Recommended Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic Moisturizer Brands
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends fragrance-free moisturizers with petrolatum or mineral oil as the most effective and least allergenic options for sensitive skin. 1
Key Characteristics of Recommended Moisturizers
- Choose moisturizers packaged in tubes rather than jars to prevent contamination from double-dipping 1
- Look for pocket-sized moisturizers for frequent reapplication throughout the day 1
- Select products devoid of allergenic surfactants, preservatives, fragrances, or dyes 1
- Prioritize products with added moisturizers for better skin barrier protection 1
Common Allergens to Avoid in Moisturizers
- Fragrance is the most common allergen found in 68% of moisturizers 2
- Parabens are present in 62% of moisturizer products 2
- Vitamin E is found in 55% of moisturizers 2
- Essential oils and biologic additives appear in 45% of products 2
- Propylene glycol and formaldehyde releasers each occur in about 20% of moisturizers 2
Application Recommendations
- Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or hand washing for maximum effectiveness 1
- Use a minimum of 2 fingertip units of moisturizer for each hand 1
- Spread evenly across the skin, between fingers, on cuticles, and fingertips 1
- Wait 1-3 minutes after application before resuming activities 1
- Reapply every 3-4 hours and after each hand washing 1
Specific Brand Recommendations Based on Hypoallergenic Properties
While product selection ultimately depends on user preference and tolerability 1, several brands have been clinically tested for hypoallergenic properties:
- Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Aveeno offer fragrance-free options, though they may contain some potential allergens 3
- Look for products specifically labeled as "fragrance-free" rather than "unscented" (which may still contain masking fragrances) 2
- Products containing hydrophobically modified polymers (HMPs) may provide better tolerability for sensitive skin 4
Special Considerations
- For use under medical gloves, avoid petroleum and mineral oil-based products as they can compromise glove integrity 1
- For nighttime intensive moisturizing, apply product followed by cotton or loose plastic gloves to create an occlusive barrier 1
- For recalcitrant hand dermatitis, seek dermatology consultation for patch testing to identify specific allergens 1
- Products labeled as "hypoallergenic" have no federal regulatory definition, so clinical testing is more reliable than marketing claims 5