3 Best Fragrance-Free and Non-Toxic Lotions for Dry Skin

I love a clean, fragrance-free lotion to support my skin’s health

Here are 3 of my recent go-to moisturizers that have earned a spot on my shelf 👏

Do any other women remember walking through the mall and smelling Bath and Body Works from around the corner? The scent would hit me like a wall and I would inevitably leave a few minutes later with a headache. Then I would use the products only to be left with dry, sensitive skin that was more irritated than anything.

But since those days, I have learned that I'd much rather ditch synthetic fragrances and slather up in quality products that nourish my skin holistically. A lot of people forget that your skin is the largest organ in your body-- and everything you put on it is absorbed into your bloodstream (good and bad). While our body can do an amazing job of filtering a lot of that stuff out, we live in an environment with a lot of junk. This can lead to an over-burdened body and subsequent symptoms.. To help mitigate those exposures, I try to opt for high-quality, all-natural alternatives for common beauty products. 

I've shared about some of my fave non-toxic makeup brands, deodorant, healthier cookware, and anti-aging skincare-- but I consistently hear one question from coaching clients. What are the best unscented lotions to add into my skincare routine? 

Here are some of the best fragrance-free lotions I've found (plus a few with all-natural fragrances in case you want a light scent that is naturally sourced).

Why Ditch Synthetic Fragrances?

Other than a sensitive nose and irritated skin, why do I avoid fragrant lotions (and as much artificial fragrance as I can)? Well, it has to do with synthetic chemicals and your overall toxin load and burden.

Artificial fragrances in lotions are more than just about scent-  they can have a profound impact on health. These fragrances are complex mixtures of various synthetic chemicals, some of which can be allergenic, hormone-disrupting, or potentially carcinogenic. Especially for young kids, those with sensitive skin, or when products are used frequently.

If you have sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, you may find that artificial fragrances exacerbate your skin irritation. And if you have a history of allergies or difficulties with breathing, that can also be exacerbated by these compounds. 

Currently, there are hundreds of chemical compounds that can fall under the term "fragrance" or "parfum" on an ingredient label. Some of these are natural scents, while some carry the potential concerns mentioned above. I never bring up these subjects to try and induce fear, but rather to raise awareness. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions and feel confident about the skincare products you purchase and use.

My Favorite Fragrance-Free lotions 

If you have read the blog for any length of time, you know I am all about having a few high-quality products that do. the. job.

I don't want a bunch of different products that kind of work, but products that are tried and true and I can confidently recommend. Cause they are just that good. So without further ado-- here are my faves! These are all products I have personally purchased multiple times. I've used them all on myself and my children, recommended them to friends in real life, and have purchased them for gifts multiple times. 

Primally Pure Baby Balm

One of the best fragrance-free moisturizers in my arsenal is a family-friendly product. Whether you are battling dry skin or a diaper rash, it's truly one of my favorites. I love it when I can purchase one product for my entire family-- it's a true sign that something is safe and healthy if it's gentle enough for newborn skin too. (You'll notice that that's a recurring theme with the other products on this list too- because if it's safe enough for my newborn, I'm a fan)

I love that this balm is rich in nourishing ingredients that support my skin barrier and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It's also a daily-use product for my daughter's eczema-prone skin 👏

Ingredient list:

Organic Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows - i've talked about tallow before on the blog and how it is such an amazing body moisturizer and natural skincare product. Rich in fatty acids, Vitamins A, D, E, and K, anti-inflammatory conjugated linoleic acid + antimicrobial palmitoleic acid. Since I have a history of acne-prone skin, I was always worried that using any tallow products would make me break out- but that hasn't been the case for me at all!

Organic Olive Oil

Emu Oil (AEA Certified) -highly anti-inflammatory, and penetrates deep beneath the surface of the skin to nourish and heal

Unrefined Beeswax

Organic Calendula Flower

Organic Marshmallow Root - nature’s answer for preventing stretch marks on growing bellies!

This is also one of my favorite brands for all-natural body washes, anti-aging face products, and non-toxic deodorant.

While I really love this product, it's a bit on the pricier side. I'll typically stock up while it's on sale, or rotate it out with some of the other products on this list. 

You can save 10% on your orders with the code KAELYN10 ✨

Butter Me Up Organics

Their Healing Body Cream is a rich cream/ body butter texture. It's the perfect choice for dry, itchy skin. I love putting this on at night before bed to let the nourishing shea and mango butter soak in overnight. Unlike the baby balm that absorbs quickly, this is more occlusive. 

Ingredient List:

Shea Butter* 

Mango Butter*

Beeswax

Grapeseed Oil

Vitamin E*
*certified organic

Magnesium Lotion- One of their other products that I love is the magnesium lotion. I rub some on my feet and legs as part of my holistic bedtime routine to help ensure deep, restorative sleep.

Aloe Tallow Lotion

I always love the opportunity to try new products that holistically support health and wellness. So when the team from Aloe Tallow offered for me to try their lotion, I was super excited!

With an ingredient list of only 8 ingredients total, I knew it would be something I was interested in trying!

I took a few weeks to try it out and see if it was a good fit, and here are some of the things I loved:

• With a lot of tallow products, you get a thick, cream consistency. While that isn’t bad, sometimes I prefer the thinner, lotion consistency. This lotion comes with a pump and is very lightweight, which I love, especially for applying to wiggly kiddos after the bath 😅

• Again, the ingredient list is great: USA grass-fed tallow, cold-pressed aloe gel, coconut oil, shea butter, carrot seed hydrate, glycerin, emulsifying wax, and phenoxyethanol (a preservative that keeps the product stable and safe). Some people get a little weird with the idea of preservatives, but I appreciate that this can keep the product quality while still being safe. The EWG rates this preservative between a 2 and a 4, depending on use. Aloe Tallow uses 50% of the industry maximum, ensuring it’s safe 👏

• Super hydrating— whether you’re hoping to support your overall skin health, moisturize dry skin, or help to support skin issues like keratosis pilaris, Aloe Tallow was very hydrating. Not just after I used it, but for the days to come!

• Gently— both my kiddos have struggled with occasional eczema flare-ups since they were little. Any parent in a similar situation knows that struggle of finding a supportive lotion that doesn’t sting and is easy to apply. Aloe Tallow wins with both!

Final Thoughts

Finding high-quality skin and body products can be quite the feat. Especially when you are trying to opt for healthier options, avoid synthetic fragrances, or prioritize quality ingredients.

That is why I love sharing my favorites finds, to hopefully help you feel confident shopping for healthier options.

What are some of your favorite non-toxic lotions and moisturizers? I’d love to hear from you!

Kaelyn

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