Top Fragrance-Free Sunscreens & SPF Products

Growing up, summer was synonymous with the sweet smell of coconut sunscreen. But, since developing a fragrance allergy my relationship with SPF has significantly changed, for obvious reasons: gone are the days of stopping by my local drugstore and picking up whatever brand of ultra-fragrant sunscreen they had available – without a second thought. 

My SPF products were among the first beauty items I had to toss out when I was diagnosed, and they have proven to be the hardest step in my morning routine to replace. I’m not exaggerating when I say the options for good fragrance-free sunscreens are few and far between. 

If you’re in the same boat, don’t fret! I’ve tried my fair share of fragrance-free SPF products over the years, and today, I’m sharing all of my faves to help get you through this oh-so-hot summer, and every season after – because, spoiler alert: you should protect your skin every single day, and not just during the sunny months. 

Keep reading to discover my go-to SPF products that I can’t live without, along with a few handy application tips for the trickier solutions. 

Face: Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sure, there are a number of brands that offer fragrance-free sunscreen alternatives, however finding one that doesn’t leave a white cast, isn’t super oily, and creates a good base for makeup is harder than it seems. But dare I say, I’ve finally found my perfect match.

Be warned: when I first picked up a bottle of Clinique’s Pep-Start Daily UV Protector, I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t a fan. It missed the mark on all fronts (it felt oily and left a white cast). I came so close to throwing the entire bottle out, but a voice inside me urged me to hold onto it while I searched for a new daily sunscreen to try, and I’m so glad I did. This gave me the time I needed to familiarize myself with the product – and with every application, I slowly realized the sunscreen wasn’t the problem, I was (or rather my application process was). 

Through a whole lot of this trial and error, I learned that implementing these two simple practices brought out the best in this daily sunscreen: 

Start small, and build:

• When it comes to sunscreen, it’s easy to slap on a lot of product all at once – which makes sense, we want to make sure our skin is protected. However, this can leave your face feeling sticky and heavy. Instead, start with a small amount of product, and continue to build as needed. I find that this thoughtful method helps me use just the right amount of product – enough to protect my skin, but not so much that my face feels oily to the touch.

Wait a hot sec:

• At first, this product does leave the slightest of white casts. Not to worry though; after just a few patient moments, it does fade away. So if you’re wearing a full face that day, I suggest giving the product a few minutes to settle and absorb into your skin before hitting your beauty bag.

In short, when applied correctly, this product creates a moisturized, dewy base for makeup (and you know how much I love the natural, ‘no-makeup-makeup’ look).

Product indicated as fragrance-free here. 

On-the-go: Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder, Translucent SPF 45

Applying sunscreen in the AM is only half the battle; it’s important, if not just as important, to re-apply throughout the day to protect your skin. If you – like me – constantly find yourself forgetting this crucial step (oops!), then listen up because this next one is a serious game-changer.

Supergoop!’s Invincible Setting Powder is unlike any SPF product I’ve had the pleasure of using before, the main differencing being it’s powder-based. This mess-free and stress-free formula is easy to apply on top of existing makeup (AKA, perfect for a mid-day touch up) and even helps eliminate unwanted shine or oil buildup throughout the day – all while protecting your face. 

Another huge bonus: this product comes in a compact tube that’s easy to pop into your purse for on-the-go use – ideal for the busy boss babe who’s always on the run.

Product indicated as fragrance-free here. 

Body: Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 30

When I initially picked up a bottle of Eucerine’s Daily Protection Face Lotion, I used it as the label indicated: as a face sunscreen. Suffice it to say, this was another product that was not ‘love at first application’. I found that this formula was slightly too heavy for my face, and after a few weeks of giving it a try, it even started to break me out.

Never wanting to waste product, I decided to try using this as a body sunscreen instead – and that’s when I fell head-over-heels. Its thicker consistency worked wonders for my skin – it left my shoulders, arms, and legs moisturized and enriched without feeling greasy (unlike many other traditional sunscreens).  

Product indicated as fragrance-free here.

Lips: Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect, Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Don’t forget your lips! Our lips are sensitive and highly susceptible to sun exposure, yet this is an area of the face that many forget to protect.

If you’re looking to give your lips a little extra love, attention and most importantly protection, I highly recommend Aquaphor. This balm leaves lips feeling soothed and hydrated, all with the added punch of broad spectrum SPF 30 – win-win! You can wear this as a nourishing base underneath your favorite lip color, or on its own to give your puckers a healthy dose of dew for a more natural, radiant look. 

Quick tip: when using this product under a lippie, wait a few minutes for the product to absorb before layering on your go-to hue – I find this helps prevent smudging while applying. 

Product indicated as fragrance-free here.

What’s your favorite fragrance-free SPF product? Share yours in the comments below. 

DISCLAIMER

I am not a doctor or a health expert. The products I highlight as fragrance-free are products that work for me – meaning they have not irritated my skin or caused me to have an allergic reaction. My fragrance allergy may be different from yours, and these products may or may not work for you. Please make sure to consult a dermatologist.

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Images by: Erica Dawn