The Best Unscented Sunscreenof 2025
Let’s be honest, finding a good sunscreen is hard enough, but when you add “unscented” to your search criteria? It feels nearly impossible! If you’ve got sensitive skin or just hate that typical sunscreen smell (you know the one I’m talking about), you’ve probably spent way too much time reading ingredient labels and feeling frustrated.
I’ve been there too! As someone whose skin freaks out at the slightest hint of fragrance, I’ve spent years testing sunscreens that claim to be unscented but still somehow leave me smelling like a tropical vacation I never asked for. But don’t worry – I’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the 5 best truly unscented sunscreens that actually deliver on their promises.
Best Unscented Sunscreen:
Here’s What You Need to Know
Why Go Unscented?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why you might want to skip the fragrance in your sun protection. Fragrance isn’t just about the smell – it’s actually one of the most common skin irritants out there. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, added fragrances are among the leading causes of allergic contact dermatitis. If you’ve ever slathered on sunscreen only to end up with red, itchy skin, the fragrance might be the culprit.
Plus, if you’re like me and get headaches from strong scents, an unscented option can make beach days and outdoor activities so much more enjoyable. Who needs to smell like a coconut when you’re already drinking from one, right?
What to Look for in Unscented Sunscreens
When shopping for an unscented sunscreen, it’s not enough to just look for the word “unscented” on the label. You’ll want to check the ingredient list for anything listed as “fragrance,” “parfum,” or “natural fragrance” – these are all red flags for sensitive skin.
Also, remember that “unscented” and “fragrance-free” can mean different things. Some “unscented” products actually contain masking fragrances to cover up the natural smell of the ingredients. For truly sensitive skin, you want something labeled “fragrance-free” that doesn’t include any fragrance ingredients at all.
5 Best Unscented Sunscreens
Sky and Sol Sunscreen
If you’re looking for the best unscented sunscreen that feels like luxury skincare, Sky and Sol is your new best friend. This mineral sunscreen goes on so smoothly, you’ll forget you’re wearing sun protection at all. It blends into the skin with minimal effort and doesn’t leave that dreaded white cast that many mineral sunscreens are known for.
What impresses me most about Sky and Sol is how lightweight it feels while still offering serious protection. The formula contains zinc oxide but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. It’s perfect for everyday wear under makeup or on its own.
This sunscreen is truly fragrance-free – no masking scents or “natural” fragrances hiding in the ingredient list. It’s also free from parabens and other common irritants, making it ideal for those with reactive skin. The formula includes soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, which actually help calm sensitive skin while protecting it.
My only complaint? The price point is a bit higher than some drugstore options, but for the quality and peace of mind it gives my sensitive skin, I think it’s worth every penny.
Available at Amazon ($36)
Standard Procedure Sunscreen
Standard Procedure has created what might be the perfect unscented mineral sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen. The texture is incredible – it feels more like a premium moisturizer than a sun protection product. It absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue, and works beautifully under makeup without pilling.
This formula uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, and I love that it’s truly unscented without any artificial masking agents. The minimal ingredient list is a huge plus for those of us who react to everything – there’s nothing unnecessary in the bottle.
Standard Procedure also gets major points for being reef-safe and environmentally conscious with their packaging. The bottle is made from post-consumer recycled materials, so you can feel good about your purchase in more ways than one.
It’s a bit pricier than some options on this list, but a little goes a long way. I’ve found that one bottle lasts me months, even with daily application, so the cost per use is actually quite reasonable.
Available at Amazon ($29)
Neutrogena Face Sunscreen
Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you – Neutrogena’s unscented face sunscreen delivers premium performance without breaking the bank. This is my go-to recommendation for friends who are new to daily sunscreen use because it’s accessible, effective, and genuinely unscented.
The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy film, making it perfect for all skin types, including oily and combination skin. It plays well with other skincare products and makeup, and I’ve never experienced pilling or separation even on my most complicated skincare days.
I appreciate that Neutrogena offers broad-spectrum protection while remaining truly fragrance-free. The formula is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. It’s been dermatologist-tested specifically for sensitive skin, which gives me extra confidence in recommending it.
The only downside is that it contains chemical sunscreen filters rather than mineral ones, so if you prefer to avoid chemical filters, you might want to choose another option from this list. However, these ingredients have been thoroughly tested and are generally well-tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Available at Amazon ($12)
Roe Wellness Sunscreen
Roe Wellness has created an unscented sunscreen that feels like a treat for your skin. This mineral formula contains zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection but doesn’t feel thick or chalky like many mineral options. It blends beautifully into all skin tones without leaving a white cast, which is quite an achievement for a mineral sunscreen!
What sets Roe Wellness apart is their commitment to skin-nourishing ingredients alongside sun protection. The formula includes hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, and antioxidants to fight free radical damage. It’s like getting a treatment serum and sun protection in one product.
The sunscreen is completely fragrance-free and also avoids other common irritants like parabens, sulfates, and drying alcohols. It’s gentle enough for daily use even on the most reactive skin, and I’ve found it actually helps calm my redness over time rather than triggering more sensitivity.
While this isn’t the cheapest option out there, the added skincare benefits make it worth the investment. I consider it one of the best unscented sunscreen and part of my skincare routine rather than just sun protection, which helps justify the price.
Available at Amazon ($23)
Solimo Sunscreen
Amazon’s house brand Solimo has created an unscented sunscreen that punches way above its weight class in terms of quality. This budget-friendly option delivers impressive performance at a fraction of the cost of some specialty brands.
The formula is surprisingly elegant for the price point – it absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy, and provides reliable broad-spectrum protection. While it’s not the most cosmetically elegant option on this list, it gets the job done without irritating sensitive skin or leaving a strong scent behind.
I love that this sunscreen is truly fragrance-free and also avoids other common irritants. It’s been dermatologist-tested and is suitable for sensitive skin types. The formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for active days when you’ll be sweating or swimming.
At this price point, you can afford to be generous with application and reapplication, which is actually how sunscreen is meant to be used for optimal protection. The value factor here is off the charts, especially for families that go through a lot of sunscreen during summer months.
Available at Amazon ($5)
Final Thoughts on The Best Unscented Sunscreen
Finding the perfect unscented sunscreen doesn’t have to be a struggle. Whether you’re dealing with sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, or just prefer to skip the tropical scent, there’s an option on this list that will work for you.
Remember, the best sunscreen is always the one you’ll actually use consistently. If fragrance has been keeping you from applying sunscreen daily, switching to one of these unscented options might be the game-changer your skincare routine needs.
And let’s not forget – unscented doesn’t mean ineffective! All of these options provide excellent broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which is crucial for preventing both skin cancer and premature aging. Your future self will thank you for finding a sunscreen you love enough to wear every single day, fragrance-free and fabulous!
