There are few things less annoying than putting something on your face that's suppose to benefit your skin, just to have your complexion become red and irritated. If your sensitive skin has been freaking out lately (or always), it might be time to consider removing fragrance from your skincare routine. Fortunately, there are many moisturizers available that are still made with hydrating ingredients but are designed to be gentle enough for even the most delicate and easy-to-upset skin.
Ahead you'll find the best options for your delicate complexion so you can hydrate without worry of breakouts, redness, or another uncomfortable side effect. Plus, if you're someone with a sensitive nose, these options are great for you too. Keep on reading to shop our picks.
— Additional reporting by Sarah Siegel
This Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer ($68) is lightweight but super hydrating. It's an editor favorite, and feels just thick enough to deeply moisturize while still light enough not to clog pores. It's a moisturizer for everyone.
If you have oily or combination skin, this Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer ($65) is a great option. Customers love that it's hydrating and not mattifying; it still gives a good glow.
This Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion ($60) is lightweight, but packs a major dose of hydration. If you've got dehydrated skin, look no further.
If you've got dry skin, this Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer ($42) is a great pick. Use it at nighttime, and wake up feeling, and looking, refreshed.
Looking for a lightweight option that will still keep your skin hydrated in the long-term? The BeautyCounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion ($49) is your best bet. It will keep you soft for 24 hours without you ever feeling greasy.
When you need a reliable, non-irritating product, look for a brand like CeraVe that makes an entire line of them. The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 ($13, originally $19) has all the good stuff you want (like ceramides and SPF) without the stuff your skin rejects completely (like fragrances and oil).
The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair BarriAIR Cream ($30) has a cult following for good reason. Those with normal to combination skin adore its cream-to-foam consistency and ceramide-, oxygen-, and hyaluronic acid-packed lineup of good-for-you ingredients.
Amazon's newest skincare line, Belei, offers a great Oil-Free Face Moisturizer with UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen ($11, originally $18) that's dermatologist-tested and completely cruelty-free. Another perk? It's available on Prime, so it will arrive at your doorstep in no time.
Leave it to Cetaphil to create a practical and no-frills product that will get the job done. TheDaily Hydrating Lotion ($15) does it all: hydrates, protects, and leaves the irritating fragrances out of it.
The Olay Total Effects Whip Facial Lotion with SPF 25 ($21, originally $29) is deeply hydrating without feeling the least bit heavy. It absorbs quickly into your skin and even contains SPF for added skincare benefits.
You can't go wrong using the Vanicream Lite Lotion Pump For Sensitive Skin ($13). It means business when it omits common irritants like dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde so you can apply it from head to toe.
You'll love the vitamin-packed Sebamed Fragrance-Free Hydrating Face Cream Moisturizer ($19). Its thoughtful formulation leaves out mineral oils, silicones, and dye, so sign us up.
Jessica Alba left fragrance out of her Honest Purely Simple Hypoallergenic Face and Body Lotion ($9) and added in hydrating olive, shea, jojoba and safflower oils. You'll stay moisturized without feeling greasy thanks to how fast the formula absorbs into skin.
The universally loved Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer ($32) keeps skin hydrated throughout the day and is never tested on animals. It's a win-win!
Get your daily dose of hyualuronic acid without irritants by using the popular Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ($15, originally $19). Before you know it, your flaky skin will be history.
If it's safe enough for a baby, you can bet the Mustela Soothing Moisturizing Cream ($12) won't hurt your skin. Plus, you can share it with your kid!
An oldie but a goodie, you can rely on the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ ($28) to improve your skin texture without giving you redness. The lightweight cream is also suitable for all skin types.