All CeraVe products are fragrance-free. They have been created and tested by dermatologists to make the formulas comforting and non-aggravating for the skin.
The brand does not use any added chemicals, oils, extracts, or masking ingredients at all. CeraVe provides full disclosure of the ingredients they use.
This makes the process transparent for the buyer, whereas, in the case of fragranced products, there is no public disclosure requirement. So customers can select their products without fear of any unexpected allergy due to ingredients in fragrances that are undisclosed and unregulated.
Table of Contents
Do CeraVe products have fragrance?
CeraVe provides a range of products for face and body application, along with baby products. These are all free of fragrance and contain no added scents. The following CeraVe products do not contain fragrance
CeraVe Facial Products
- Acne Control Gel
- Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
- Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
- Skin Renewing Day Cream
- Eye Repair Cream
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Acne Control Cleanser
- Renewing SA Cleanser
- Hydrating Micellar Water
- Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Resurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe Body Products
- SA Cleanser Bar for Rough and Bumpy Skin
- Soothing Body Wash
- Psoriasis Cleanser
- Healing Ointment
- Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream
- Eczema Relief Creamy Oils
- Diabetics Dry Skin Relief Moisturizing cream
- Therapeutic Hand Cream
- Foaming Cleanser Bar
CeraVe Baby Products
- Baby Wash and Shampoo
- Baby Sunscreen Lotion
- Baby Healing Ointment
- Baby Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Sunscreens
- Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF-30
- Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF-30 Body Lotion
- Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF-50 Body Lotion
- Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF-30 Face Sheer Tint
- Mineral Sunscreen Stick
All these categories are formulated without any added fragrance ingredients, be they added perfume or essential oils. This is because added fragrances can have adverse impacts on all areas of the body.
Can Fragrance negatively affect me or my baby?
Acne breakouts
Whether you have normal, dry, sensitive, or oily skin, fragrances can cause problems. It can worsen acne breakouts, dehydrate skin, aggravate eczema or psoriasis, and clog pores.
It can also cause allergies and reactions like hives or rashes depending on the fragrance components. If you experience any inflammation or redness, it could be an immune response to a fragrance ingredient.
Stinging in Eyes
Facial products also include eye repair or under-eye creams. These are applied very close to the eyes and on very delicate skin. Fragrances in such products can cause stinging and burning sensations if they enter the eyes accidentally.
The ocular tolerance of most fragrances is quite low. You may notice redness, watering, and swelling in such cases.
Stuffiness and allergies in the nose
Although the products aren’t used inside your nose, unless you poke it by mistake, fragrances can cause problems. They cause stuffiness, allergies, migraines, and worsen conditions like asthma.
It does not matter how nice the creams smell; they can cause nasal irritation and blockage just the same. It can also trigger nausea and breathing difficulties.
Body acne
Many people have skin on their back and torso that are vulnerable to acne. Using products with fragrance will aggravate the condition, leaving marks and blemishes. It may also cause skin discoloration, patches, and contact dermatitis.
Too much irritation can also lead to the skin’s natural collagen barrier breaking down gradually. In products like sunscreen, added fragrances cause itching and redness.
The fragrance alters the delicate pH balance of the skin and can actually work against you. That’s certainly not what you need when protecting yourself from UVA/UVB rays.
Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
Young infant skin is much more fragile and prone to external stress. Using products with fragrance is not suitable, as it could trigger allergies or immune reactions. Depending on the composition, fragrances can also be toxic if they contain phthalates.
Phthalates have been linked to developmental and cognitive issues, along with hormone imbalance. Inhaling fragrances from cosmetic sources can also cause chest tightness, dizziness, and disorientation in small children.
The gentlest formulas do away with added fragrances.
CeraVe also offers medicated ointments, creams, and serums within these categories. Fragrances are avoided in such medicinal products because they can reverse the healing effect. For example, eczema creams are used to moisturize and prevent cracks.
Added fragrances could dry out and irritate the skin, causing severe flare-ups. Fragrances will generally retard the healing, reparative, and restorative process, especially for sensitive skin prone to breakouts. So they are better avoided for such purposes.
For example, diabetics are prone to cracks in their skin, especially along the soles of their feet. Using a cream with fragrance can increase the cracks and scaliness.
References:
- https://www.cerave.com/skincare
- https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/non-comedogenic-fragrance-free-and-allergy-tested-explained
- Does Glossier Skincare Have Fragrance? - October 21, 2022
- Is Aveeno Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
- Is Acure Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022