin, no matter how you prefer to smell. Each person has unique moisturizing needs, so it’s beneficial to know your skin type.

The first consideration is whether you have dry or oily skin — or a combination of the two. You may also have skin affected by other factors, such as age. Dry skin calls for a heavier moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like butters and oils, while oily skin needs lighter, water-based moisturizers. Older skin tends to lose moisture, so a moisturizer designed to help preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier will make a big difference. You’ll also want a moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores to help keep your skin as healthy as possible.

You may also want to consider changing up your moisturizer based on whether you’re wearing it during the daytime or at night. For daytime,  you’ll want a no-residue lightweight version that looks and feels good under makeup. Daytime moisturizers also sometimes build in SPF to give you a little extra protection while you’re outdoors during the day. Before you go to bed, you can apply a moisturizer that will help protect and rejuvenate your skin.

• Facial moisturizers come in different sizes. For the moisturizer you take on the road with you, look for a smaller bottle that will easily slide into your makeup bag or luggage. At home, a pump-based moisturizer might give you a little extra convenience.
• If you’re using moisturizing creams for your body, one that comes in a jar can be easier to apply. You can scoop out a generous helping and cover a wide area without having to constantly squeeze out more.
• Those who are concerned about humane welfare practices can easily find moisturizers that are developed without being tested on animals.
• Oatmeal-based moisturizers can exfoliate while they protect and restore. You might also want to add exfoliating to your weekly beauty routine to make sure you’re sloughing off that dead skin.
• Ceramides are naturally found in the skin, helping retain moisture. As you get older, your ceramides supply can become depleted. You may wish to add moisturizers with ceramides that aim to protect and restore that natural barrier.
• Some moisturizers do all the work at once when first applied, while others provide time-release moisture over a long period of time. The latter can be better if your skin tends to dry out several hours after you apply moisturizer.
• In your daytime moisturizer, you’ll want a formula that absorbs quickly without leaving behind greasy residue. Before bed, this might not be as much an issue.
• Those dealing with itchy skin or conditions like eczema will need special moisturizers that are designed to help provide relief. Check with your doctor before trying a new product.
• Sensitive skin needs special moisturizers as well. You might want one with ingredients like aloe, which are designed to reduce irritation.
• As with any new product you’re applying on your skin, it’s usually best to test a small patch first to make sure you don’t have sensitivities to it.