If years of beauty writing have changed any one thing about my approach to skincare products, it’s seeking out items that are fragrance-free. That’s a true feat for someone forged in the Juniper Breeze and Cucumber Melons of Bath &amp; Body Works. But, it’s not that I’ve outgrown wanting fruity-flavored lotion (Country Apple forever)—understanding what that synthetic scent or perfume might be masking is what gives the best fragrance-free body lotions their edge.“If there was one ingredient I would ban for life, it would be perfume,” LA-based licensed aesthetician and dermatological nurse&nbsp;Natalie Aguilar told us last week about the most important things to avoid on skincare labels. “Especially artificial fragrance.”Feature image by Michelle Nash.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/iskra-lawrence-best-fragrance-free-body-lotions.jpeg"><img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Newsletter-Camille-Styles.png">Because fragrances are considered a “trade secret” by the FDA, companies aren’t required to list the chemicals or ingredients used to scent their products. Meaning phthalates and other harmful ingredients could be lurking beneath intoxicating smells.It should be said though, synthetic fragrances aren’t all bad. They’re cheaper to make and can be less detrimental to the environment than natural scents like sandalwood, vanilla, or patchouli. But if you’re dealing with reactive, sensitive skin, cutting out synthetic fragrances is probably the first place to start.But before we dive into the best fragrance-free body lotions, Aguilar offers a primer on why those formulas matter.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/woman-in-bed-with-dog-768x1152.jpg"><h2>The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Fragrances</h2>Fragrances found in products are either natural or synthetic, but what are the major differences to know?While their origins are different (natural fragrances like lemon or lavender are extracted from a natural source, while synthetic fragrances are made in a lab), both types of scents can irritate the skin for a variety of reasons. According to Aguilar, fragrances are one of the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis.“Products are fragranced for many reasons,” Aguilar explains. “For some, scents can be nostalgic, calming, or even make us feel cleaner. They are also put into products to mask offensive odors that other chemicals can give.&nbsp;Those with extremely sensitive or hypoallergenic skin types should avoid fragrance in skincare and hair care products.”<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/michelle-nash-fragrance-free-body-lotion-768x1152.jpg"><h2>The Difference Between Unscented and Fragrance-Free</h2>Here’s a fun little game of semantics: “unscented” isn’t the same as “fragrance-free.” While fragrance-free means no fragrances (synthetic or natural) or other ingredients have been added to create a smell, unscented products may contain chemicals to neutralize or mask the smell of other ingredients. Much like the no-makeup-makeup trend, the no-scent aroma does require a bit of formulation.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/woman-in-robe-next-to-bath-tub-768x1152.jpg"><h2>The Best Fragrance-Free Body Lotions</h2>Perfect for sensitive skin (or any skin type), you can feel confident slathering on the following lotions day after day.Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Necessaire-The-Body-Lotion-With-Niacinamide-Vitamins-Peptides-28.jpg">Nécessaire The Body Lotion – With Niacinamide, Vitamins + PeptidesFeaturing hero ingredient niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3), this luxurious, fragrance-free lotion keeps skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Bonus: niacinamide can also protect against UV rays and pollution.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Vanicream-Moisturizing-Skin-Cream-with-Pump-Dispenser-15.jpg">Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream with Pump Dispenser“For those sensitive to scent, I would recommend any and all products made by Vanicream. There is no fragrance or fragrance masking, making Vanicream products ideal for someone with sensitive skin, allergies, or a sensitive sense of smell.” — Natalie Aguilar<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Codex-Labs-Bia-Hydrating-Skin-Superfood-35.jpg">Codex Labs Bia Hydrating Skin SuperfoodThe antioxidant-rich lotion from the plant-based bioscience brand features a naturally herbaceous scent.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Kopari-Organic-Coconut-Melt-30.jpg">Kopari Organic Coconut MeltThis sulfate- and fragrance-free multitasker can be used safely on the body, hair, face… you name it.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Public-Goods-Lotion-7.50.jpg">Public Goods LotionThe direct-to-consumer brand prides itself on sustainability and transparency. Fortunately, they have nothing to hide behind the “fragrance” label.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cocokind-Sake-Body-Lotion-19.jpg">Cocokind Sake Body LotionThe buzzy formula’s fermented rice wine features smoothing enzymes, microbiome-friendly prebiotic sugars, and a convenient pump bottle.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Biossance-Squalane-Caffeine-Toning-Body-Cream-30.jpg">Biossance Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body CreamThis&nbsp;innovative brand‘s clean body cream addresses loss of firmness with energizing caffeine and niacinamide.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CeraVe-Daily-Moisturizing-Lotion-for-Dry-Skin-12.jpg">CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry SkinThe dermatologist-loved drugstore staple is eczema-approved and features a powerful blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture on knees, elbows, and wherever you need it most.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Drunk-Elephant-Sili-Body-Lotion-20.jpg">Drunk Elephant Sili Body LotionA fantastic option for aging, mature skin, the cult-loved brand’s fragrance-free formula features Marula butter, a super-pure butter concentrated with lipids, fatty acids, and antioxidants.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ersed-Press-Restart-Retinol-Body-Lotion-18.jpg">Versed Press Restart Retinol Body LotionAn exfoliating body lotion featuring only the good stuff.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Skinfix-Eczema-Extra-Strength-Body-Cream-38.jpg">Skinfix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body CreamColloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil are the star active ingredients here, creating a rich cream that relieves itching and irritation.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Honest-Company-Sensitive-Face-Body-Lotion-9.99.jpg">The Honest Company Sensitive Face + Body LotionThis lightweight, derm-tested lotion is gentle enough for babies, so you can feel safe slathering it on sensitive skin.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/EltaMD-Moisture-Rich-Body-Creme-with-Hyaluronic-Acid-and-Vitamin-B3-32.jpg">EltaMD Moisture-Rich Body CremeArmed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, and plant-based lipids, the luxurious, non-greasy formula smooths and soothes.<img class="PostContentImage" src="https://camillestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/La-Roche-Posay-Lipikar-Body-Lotion-20.jpg">La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body LotionThe fragrance-free, drugstore favorite deploys prebiotics, glycerin, and niacinamide with shea butter goodness.

If years of beauty writing have changed any one thing about my approach to skincare products, it’s seeking out items that are frag...

Florentia Laurice

Kiss Synthetic Scents Goodbye—An Aesthetician Shares the Best Fragrance-Free Body Lotions