These days, there is a lot more talk about fragrance in skincare. Some "skinfluencers" like Hyram swear that all fragrance is bad and should be avoided. Others, likeLabmuffin Beauty Science, take a more balanced approached and claim that fragrance is fine for the vast majority of people.
No matter which side of the fence you sit on, there are now plenty of K-Beauty brands that create products just for you. These days, most K-Beauty products will have low levels of fragrance or be completely fragrance-free.
What is fragrance-free skincare?
It’s important to know what a skincare brand means when they’re advertising their products as fragrance-free.
If a product is considered fragrance-free, you would be safe to assume that it doesn’t contain any fragrances. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t find any fragrance in it.
Essential oils are a common replacement in many fragrance-free products that market themselves as not using "artificial" fragrances.
Similarly, if a skincare product marketed as ‘unscented’ this usually means that the product does not include strong scents. However, they might still use fragrance to mask the natural smell of the product.
If you are looking for truly fragrance free products because you are allergic to fragrance (approximately 2% of the general population) or have been advised to do so by your doctor, then read on.
We've rounded up the best Korean beauty products that contain zero artificial fragrance OR essential oils.
Dreaming of a soft cleanse that won't sensitize or irritate skin?
Meet your perfect match. 100% free from artificial fragrances, colours or essential oils this lightweight, ultra-versatile cleanser is perfect for everyday use.
Subi Brightening Powder Cleanser is a shapeshifter that does the work of several products in one. It cleanses, can even exfoliate and is perfect to leave the house and travel with.
WHY WE LOVE
1 Easier to travel with than liquid based cleansers (no mess and no cabin luggage restrictions)
2 Does the work of two products in one
Want a soft, gentle, every-day cleanse?Simply add more water and turn the powder into a fluffy cloud.
Wanting a gentle exfoliation? Go light on the water and leave it grittier.
3 Lasts far longer than typical liquid cleansers
4 Guarantees a brighter complexion, softer skin and a smoother texture
If you're in need of a moisturiser that doesn't contain any fragrance ingredients, then iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream is a good option.
While it's unlikely to be hydrating enough for drier skin types, it works well for oily and combination skin.
LikeiUNIK'sother minimalist skincare products, this beautiful moisturising gel is perfect for those looking for an effective, low-fuss skincare routine.
If you've got visible pores and congestion but are also allergic to fragrance it can be hard to find a face mask for your skin type. Thankfully, this face mask & brush kit has you sorted. Get ready for clearer, glowing, more radiant skin with fewer visible impurities in just 5 minutes:
Detoxifying
Skin Brightening
Pore Tightening
Texture Refining
This handy mask kit also doubles as a makeup primer, leaving your skin with a subtle holographic glow that's a perfect base for your makeup.
Unlike many other clay masks on the market, the formula contains zero fragrances or essential oils, which can irritate truly sensitive skin and rosacea. Instead, it contains Australian Kakadu Plum, Ceramides, Sodium Hyaluronate and Kaolin.
One Thing Centella Extract Toner extract is one of the most popular tonersin Korea at the moment. Not only does it contain the minimal amount of ingredients, it is jam-packed full of Centella asiatica. Thanks to its 100% vegan, cruelty free formula it is perfect for animal lovers.
One Thing's range of single extract toners are ideal for those looking for clean beauty products. They are ideal for those who love short ingredients lists. We love the Centella Extract Toner for those with sensitive skin or skin that has become sensitized.
This cult-favourite Kbeauty toner is free from both fragrance and essential oils, it contains minimal ingredients.
If you are in your teens or twenties and searching for a good fragrance free moisturiser than Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream (75ml) is ideal!
It is packed with goodness to promote wonderfully hydrated skin for younger skin types.
With an updated formula, this collagen moisturiser is now free of allergen fragrances and a smoother, creamier texture for ease of application. Furthermore, this facecreamnow contains more than 65 percent collagen.
Once applied, this cream provides hydration for over 12 hours, helping to soothe and nourish skin for deephydration. Additionally, the gel texture makes this moisturiser suitable all year round and is especially helpful for oily or combination skin.
It might not smell like cinnamon but this sugar scrub foam doesn't contain any additional fragrances!
Instead, it contains natural sugar extracts to refresh and smooth skin without irritation. Indulgent cleansing,? Yes, please!
2 Products in 1 - 100% Customizable
You choosebetween a foam cleanse or an exfoliationat every routine.
As a Cleanser: Dissolve the sugar crystals in your palms first, before applying the foam to a wet face. Voila - it's a regular cleanser!
As an Exfoliant: Apply the scrub to a damp face and gently massage it in. Voila - it exfoliates, dissolving the dirt and debris clogging pores. Watch it melt into a creamy foam that thoroughly cleanses.
1% of the profits from the sale of all of these products will go towards our pledge to 1% For the Planet. Share your love of beauty with the planet every time you shop at STYLE STORY.