5 Fragrance Free Products You Need for aN Ultra Clean Beauty Routine
By Allison Lax
In an age of “pick me” packaging and products luring you in with sweet, sultry scents, it can be tempting to use whatever skincare smells the most delicious. But did you know that fragrance is actually one of the most common irritants for your face?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis—yikes! Though they tend to be less flashy, fragrance-free skincare products are the best way to ensure a gentle (yet effective) skincare routine and, most importantly, a happy face. If you’re at a loss for where to start, check out our favorite fragrance-free recs.
Shop Editor’s Picks: Bright & Dressy
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Kick off your skincare routine with this hidden (ish) drugstore gem. With its no muss, no fuss packaging, Vanicream Gentle Cleanser isn’t the product you buy when you want something pretty for your vanity; it’s for when you need something that works. Containing a small list of ingredients that includes no common irritants, this is a great pick to reset your skin and prep for the rest of your routine—especially if that includes drying acne products. (Shop Now)
Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Spray
While it’s certainly more important for products to work than sit pretty on your sink, who says fragrance-free skincare can’t have both? With its sleek, rose-gold packaging and fine, luxurious mist, Hydrinity Spray sits at the crossroads between beauty and functionality. This part toner, part hydration spray is antimicrobial, making it the perfect choice to keep your skin clear through a warm summer day or an intense workout. It can also be used after cleanser and before the rest of your routine to help serums penetrate more fully. Mist away! ( Shop Now )
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA
Spend any time on Reddit or online acne support groups and this cult fav is bound to pop up in your feed. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA is a chemical exfoliant/skincare workhorse. It targets clogged pores and uneven texture with 2% salicylic acid, diving deep into the pores to leave your face smooth and clear. It’s powerful stuff, so be cautious starting out—use on clean, dry skin a few times a week to start. Slowly work up your way up to twice a day for that *chef’s kiss* smoothness (and be sure to apply SPF afterwards in the mornings!). (Shop Now)
Geek & Gorgeous Cheer Up Serum
If you’re all about finding hidden gem brands, this one’s for you. Geek and Gorgeous is a Hungarian based company that has recently brought their beauty expertise to the U.S., and we couldn’t be happier! Their Cheer-Up Serum is a 2018 Cosmopolitan Beauty Award winner in their home market and a skin saving superstar. This 6% Mandelic Acid + 1% BHA serum is on the gentle side of chemical exfoliants, but still works hard to clear pores and balance the complexion. Perfect for sensitive skin girlies! (Shop Now)
Bora Barrier Repair Cream
A targeted heavy hitter that delivers clinically proven 24-hour moisture to chronically dry skin, a compromised barrier, or mature skin that just can’t retain moisture on its own. ( Shop Now)