10 Best Fragrance-Free Skincare Products in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
When it comes to skincare products, being labeled as fragrance-free means that the formulation doesn’t contain parfum and other forms of aromatic extracts, even naturally-derived ingredients such as essential oils. While for many, fragrances serve to relax the mind and boost the spirit; fragrance-free products are more favorable for people with dry and sensitive skin.
This type of skincare product reduces the risk of breakouts and skin irritation caused by allergens and harmful chemicals that come with fragrances. However, it can be confusing to tell which products are truly fragrance-free. In this article, we prepared a list of considerations that you should look into—with comments and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan.
Quick List - Top Fragrance-Free Skincare Products
Aloe + Oat Milk
Vegan Shampoo Formula for Healthier Hair and Scalp
Graduated Dermatology Residency from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society. She is the co-founder of Pandapatan Dermatology Clinic in Marawi City. She is also a part-time faculty of Xavier University-JPRSM in Cagayan de Oro. She is passionate about skin health and skincare, and dreams of world peace.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Using Fragrance-Free Skincare Products
- How to Choose a Fragrance-Free Skincare Product - Buying Guide
- Inspect the Product Label and Description to Verify if the Product Is Fragrance-Free1
- Check the List of Ingredients to Ensure It Is Free of Fragrance and Potential Allergens2
- Purchase From Trusted Stores and Brands to Guarantee Safety and Quality3
- If You're Still Skeptical, Consult an Expert4
- 10 Best Fragrance-Free Skincare Products to Buy Online
- No. 1Cetaphil | Gentle Skin Cleanser
- No. 2Dear Klairs | Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
- No. 3Cetaphil | Sun SPF50+ Gel
- No. 4Aloe + Oat Milk | Be Gentle, Be Kind Ultra Soothing Shampoo
- No. 5Clinique | Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
- 5 more products
- DIY Skincare Hacks You Should Avoid
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan
- Aside from Fragrance, What Other Ingredients Are Best to Avoid?
- Is Unscented Same as Fragrance-Free?
- Are All Fragrance Ingredients Bad?
- More Clean Skincare Products to Complete Your Regimen
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Benefits of Using Fragrance-Free Skincare Products
While fragrances are one of the major selling points of most beauty and skincare products, they can also be harmful to your skin. Here are some of the reasons why switching to fragrance-free products is a wise decision.
Prevents and Reduces Allergic Reactions
It’s a widely known fact that fragrances, whether natural or artificial, are potential allergens. They contain ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions that manifest through breakouts, redness, and skin irritation. Not only that, but fragrances can also cause collagen degradation in the long run, wherein the skin’s ability to heal itself is weakened over time.
That is why fragrance-free products are often recommended by dermatologists to prevent such reactions and long-term effects, particularly for those with sensitive skin and those who are suffering from conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Fragrances in skin care products add to the user's experience, mostly to enhance the mood once they are applied. Fragrances are not all bad. True, they can be irritating for those with broken skin barriers, such as those with atopic dermatitis, other forms of eczema, and those who are allergic to fragrances. But for those who do not have these conditions, fragrances in skincare products do not need to be avoided.
Allows You to Steer Clear From Harsh Chemicals
Meanwhile, if you simply want a "cleaner" skincare regimen regardless of your skin type or condition - fragrance-free products do not contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, benzene derivatives, and aldehydes that can also cause skin irritation and redness. This makes fragrance-free skincare products more suitable for all age groups, even babies.
Since fragrances don’t really contribute to the efficacy of skincare products like cleansers, soaps, facial washes, shampoos as well as toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens, you still get to enjoy the full spectrum of benefits that a product has to offer, even without having a scent.
Fragrance-free products can also contain irritating ingredients. Even if it is labeled clean or fragrance-free, double-check the labels for possible irritants or allergens. If you never had any allergic reactions or irritation from any common allergens/irritants, there is no need to skip them, especially if they are present in a product that works well for you. But if you have a compromised barrier, it is best to skip these irritants/allergens.
How to Choose a Fragrance-Free Skincare Product - Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Inspect the product label and description to verify if the product is fragrance-free.
- Check the list of ingredients to ensure it is free of fragrance and potential allergens.
- Purchase from trusted stores and brands to guarantee safety and quality.
- If you're still skeptical, consult an expert.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Inspect the Product Label and Description to Verify if the Product Is Fragrance-Free
One of the easiest ways to know if the product you want to purchase is fragrance-free is by checking the container label as well as the packaging. In the case of online shopping, you can zoom in on the product photo and read the product descriptions on the e-commerce site. You can also visit the official website of the product to verify the information.
However, beware of the term “unscented” because it is not the same as fragrance-free. An unscented product may still contain a fragrance that is specifically added to “mask” any clinical or unpleasant odor brought by the active ingredients in the formula. So "unscented" may simply mean that the smell has been neutralized.
Some skincare products reformulate their products a few times, so it is best to verify the current ingredients by reading the label. The product's official website will usually post the most current reformulation, so if you're buying from an online seller, you can ask for a photo to make sure that the product does not have the previous formulation.
If you are very sensitive to fragrances, it is best to get products that are labeled fragrance-free instead of "unscented," which may contain fragrance "maskers."
Check the List of Ingredients to Ensure It Is Free of Fragrance and Potential Allergens
When it comes to checking the list of ingredients, always look for the term parfum or perfume. In addition, watch out for common fragrance ingredients such as citronellol, linalool, limonene, cinnamal, geraniol, and eugenol. Should you find any of these items on the list, that means the product contains fragrance.
If you want to go completely fragrance-free, you should also consider avoiding naturally-derived fragrances such as essential oils. These include lavender oil, rose flower extract, eucalyptus, bergamot oil, lemon, orange, and cinnamon. For those who have sensitive skin, natural fragrances can be as irritating as artificial ingredients.
Here are some of the known fragrances that are potential allergens: Amyl cinnamal, Amylcinnamyl alcohol, Anisyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate, Benzyl salicylate, Cinnamyl alcohol, Cinnamaldehyde, Citral, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, and Hexyl cinnamaladehyde, Hydroxycitronellal,
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC), (also known as Lyral), Isoeugenol, Lilial, d-Limonene, Linalool, Methyl 2-octynoate, g-Methylionone, Oak moss extract, and Tree moss extract are also part of the list. It is also best to avoid essential oils in general, most common of which are lavender and rose and all the other essential oils.
Purchase From Trusted Stores and Brands to Guarantee Safety and Quality
Apart from checking the label, researching about the brand itself will give you an idea about their company philosophy and the range of products that they offer.
It is always recommended to purchase products from well-trusted brands that are already known for their fragrance-free and organic formulations. Good examples of such brands include Cetaphil, Clinique, CeraVe, and Human Nature.
If you want to be sure about your fragrance-free skincare purchases, it is always best to get them from companies that have good safety profiles and have been around for a long time. This is to save you from "trial and error" and wasting your bucks. Read up on the internet for the best companies that have been making fragrance-free products since they began.
If You're Still Skeptical, Consult an Expert
If you are still skeptical when it comes to buying a fragrance-free product - the smartest solution is to consult an expert. Doctors, dermatologists, in particular, are in the best position to recommend fragrance-free products that will work well with your skin type.
As a supplement to a specialist's advice, you can also watch and read product reviews that are available online. Make sure to opt for reliable and unbiased beauty content creators. Typically, they would test out the products themselves and then share their honest feedback. Of course, another source of helpful comments is the reviews section in the online shop itself.
Before purchasing products, you may check online feedbacks from those who have tried them. If still unsure, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist in your locality, who can personally check your skin condition, skin type, and lifestyle, then give you a tailor-made regimen that can work for you.
10 Best Fragrance-Free Skincare Products to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | | "Gentler Than Water" Formula for Sensitive Skin | |
2 | Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner | | Hydrate Your Skin With This Fragrance-Free Toner | |
3 | Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ Gel | | Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin | |
4 | Aloe + Oat Milk Be Gentle, Be Kind Ultra Soothing Shampoo | | Vegan Shampoo Formula for Healthier Hair and Scalp | |
5 | Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ | | Allergy-Tested and Non-Acnegenic Face Moisturizer | |
6 | Céleteque DermoScience™ Brightening Eyetuck and Dark Circles Lightener | | Has Eyeseryl Tetrapeptide Complex That Improves Skin Elasticity | |
7 | Human Nature Fragrance-Free Gentle Cleansing Bar | | Cold-Processed, Hypoallergenic Soap From a Trusted Local Brand | |
8 | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | | A Lightweight Night Cream for Calming the Skin | |
9 | Clinique Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm | | A Non-Greasy Makeup Remover for All Skin Types | |
10 | Johnson's Baby Skincare Fragrance Free Wipes | | Cotton Soft and Moisturizing Wipes for Quick Clean-Ups |
"Gentler Than Water" Formula for Sensitive Skin
This bestseller can soothe, cleanse, and moisturize the skin with its fragrance-free formulation. It is highly recommended to those with sensitive skin but is also suitable for all skin types, even for babies because it is non-irritating.
It has a 5.5 pH level, which makes it gentler than water. This dermatologist and pediatrician recommended product is made with non-comedogenic ingredients - it will not block your pores, which helps in preventing acne breakouts.
You can apply it in the shower or alternately, you can use this without water. Simply put a liberal amount on the skin and gently rub it. With a soft clean cloth, remove the excess product. This will leave a thin film on the skin for moisturizing and protection purposes.
Hydrate Your Skin With This Fragrance-Free Toner
This fragrance-free version of the original Dear Klairs toner does not contain essential oils for a gentler formulation. It is enriched with plant-based extracts, hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for its hydrating and moisturizing properties as well as Centella Asiatica or cica for soothing and repairing the skin.
This toner is perfect for all skin types but is especially recommended for those who are sensitive to essential oils. It also helps in neutralizing the pH level to maintain healthier skin. You can use this lightweight toner for deep cleansing after washing your face. Simply apply the toner and pat with your palms for complete absorption.
Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Experience the lightweight and non-greasy gel formula of Cetaphil's Sun SPF50+ Gel. It protects your skin from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. This sun gel is made with hypoallergenic ingredients suitable for sensitive skin. Aside from applying it to your body, this non-comedogenic sunscreen is also safe to use on the face.
It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, dermatologically tested as well as water-resistant. It aims to prevent skin pigmentation and premature skin aging. Also, you don't have to be on a water adventure to use this gel because it is perfect for everyday use. Apply this sun gel 20 minutes before sun exposure to properly protect your skin.
Aloe + Oat MilkBe Gentle, Be Kind Ultra Soothing Shampoo
Vegan Shampoo Formula for Healthier Hair and Scalp
The scalp, among the parts of the integumentary system, is often neglected. But they need attention as much as our hair does. This shampoo nourishes and hydrates both the hair and the scalp. It is perfect for those who are sensitive to fragrances, essential oils as well as lactose, soy, and gluten.
This shampoo is compatible with many hair types whether straight, wavy, or curly. It is also safe to use even if you have color, keratin, or chemically-treated, and relaxed hair. Apart from that, its formulation is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved, vegan, cruelty-free, and 99% naturally-derived. It also has a recyclable bottle and packaging that is made of resin.
CliniqueDramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
Allergy-Tested and Non-Acnegenic Face Moisturizer
Having problems because of your dry skin? Get yourself this face moisturizer from Clinique that can hydrate your skin for as long as 8 hours. It is dermatologist-developed as well as fragrance-free and allergy-tested. It is also non-acnegenic, which means it's less likely to cause acne. It contains hyaluronic acid, which serves as a humectant or "moisture magnet" for your skin.
Its silky and penetrating formula helps to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier to keep it soft and smooth. It is part of Clinique's customized 3-step skincare system that will leave your skin glowing. If you have very dry to dry skin, try this moisturizer together with this mild liquid soap and clarifying lotion. Use it twice a day, morning and night.
CéletequeDermoScience™ Brightening Eyetuck and Dark Circles Lightener
Has Eyeseryl Tetrapeptide Complex That Improves Skin Elasticity
Get up to a better morning and more youthful-looking eyes with this eye-tuck brightening cream from Céleteque. It contains shea butter and acetyl tripeptide-5 to reduce inflammation and hydrate your skin throughout the day. It also has Eyeseryl® Tetrapeptide Complex, which improves skin elasticity.
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this product is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free. It is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested, ensuring you only have the best for your eyes. Users have given it high ratings, stating they saw significant improvement around their eye area after consistent use.
Human NatureFragrance-Free Gentle Cleansing Bar
Cold-Processed, Hypoallergenic Soap From a Trusted Local Brand
- It contains coconut oil that mildly washes away dirt, leaving the skin clean and refreshed.
- It is also safe for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin, because it is hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, irritating colorants, and synthetic fillers.
- It retains the hydrating benefits of glycerin and is more environmentally friendly.
- Users praised the enduring quality of this eco-friendly bar, which outperforms commercially manufactured moisturizing soaps.
A Lightweight Night Cream for Calming the Skin
Rejuvenate your facial skin after a long day with this ultra-lightweight moisturizing lotion. Applying it before you sleep will help your skin restore its protective skin barrier. It contains niacinamide for calming the skin, hyaluronic acid for moisturizing, and ceramides for improving the skin's protective layer to lock in the moisture.
It is fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and won't cause any acne breakouts. It features the patented MVE Delivery Technology that continuously releases moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated all night. For best results, apply liberally to the face and neck before going to bed.
A Non-Greasy Makeup Remover for All Skin Types
Clinique is known for its "Clean Philosophy" when it comes to its skincare range. Their products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, and fragrances to achieve optimal results without causing irritation. Its Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is no exception. It is a lightweight makeup remover that easily dissolves eye and face makeup as well as sunscreens.
The solid balm changes its consistency into a silky oil once applied to the skin. Aside from makeup, it can also remove other impurities and pollutants from your face. It is suitable for all skin types and is non-greasy. It is also free of synthetic colors, gluten, denatured alcohol, SLS, SLES, and talc. For best results, use your fingertips to massage the product over dry skin, then rinse well with warm water, always pat dry.
Cotton Soft and Moisturizing Wipes for Quick Clean-Ups
While wipes are primarily marketed for infants, they can also be a handy clean-up product for your face and body. Johnson's Baby Skincare Fragrance-Free Wipes are ultra-sensitive, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested. You can safely use it for removing makeup, dirt, and food stains from your face.
These cotton soft wipes are enriched with Johnson's clinically-proven mild formula. It also leaves a protective moisturizing layer on your skin. If you're a parent, you might want to try this soap and alcohol-free product to protect your baby's skin and prevent diaper rash.
DIY Skincare Hacks You Should Avoid
While organic skincare products are already available on the market, some people still resort to DIY home remedies for their skincare regimen. Although these are often made with natural ingredients, they can do more harm than good. According to Healthline, these are some DIY skincare hacks that you should avoid to prevent skin irritation, most especially if you have sensitive and irritated skin.
Lemon for Skin Whitening
Due to lemon's natural bleaching property caused by its citric acid content, it is often used as part of a skincare regimen. However, it may do more harm than good especially when you have sensitive skin. Just like any other citrus fruit, lemon is extremely acidic, which can irritate and damage the skin.
Applying it as a bleaching agent may result in redness, dryness, and peeling of the skin. Also, its topical application increases the risk of sunburn, so avoid applying lemon on your skin before going out. Although lemon has a lot of benefits for the skin when clinically processed, it is not ideal for DIY skincare.
It is never a good idea to apply lemon directly on the face. This is very acidic and will surely disrupt the skin barrier, especially those with sensitive skin and those using retinoids and other exfoliants in their regimen. Lemon will not just irritate and burn the skin. The disrupted skin can also get complicated by bacterial and fungal infections.
Baking Soda as a Face Wash
Baking soda is a fundamental kitchen ingredient especially when you're into homemade pastries. However, it is often used not only for culinary purposes but also for a skin regimen. When used as a face wash, it can remove even the skin's necessary oils, thus making you more vulnerable to infections and acne.
Also considering that it is an alkaline chemical compound, it can alter the skin's natural pH level. With its pH level of 9, baking soda can significantly increase your skin's pH level, which may result in dryness and irritation. If you are still fond of using this affordable kitchen ingredient for your skincare routine, it is best to consult an expert before proceeding.
Baking soda, like lemon, has an extreme effect on the skin barrier. If lemon is very acidic, baking soda is very alkaline. And alkaline can burn the skin more than acid can. Complications can be severe irritations, infections, and scarring.
Sugar as a Scrub and Exfoliant
With its affordable price and availability on the market, some people use sugar as a scrub or as an alternative exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
Even though it is gentler than salt, its small granules are still rough against our facial skin, which is significantly fragile and delicate. Using sugar on your face may cause redness, dryness, irritation, and wounds.
Sugar may look gentle on the naked eye, but under a microscope, sugar granules have sharp, rough edges. Using them as a scrub would be comparable to using sand on the skin. Complications can be irritation, scratches, wound infections, and scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan
Still have some burning questions on your mind? Read Dr. Aznaida Tawagon-Pandapatan's answers to the internet's most asked questions below!
Aside from Fragrance, What Other Ingredients Are Best to Avoid?
If you are unsure what ingredients can potentially irritate you, look for common allergens/irritants in skincare such as linalool, limonene, citral, coumarin, benzyl alcohol, benzyl cinnamate, imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, phenoxyethanol, methylchloroisothiazolinone, formaldehyde, and others.
Remember, irritants and allergens differ per person. One can be allergic to linalool but not to benzyl cinnamate. The only way to find out is to try the product. It is ideal to do a patch test or ROAT (repeat open application test).
Is Unscented Same as Fragrance-Free?
"Fragrance-free" is ideal for those with sensitive skin and skin conditions that have compromised skin barriers, as this may ensure the absolute absence of fragrance ingredients. "Unscented" products may still have a small amount of fragrance to mask the chemical smell of the other ingredients in the formulation.
But since the unscented product usually only contains a tiny amount of fragrance, some sensitive skin may still be able to tolerate them. Again, the only way to know is to try them by patch testing.
Are All Fragrance Ingredients Bad?
Not all fragrance ingredients are "bad." In fact, if you are able to tolerate any and all the fragrance in your skincare, then it is alright for you to enjoy the product, especially if they work for you! Frangrance only becomes worrisome if the one who will use it has skin barrier issues or have very sensitive skin, in which case, she/he should opt for fragrance-free products.
More Tips From Dr. Aznaida
Fragrance can add to the uplifting sensation that skincare products can do for us. Some people consider their skincare routine "relaxing" and "spa time" or "get-away-from-troubles" time. In these cases, fragrance offers an additional happy and relaxed mood.
So remember, if fragrances in your skincare do not irritate your skin, stick with them. If they do irritate your skin, skip them and light a scented candle while you are doing that skincare relaxation time.
More Clean Skincare Products to Complete Your Regimen
Aside from fragrance-free products that offer a "cleaner" approach towards skin improvement, you can also indulge yourself with these skincare items to complete your skincare regimen. Check out the article links below to achieve the upgrade you desire!
Author: E. Hubilla
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Fragrance-Free Skincare Products
No. 1: Cetaphil｜Gentle Skin Cleanser
No. 2: Dear Klairs｜Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
No. 3: Cetaphil｜Sun SPF50+ Gel
No. 4: Aloe + Oat Milk｜Be Gentle, Be Kind Ultra Soothing Shampoo
No. 5: Clinique｜Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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