Fluid activatable, multilayer adhesive compositions for use with liner-free labels, and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The compositions contain a functional layer, such as an adhesive layer, which is applied to the label and a barrier layer which is applied on top of the adhesive layer. The multilayer composition prevents the adhesive layer on the label from interacting with the face of an adjacent label, particularly when the labels are stored as coils or folded stacks.