Which gel moisturizer is fragrance free?

What does the CeraVe gel offer?

The formula contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, dimethicone and three ceramides. CeraVe describes a lightweight, fast absorbing texture that provides lasting hydration and layers under makeup and sunscreen. A gel is a moisturizer, not a serum, even if the bottles look ready to swap jobs. Serums are targeted treatments applied before moisturizer.1

Choose the product named Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel, rather than Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. The gel and the lotion are different products, because even a short shopping list apparently needs a naming department. Check the ingredient list on your package: CeraVe updates its formulas regularly.1

How do you use it?

1. 1Cleanse your skin.
2. 2Apply any facial serum before moisturizer.
3. 3Apply the gel liberally to your face and neck. CeraVe directs morning and nighttime use after cleansing, or use as directed by your physician.
4. 4Follow with a broad spectrum sunscreen in the morning.

Avoid direct contact with your eyes. If the gel gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.1

Should you apply moisturizer to damp skin?

As general moisturizing guidance, apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp after washing. After a shower, pat dry gently and aim to moisturize within three minutes. Moisturizer helps trap that water in your skin and maintain the skin barrier, the protective outer layer that keeps moisture in. Rubbing vigorously with a towel can create dryness.23

Keep washing gentle, too. Hot water and harsh or scented soaps can contribute to dryness and irritation. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser rather than trying to compensate for a drying wash with more moisturizer.23

Does fragrance free mean it cannot irritate?

No. Added fragrance can cause irritation and allergic reactions, but fragrance is not the only possible cause of a reaction to skincare. Allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin inflammation caused by contact with an allergen, can also come from other ingredients. Irritation and allergy are different problems, so a reaction does not identify the culprit by itself.24

If you have a known fragrance allergy, check labels rather than relying on how a product smells. An "unscented" product can contain masking fragrances. Botanical, herbal or natural ingredients can also include unidentified fragrance. Fragrances can come from natural extracts or be made synthetically; natural origin does not remove the allergy concern. Avoid unlabelled products and ingredients you already know cause a reaction.4

What if you have reacted to moisturizers before?

For people with fragrance allergy, an open application test can help screen a new product: apply a dot to the same area of the forearm or inner upper arm twice daily for two weeks. Do not use the product if a rash develops. Fragrance allergy reactions can take hours to days to appear. An itchy, scaly rash, swelling, burning or stinging warrants attention rather than repeated exposure. A dermatologist can investigate suspected allergy with patch testing to identify what you need to avoid.4

When should you choose a cream instead?

If you have dyshidrotic eczema, which affects the hands or feet, choose a fragrance free cream or ointment rather than making gel texture your priority. Moisturize after washing and whenever your skin feels dry. Lotions can worsen this type of eczema because they contain too much water. If you cannot identify what irritates your skin, a dermatologist can help investigate the trigger.5