6 Best Fragrance-Free Body Lotions for Softer, Less Irritated Skin
Gentle yet effective body care that skips fragrance but not deep hydration.
If scented lotions make your sensitive skin freak out, it’s time to switch to one of the best fragrance-free body lotions. Fragrance might make your skin care smell luxurious, but it’s often the fast track to irritation if you have sensitive skin or skin conditions. “Fragrance-free formulas are essential for those with eczema, whose compromised skin barrier is easily irritated by fragrance chemicals, causing flare-ups,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City. If you have rosacea, it’s the same deal: “Rosacea patients should also avoid fragrances as they can trigger facial redness and inflammation,” she says. People living with psoriasis? “Fragrance can make psoriatic plaques even more inflamed,” she says. And if you have contact dermatitis or generally sensitive skin, going fragrance-free can mean fewer reactions and less discomfort.
Meet the experts
Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southfield, Michigan, and founder of Dermy Doc Box
Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
Why we love it: A National Eczema Association-approved body cream, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, is a gentle yet effective choice for the whole family’s sensitive skin. The brand’s exclusive AP+M (Aqua Posae + Microresyl) technology is at the core of its formula, which helps support the skin’s microbiome, restore its protective barrier, and provide long-lasting hydration. “This is a go-to for very dry skin because it’s a rich, nourishing cream that absorbs easily without feeling heavy,” says Elizabeth Houshmand, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas. “It also contains La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water, which is key in supporting the skin’s microbiome. This formula is safe even for extremely sensitive skin, including eczema and psoriasis patients.”
Editor’s tip: With the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™, this lotion has been rigorously tested and dermatologist-reviewed to ensure it’s safe for eczema-prone and sensitive skin—so you can trust it won’t trigger flare-ups.
Key ingredients: thermal water, ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide | Who it’s for: very dry, sensitive skin
Best for Eczema: Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
Why we love it: If you’re not yet familiar with Vanicream, the brand was founded by two pharmacists who were ahead of their time, prioritizing gentle, irritation-free skincare long before it became a trend. “Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion is my gold standard for extremely sensitive skin,” says Dr. Rambhia. “What sets it apart is its total lack of common irritants—no fragrance, dyes, formaldehyde releasers, or parabens. Despite that, it still hydrates effectively with a mix of petrolatum and glycerin.” The fast-absorbing lotion leaves no greasy residue, making it ideal for daily use. “Time and again, my patients tell me this was the ‘turning point’ product—the one that finally soothed their irritated skin after countless failed attempts,” she says.
Editor’s tip: In addition to being fragrance-free, it’s also free of dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde—all common triggers to those with dermatitis-prone skin.
Key ingredients: petrolatum, glycerin | Who it’s for: people with eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin
Most Fast-Absorbing: Osea Undaria Algae Body Lotion Fragrance-Free
Why we love it: Osea—an acronym for ocean, sea, earth, and atmosphere—has always been a brand rooted in harnessing the healing power of nature, with seaweed as its star ingredient. At the heart of one of our favorite lotions, the Osea Undaria Algae Body Lotion, is undaria algae, a skin-barrier-repairing superfood that delivers deep nourishment. It takes hydration to the next level with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which targets the skin’s driest, outermost layer for an instant moisture boost. Meanwhile, smoothing peptides and brightening turmeric work in tandem to enhance the skin’s radiance and resilience, offering both cosmetic and reparative benefits.
Editor’s tip: When it comes to moisturizers, lotions have the lightest, fastest-absorbing formula compared to creams. If you’re after hydration that won’t leave skin feeling slick, this one is your perfect match.
Key ingredients: undaria algae, hyaluronic acid, peptides, turmeric | Who it’s for: people with dry skin
Best Texture: Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra
Why we love it: Since Bioderma Atoderm Crème Ultra is gentle enough for babies, you can trust it to care for your delicate, sensitive skin, too. “For those with eczema, this cream is a game-changer for restoring the skin barrier—and it’s safe for the whole family, babies included,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Michigan. “It’s packed with skin-strengthening niacinamide to repair the barrier, ultra-nourishing shea butter for deep hydration, and glycerin combined with mineral-rich water to lock in moisture and prevent dryness all day.” Whether your skin is extra dry, easily irritated, or in need of some serious TLC, this formula has you covered.
Editor’s tip: For a richer, balm-like formula designed for severely dry and irritated skin prone to flare-ups, Dr. Rambhia turns to Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume. “Despite its rich texture, it absorbs very well without leaving behind a greasy layer. I’ve personally used this through several New York winters on my own eczema-prone skin and find it unmatched for severe dryness. Many of my patients with atopic dermatitis report this is the only product that prevents their seasonal flares when used consistently,” she says.
Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, niacinamide, glycerin | Who it’s for: people with normal to very dry, sensitive skin
Best for Face and Body: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Why we love it: A classic moisturizer made with sensitive skin in mind, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is actually suitable for use on both body and face. It’s non-comedogenic as well, which means it won’t clog your pores. The combination of avocado oil, glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamins B3 and B5 work to hydrate the skin barrier, and deliver moisture.
Editor’s tip: This is a tried-and-tested favorite that absolutely anyone can use, whether you have normal skin, or lean more towards the drier and sensitive side. It also comes in a cream formula, which is best for nighttime use in our humid climate.
Key ingredients: avocado oil, glycerin | Who it’s for: people with normal to dry, sensitive skin
Best Non-Sticky: Dermtropics Raw Coconut Daily Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion
Why we love it: Local trailblazing brand Dermtropics is known for its sustainable practices, such as using local ingredients for its products and upcycled materials for its containers. As for their hand and body lotion, hero ingredient virgin coconut oil is combined with aloe vera, glycerin, and colloidal oatmeal, to not only deliver deep hydration, but to also soothe skin, making it a great choice for those who suffer from sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. It’s also fast-absorbing, so it’s perfect for daytime use.
Editor’s tip: This product is also made with certified organic and certified fair-trade virgin coconut oil. It’s clean beauty in the truest sense.
Key ingredients: virgin coconut oil, glycerin, oatmeal | Who it’s for: children and adults with dry and sensitive skin and skin conditions such as eczema
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the benefit of a fragrance-free body lotion?
A fragrance-free body lotion is a must-have for sensitive skin and anyone dealing with allergies or skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. “Fragrance-free body lotions benefit sensitive skin by eliminating potentially irritating synthetic fragrances and masking agents that can trigger allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and skin barrier disruption,” says Dr. Rambhia. Even natural fragrances aren’t always safe. “Added fragrances, even those labeled as ‘natural,’ contain numerous chemical compounds that can cause inflammation, redness, and compromised barrier function in susceptible individuals,” she says. For anyone with fragrance allergies or chronic skin conditions, skipping fragrance altogether can help prevent flare-ups and maintain optimal skin health.
How can you tell if a body lotion has fragrance?
Check out the ingredient list to tell if a body lotion contains fragrance. “Several things to look out for are the terms ‘fragrance,’ ‘parfum,’ or ‘perfume,’” says Dr. Houshmand. However, fragrances can also hide under different names. “They may be listed as ‘benzyl alcohol,’ ‘citral,’ ‘linalool,’ or even botanical-sounding ingredients like ‘citrus aurantium dulcis’ (orange) or ‘citrus limon’ (lemon). Even essential oils, while natural, can still contribute to a product’s scent and act as a source of fragrance,” she says. For those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies, it’s best to look for products specifically labeled “fragrance-free” and carefully scan the ingredient list to avoid hidden irritants.
