The 15 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, Vetted by a Dermatologist
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If you have sensitive skin, chances are you know all about the never-ending struggle to find products that not only (1.) leave your skin irritation-free but (2.) actually work. Good news is, we’re not going to let you and your delicate complexion settle for mediocre moisturizers—because “gentle” doesn’t have to mean “ineffective.”
Since we know you’ve likely already searched the Internet high and low for answers, we called in an expert—one whose Harvard education, board certification and celebrity dermatology background most certainly rivals Google—giving you instant access to the 15 best moisturizers for sensitive skin (starting at just $10).
The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
Meet the Expert
Dr. Kim Nichols is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, SkinLab by NicholsMD and NicholsMD of Fairfield. After graduating cum laude from Harvard University), she attended New York University School of Medicine, then completed her dermatology residency at King-Drew/Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. When she’s not in the office, she trains other derms and plastic surgeons across the United States in advanced injectable techniques.
Ingredients to Seek vs. Skip for Sensitive Skin
According to Dr. Nichols, sensitive skin-havers should seek a moisturizer that’s rich in ultra-hydrating, gentle and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide. On the other hand, you’ll probably want to steer clear of common AHAs and BHAs like salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids, which tend to irritate sensitive skin.
How We Chose the Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
Using Dr. Nichols’ expertise as our North Star, we searched extensively for moisturizers formulated with gentle and nourishing ingredients. Then, we vetted the ratings to ensure each one had overwhelmingly positive reviews to back the product’s claims. And, since the proof is in the pudding, if they had clinical results or before and after pictures, we checked those out, too.
Now that we’ve got that covered, read on for our top moisturizer picks for sensitive skin, starting with two of Dr. Nichols’ personal recommendations.
1. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
“For patients looking for a versatile product, I recommend this luxe moisturizer,” Dr. Nichols shares, adding that “it’s formulated with a patented ratio of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids to not only repair skin’s barrier but also improve the appearance of skin’s texture, laxity and brightness.” Though the price tag is steeper, this patented, dermatologist-approved pick is backed by more than 2,700 five-star reviews that confirm it’s worth every penny.
2. Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Cream
Another recommendation courtesy of Dr. Nichols is this significantly more affordable cream from Eucerin. For under $15 (or even $10, depending on where you buy it), it’ll deliver 24-hour hydration while relieving itches, irritation, and other skin conditions like eczema (thanks to naturally soothing oatmeal). In fact, one customer with eczema shared that it’s “the only lotion that’s healed my skin.” Bonus: It can be used all over.
3. CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer
Another affordable option that’s specifically meant for your face is this weightless gel cream that checks off several boxes for nourishing ingredients recommended by Dr. Nichols. Formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it immediately delivers and retains hydration while helping to restore the skin’s protective barrier.
4. Reflekt 3 Power Peptide Sculpting Face Cream
Powered by intense hydrators—like polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid and squalane—this lightweight, fast-absorbing face cream firms, replenishes and moisturizes to leave skin soft, supple and renewed. One reviewer shared that her problematic, sensitive skin makes it difficult to find a moisturizer that doesn’t leave her skin oily or broken out. “This cream somehow moisturizes, gives me a perfect glow and controls my oil … When it ran out, I noticed a difference in my skin.”
5. Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Barrier Repair Nourishing Moisturizer
Even those with the most sensitive skin can rely on this velvety-rich, science-backed cream. Designed with peptides, ceramides and mushroom extract (without any of the 26 known allergens), it targets and improves the look of redness while protecting skin’s moisture barrier for a healthy, conditioned and soothed complexion. Plus, reviewers love how quickly they see results—some reporting an instant glow and others seeing results in just a few days.
6. Dr. Loretta Anti-Aging Repair Moisturizer
The word “anti-aging” may be a jump scare for those with sensitive skin who’ve had a hard time finding a formula that doesn’t leave them red and irritated (in more ways than one). This reparative moisturizer proves to be different, though! With clinical studies that reveal 94 percent saw improvement in lines and wrinkles and 87 percent saw a decrease in redness and an improvement in tone. While a vitamin E-inspired ingredient brightens and antioxidants protect, peptides and natural botanicals work in tandem to simultaneously soothe and smooth.
$70 at Nordstrom
7. Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer
Made specifically with reactive, congested or blemish-prone skin in mind, this lightweight gel moisturizer is backed by powerful results. Based on a four-week trial consumer study of 33 women, 100 percent agree their skin looked calm and less irritated after just one day. With a formula powered by encapsulated probiotics, bisabolol and squalane, it makes sense how you’ll see near-immediate relief.
8. Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Figuring out which moisturizer will be the perfect match for your skin can be intimidating but this versatile option won’t leave you guessing. “Safe for infants and children” makes it a near-foolproof pick that delivers fast results. Its unique postbiotic extract will help restore your skin barrier four times faster with an 80 percent reduction in skin discomfort in 48 hours, the brand purports. Plus, it’s also great if you have rosacea, and as one reviewer writes, “it’s my new go-to.”
9. OSEA Advanced Protection Cream
Like the word “anti-aging,” “retinol” doesn’t always trigger the best response for those with sensitive skin. This unique combination of plant-based bio retinol (a safe, stable alternative to retinol), undaria seaweed and biomimetic lipids was clinically proven to instantly increase skin hydration by 121 percent. In doing so, the ultra-rich cream helps visibly firm, reduce wrinkles and promote radiance.
10. Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream
“This cream is a miracle” and “it feels like a gentle hug for my skin” are just a couple of the reviews that stand out for this product and, with it being recognized by the National Eczema Association with the Seal of Acceptance, it all makes sense. Featuring a ceramide-building complex to restore, cica to balance and boerhavia diffusa root to reduce redness, it soothes on contact while strengthening skin over time to help keep sensitivity at bay. You don’t have to take their word for it, though, it’s also clinically proven to help stop sensitive skin in one week.
11. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Correct Daily Face Sunscreen With Niacinamide SPF 70
Recommended for sensitive skin, this daily sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection as niacinamide helps soothe, restore and visibly fade discoloration and vitamin E neutralizes damaging free radicals. Of course, while this list would be incomplete without an SPF, we’re focused on moisturizers. Since 93 percent of those who participated in an eight-week consumer study said their skin felt hydrated and moisturized, well, it’s safe to say it helps with hydration, too.
$37 at Bluemercury
12. Odacité Green Smoothie Quenching Creme
The name alone makes this award-winning moisturizer appetizing but wait until you hear about its green smoothie-inspired ingredients. Think cucumber, pomegranate, apple and grape juice, which work alongside hyaluronic acid, blue-green algae and seaweed to quench your sensitive skin’s thirst. Not to mention it works skin-soothing wonders as well. “The redness and inflammation in my skin is almost gone,” one reviewer shares.
13. Skyn Iceland Pure Cloud Cream
A year-round skin saver, this “light as a cloud” formula was designed to reverse the effects of extreme weather by rapidly replenishing and relieving stressed, irritated skin. With powerfully hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Icelandic Glacial Water and gently soothing ones like oat extract, neuropeptide, hydrolyzed rice protein, aloe and more, it’s the perfect combination of light yet impactful.
$58 at Bluemercury
14. EltaMD PM Restore Moisturizer
You can rest easy with this restorative nighttime moisturizer that works overnight to protect and replenish your skin and its fragile barrier. A combination of niacinamide and willow bark extract helps moisturize and smooth skin while brightening, evening skin tone and stimulating skin’s natural water reserve. Formulated also with Vitamin C Ester, hyaluronic acid and caffeine, it helps reduce dullness and flakiness and restore your skin’s suppleness.
15. Furtuna Skin Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm
Putting aside the cost for a moment, this luxurious Italian replenishing balm is as pretty as it is pricey. Flaunting a teal-toned balm texture, it’s backed by hundreds of five-star reviews and numerous clinical results. We should hope so, considering it’s made with some of the finest ingredients in the world—ones sustainably sourced from the hills of their own private farm in Sicily (naturally). These include a proprietary Wild-Foraged Replenishing Complex of natural, medicinal flowers, a rich blend of other botanicals and reparative St. John’s Wort. All in all, between the science and the ingredients, what reviewers call “magic” seems to be worth its considerable price tag.
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
