These Ultra-Gentle Moisturizers Instantly Soothe Sensitive Skin
These Ultra-Gentle Moisturizers Instantly Soothe Sensitive Skin
We updated this article in December 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
When your face is irritated, the last thing you want do is apply a product that makes it look and feel worse—but that guessing game may be a constant struggle if you have sensitive skin. What you really need is the perfect moisturizer for sensitive skin (but more on that in a few).
“Sensitive skin is not necessarily a clinical diagnosis by dermatologists, but rather meant as skin that may have a higher tendency to react than average,” says Michael Kassardjian, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. This is due to a weaker skin barrier, which allows irritants—say, from a certain ingredient or colder weather—to penetrate your skin more readily. The result? Redness, itching, or stinging.
“Having an occasional sensitization to a product can occur to many people, but an ongoing sensitivity to products and persistent symptoms like redness, irritation, or itching, may indicate a possible underlying condition,” says Kassardjian, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Sensitive skin is usually pretty dry, too. “Having a thinner or damaged skin barrier allows moisture to escape more easily, causing more dryness and exacerbating this condition,” explains Kassardjian. “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the skin barrier to thin as we age, and therefore some products that may have once been fine to use can later start becoming more irritating and intolerable.” (Check out our favorite moisturizers for dry skin.)
Meet the Experts: Michael Kassardjian, D.O., is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., is director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. David Lortscher, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Curology, a customized acne treatment system. Arielle Kauvar, M.D., is the director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine.
Our top picks
To help you find the best moisturizer for your sensitive complexion, we’ve rounded up the only moisturizers for sensitive skin to add to your daily routine, according to dermatologists and reviews. Check out our top picks below:
Many moisturizers contain irritating ingredients. Here, dermatologists share the ones to avoid, plus the best moisturizers for sensitive skin on the market.
