Summer is here, and we’ve tested numerous sunscreens to find the best fragrance-free sunscreens for sensitive skin. In the past several months, we have slathered on sunscreen after sunscreen and weeded out the bad from the good ones. The increasing awareness of the harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin has led to the widespread use of sunscreens. These protective products shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. However, an often overlooked aspect of sunscreen selection is the presence of fragrances in these products. How sunscreens work American Dermatology Association (ADA) recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, while UVA rays can prematurely age the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays can contribute to skin cancer. What does SPF mean in sunscreen? Chemical Interactions: Fragrances in sunscreens may react with other chemical compounds in the composition, affecting their stability and potentially decreasing UV protection efficiency. This may result in inadequate sun protection, leaving the skin prone to sunburn and skin damage. Finally, the Alba Botanica Fragrance-Free Sunscreen is one of the cheapest per ounce and longest-lasting.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense Sunscreen SPF 30: A sheer physical sunscreen that delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and has ingredients like astaxanthin, grape juice, and sunflower shoot extract, to minimize the appearance of photoaging skin. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing and totally free of fragrance and essential oils, suitable for all skin tones and types. Suncros Tint Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus Gel: Price: INR 795. It claims to be free from chemical sunscreen agents with UVA, UVB, and visible light protection. It is also water resistant and there’s no added fragrance in the ingredients list. Reduced Skin Irritation: Fragrance-free sunscreens are less likely to irritate the skin, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin or who are prone to allergic reactions. Removing fragrance ingredients dramatically reduces the likelihood of unpleasant skin reactions.Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen: It is one of the most popular sunscreens which is also mineral based and made without parabens, fragrances, or any other known irritants, also water-resistant. SPF is a numerical grade that indicates how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. It compares how long you can stay in the sun without burning to not using sunscreen. Higher SPF numbers provide more protection.

We like that the sunscreen spray doesn’t contain any oxybenzone or octinoxate and that it is also Leaping Bunny Certified (an internationally recognized symbol for cruelty-free products). It’s affordable, and even though it’s not the very cheapest fragrance-free sunscreen per ounce, it is the best! A preference that can be divisive when it comes to sunscreen is the fragrance vs. no fragrance debate. There are sunscreens that are formulated to smell like you're on a tropical island—with scents of coconut, banana, and flowers. And some people really love when their sunscreen can double as a daily fragrance. And then there are the people who want to avoid fragrance at all costs, either because they're allergic to it or because it's just irritating to their noses (or both).We’ve tested all sunscreens against the hot southern California sun of San Diego throughout the day (and even tested in neighboring and hotter Arizona). Keep reading to learn which of the many sunscreens we tested made it onto the list of the best fragrance-free sunscreens in 2023! All the fragrance-free sunscreens we’ve tested in 2023 Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+ for Sensitive Skin: It’s a mineral-based physical sunscreen with zinc oxide and a gentle formula that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.