The Best Fragrance-Free Sunscreens—Whether You're Allergic or Can't Stand Scent
The key to remembering to wear sunscreen every day? Use one that you actually like to wear. And everyone has their different preferences. Some people want a spray formula that's easy to apply and doesn't cause much mess. Others prefer a lightweight face sunscreen that can be worn with makeup. Some prioritize "clean" and mineral versions.
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).
For those of you who are in the no-fragrance camp, I'm on board with you. Partly because my sensitive skin can get irritated by certain scents and partly because I'd rather choose my own perfume to layer on. Since there are actually quite a few sunscreens out there that have fragrance (and you wouldn't really know until you read the bottle!), I've compiled a list of the best fragrance-free sunscreens I could find. Now there are no excuses for not wearing SPF.
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60
La Roche-Posay's sunscreen can be used on both the face and body. It's also formulated with a "Cell-Ox Shield," which means it has both UVA/UVB protection and antioxidant benefits.
2. Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Many dermatologists recommend Elta MD's sunscreens and it's not hard to see why. They're so effective and good for skin. This particular one contains sodium hyaluronate to moisturize and lactic acid to help clear pores and reduce shine.
3. Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
Folks with sensitive skin are going to love this spray. It's made with botanical ingredients and free of anything harsh. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
4. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Supergoop makes some of my favorite sunscreens because they're not too heavy and greasy. I actually want to wear them every single day. The Unseen Sunscreen is a weightless formula that also works as a primer.
5. Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Coola's unscented spray features a blend of red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract to protect against free radicals and leave the skin nourished.
6. Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
This is a great zinc mineral option—but don't worry, it won't leave any white cast, it's sheer. In addition to UVA/UVB protection, the formula contains water lily to calm the skin and sugarcane-derived squalane to lock in moisture.
7. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
Formulated for sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains 100% non-nano zinc for water- and sweat-resistant coverage. It's also reef-safe.
8. Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense
Kiehl's sunscreen also has anti-aging protection—it shields against free radicals and the other causes of early aging. The lightweight formula leaves a matte finish.
9. Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen
Versed's sunscreen has a peachy hue to neutralize any white cast, but it blends into the skin quite easily and naturally. The mineral sunscreen also includes blue-light protection.
10. SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
This lightweight and sheer sunscreen contains green tea extract to calm irritation and even out discoloration, plus caffeine to reduce inflammation and puffiness.
11. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+
Blue Lizard's mineral sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, reef-safe, and easy to apply. And the bottle itself is really cool—it changes colors if it's in harmful UV light.
12. Paula's Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
There are so many things to love about this sunscreen. Not only does it have UVA/UVB protection, but it also contains ingredients that will nourish the skin. They include resveratrol to calm and minimize redness; vitamin C to brighten; and willow bark and bisabolol to soothe irritation and redness.
13. Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
This 100% mineral sunscreen defends against UV rays, pollution, and blue light. It features skincare ingredients like bisabolol, allantoin, and niacinamide to soothe and calm the skin.
14. Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce for Sensitive Skin & Children
This is a sensitive skin version of Shiseido's popular Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion. It's mineral-based and free of fragrance, chemical sunscreen agents, alcohol, and parabens.
15. Coppertone Pure and Simple SPF 50
Coppertone's hypoallergenic, zinc oxide sunscreen also features nourishing extracts—tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus.
16. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
This sheer physical sunscreen is enriched with sunflower shoot extract, to neutralize free radicals; astaxanthin-rich algae extract to protect against oxidative damage; and raspberry seed oil for antioxidant benefits.
17. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
Made for the face and body, Neutrogena's Sensitive Skin sunscreen has the brand's "Purescreen Technology," which absorbs, reflects, and scatters dangerous sunrays.
Next, I Polled Derms on the Best SPFs For Acne-Prone Skin—These 14 are Winners
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.