The Best Products and Practices for Sensitive Skin, According to a Dermatologist
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Wouldn’t it be nice to try the latest trending face mask without fear of your skin reacting to it? If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition like eczema, rosacea or persistent acne, trying new products often feels like a gamble. As someone who's had sensitive skin for most of my life, I've put together a list of nine tried-and-true skincare products that are specifically formulated to soothe even the most reactive complexions (that I can personally vouch for) and I consulted a board-certified dermatologist for some additional guidance on what to look for and avoid in products.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC and founder of science-backed skincare line, Dr. Idriss. After graduating magna cum laude from the seven-year Medical Honors Program at The George Washington University, Dr. Idriss completed a research fellowship at Harvard University, and finalized her dermatology training at Tufts Medical Center in Boston before relocating to New York City. Dr. Idriss is currently a Clinical Instructor in Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and before that she was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at NYU. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Dermatologic Society of Greater New York and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
The 14 Best Face Cleansers for Sensitive Skin, Vetted by Experts
First, How Do You Know If You Have Sensitive Skin?
"Identifying sensitive skin can be tricky, but there are some common signs that can help you figure it out," says Dr. Idriss. "If your skin often looks red and blotchy, you’re sensitive to environmental factors or you can’t tolerate fragrance in your skincare products, chances are you have sensitive skin," she explains.
Another thing to note: People who have eczema or rosacea have a compromised skin barrier, which is a sign of sensitive skin. This type of skin is often inflamed, red and easily irritated.
The 10 Best Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin At a Glance
1. La Roche-Posay Ultra Micellar Cleansing Water
Do makeup removers labeled as “sensitive” still sting the delicate skin around your eyes? If so, this micellar water will be your saving grace. It’s the perfect first step in a double-cleanse routine because it gently removes sunscreen and makeup without stinging your eyes or stripping the skin, thanks to its gentle, allergy-tested formula. You can also use it on its own to lightly cleanse your face in the mornings or on days when you haven't really left the house.
2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This derm-approved brand is popular amongst sensitive skin types because each product is fragrance-free and formulated with their signature blend of hydrating ceramides. This particular cleanser gained cult status a couple of years back, when skincare influencer Hyram raved about it in a number of his YouTube videos. Personally, I love the creamy, lotion-like formula because it cleans my skin without ever leaving it feeling dry or tight.
3. Bubble Bounce Back Balancing Toner Mist
Does your skin ever need a mid-day refresh? I like to spritz on this toner from Bubble because it instantly resets my complexion with its unique blend of sea water, sodium PCA and willow bark extract. These ingredients also calm redness and boost moisture levels in your skin, so you can throw it in your bag to glow on-the-go.
4. Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief
This gentle serum from Krave Beauty is a longtime favorite of mine because it helps calm any sensitivity and inflammation related to acne or eczema flareups. The proprietary blend features nourishing tamanu oil and niacinamide to soothe irritation and restore damage to your skin barrier. (Hence, the cute name.) Great barrier relief also has safflower and rosehip oils in it to visibly calm redness and nourish dry skin.
5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
This moisturizing cream is a go-to pick for pretty much anyone with sensitive skin—including me. It contains soothing colloidal oatmeal, calming allantoin and moisturizing shea butter to nourish parched skin and leave it feeling smooth and hydrated without feeling excessively heavy or greasy.
6. Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil
Blessed with sensitive skin and recurring breakouts? (Same!) This luxurious oil is about to become your new best friend. The star ingredient is blue tansy, an anti-inflammatory essential oil that reduces redness and clarifies pores. Simply press a few drops onto your face and neck as a finishing step of your nighttime routine. Plus, the deep blue bottle looks absolutely stunning on your vanity.
7. Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
Sunscreen is an essential step in every skincare routine. And if you have sensitive skin, a mineral sunscreen is your best bet (chemical SPFs can potentially cause irritation). This pick from Clinique is one of my favorites because it blends in seamlessly and imparts a luminous glow onto the skin.
8. Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
The classic Dove beauty bar has been a shower staple for many years. This version is formulated with the same ¼ moisturizing cream to deeply hydrate and gently cleanse your body but is completely fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to be safe for those with sensitive skin.
9. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
If you have dry skin, it’s likely that this staple from Cetaphil already has a spot on your vanity. Thanks to its rich blend of glycerin, niacinamide and vitamin E, the velvety cream nourishes itchy, dry skin from tip to toe for a full 48 hours. From dry patches on my cheeks to rough heels, I use this stuff everywhere.
How to Shop for Sensitive Skin Products
"If you have sensitive skin, you want to look for products that are gentle, fragrance-free and even hypoallergenic," says Dr. Idriss. "And if you need help building an appropriate skincare routine for your skin and you don’t know where to start—or you’ve tried navigating skin concerns on your own, but haven’t been successful in the process, it's always a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist for guidance."
Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
Again, because it bears repeating: If you have sensitive skin, first look for products that are labeled gentle, fragrance-free and even hypoallergenic. As for specific ingredients that might help, a few include:
Ingredients to Be Cautious About If You Have Sensitive Skin
"Exfoliating acids and retinol can be tricky if you have sensitive skin, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid them," shares Dr. Idriss. "The key is to go low and slow. PHAs or polyhydroxy acids are best suited for sensitive skin (as opposed to stronger AHAs and BHAs). As for retinol, if your skin can tolerate it, look towards the gentlest retinol at the lowest percent over the counter. You can also buffer this step in your routine by applying it after your serum and moisturizer," she adds.
Finally, some parting advice from Dr. Idriss that always applies when it comes to trying out new products, but especially if you have sensitive skin: Approach cautiously and as always patch test first!
