The best skincare for sensitive skin to get glowing & stop irritation

When using products with harsh chemicals or ingredients, those with sensitive skin may find that they experience redness, dryness, irritation or discomfort.

If you notice any of these symptoms after doing your daily skincare, it may be time to switch up your regimen and go for products that are gentler on the skin.

While the process of “starting over” with your skincare routine may sound like a hassle (or expensive), we’re here to tell you, it doesn’t have to be.

In this roundup, our editors have done the research for you. From cleansers to moisturizers, serums, sunscreen, makeup remover and eye creams, this list contains the best skincare for sensitive skin designed to nourish, protect and soothe.

The best part? Our top picks come at a range of price points, so if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to spend a lot to treat yourself.

Read more: Find the best vitamin C serum chosen by our editors

Check out sensitive skin essentials

Best gentle cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

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$12.08 at Walmart

Best fragrance-free cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

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$12.47 at Walmart

Top serum for redness

Paula’s Choice Repairing Serum

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$44 at Paula’s Choice

Best skincare for dry sensitive skin

Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

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$49 at Kohl's

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Best gentle cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$12.08

$12.08 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Deeply hydrating formula

• Suitable for all skin types

• Gentle on skin

• May not be suitable for heavy makeup removal

• Some reviewers may not like lotion-like texture 

CeraVe is an affordable skincare brand that’s well-known for its effective and gentle offerings. One of the line’s standout products is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which is specifically formulated for dry and sensitive skin.

What do we like about it? For starters, this face wash is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. And it has a unique, non-foaming, lotion-like texture that gently removes dirt, excess oil and impurities.

Secondly, it features hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture, helping to prevent that tight and uncomfortable feeling often associated with traditional cleansers. The result? Clean, soft, supple skin that feels refreshed and rejuvenated.

Finally, we can’t ignore the price point of this all-star cleanser, which is incredibly budget-friendly for a product you’ll definitely use daily.

Best fragrance-free cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

$12.47

$12.47 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• No harsh ingredients

• Unclogs pores and prevents breakouts

• Effectively cleanses skin

• Not suitable for heavy makeup removal 

• Lacks exfoliating properties

Another affordable fan-favorite, the beloved Gentle Skin Cleanser by Cetaphil has been trusted and recommended by dermatologists for years. What sets this cleanser apart is its soap-free and fragrance-free formula. That means no harsh chemicals or overpowering scents to worry about.

 Whether you’re dealing with dryness, oily skin or a combination of both, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser provides a balanced and effective cleanse. Its non-comedogenic nature won’t clog your pores, reducing the likelihood of breakouts and promoting clearer skin. If there's one thing you can count on, it's that this product will keep your skin healthy, balanced and radiant.

Top serum for redness

Paula’s Choice Repairing Serum

$44

$44 at Paula’s Choice

Pros & Cons

• Cruelty-free product

• Targets multiple skin concerns 

• Protects against environmental stressors

• Some users may experience irritation or sensitivity

• A pricier option

If you’re looking for the best skincare for redness, this product is a strong contender. This powerful serum is formulated with a blend of potent ingredients that target multiple skin concerns and promote a healthy, youthful glow. Paula’s Choice Repairing Serum is infused with a high concentration of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E.

 The serum also features a blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides that nourish and hydrate your skin. These ingredients work together to protect your skin from premature aging, reduce the appearance of fine lines — and promote a more even skin tone.

Best skincare for dry sensitive skin

Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

$49

$49 at Kohl's

$49 at Sephora

Pros & Cons

• Intensely hydrating formula

• Lightweight and quickly absorbs into the skin

• Multi-purpose-use 

• Higher price point 

• Limited anti-aging benefits

When your skin is thirsty, you need something intensely hydrating to quench it. Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum’s restorative formula targets fine lines, dryness and dullness. It’s just one of those products that solves for it all.

This serum is a versatile addition to your skincare routine. One the key features of Drunk Elephant B Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is its fast-absorbing and weightless gel texture. You can use it as a standalone moisturizer to provide a surge of hydration to your skin or as a primer before makeup application.

Our favorite nighttime face moisturizer

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

You save $3.27 (21.92%)

$11.65$14.92

$11.65 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Moisture retention 

• Suitable for all skin types

• Offers nourishing and calming benefits to the skin

• Limiting anti-aging benefits

• Some users have reported issues with the packaging

The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion qualifies as an ultimate nighttime skincare companion. It has been developed in collaboration with dermatologists, so you can rest assured that your skin’s health is a priority. fragrance-free, non-irritating and free of potential irritants, this product is especially suitable for sensitive skin.

 This lightweight and non-greasy lotion is specifically designed to promote a refreshing glow. As a non-comedogenic formula, it provides essential moisture without causing breakouts or congestion.

Our favorite drugstore moisturizer

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

You save $7.18 (26.87%)

$19.54$26.72

$19.54 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Provides effective and long-lasting hydration

• Non-greasy formula

• Gentle and fragrance-free

• Some reviewers report issues with the pump 

• According to some reviews, can have a 'greasy' feel

The Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a trusted and dermatologist-recommended solution for dryness and hydration. This product helps maintain that skin’s natural protective barrier, leaving it soft, smooth and healthy. It contains a combination of emollients and humectants that attract and retain moisture.

Formulated for people with sensitive skin, the lotion is fragrance-free and non-irritating. It has been clinically proven to be gentle enough for daily use. Incorporate this lotion into your daily skincare routine to nourish and protect youth skin from dryness, flakiness and environmental stressors.

Best skincare for aging sensitive skin

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream

$37

$37 at Paula's Choice

Pros & Cons

• Deeply nourishing

• Diminishes signs of aging

• Comfortable and weightless formula

• Higher price point than other eye creams on the market

• Some users may find this cream too heavy for their preference

The Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Eye Cream is a luxuriously effective solution for nourishing the delicate skin around your eyes. It is designed to address common concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and signs of fatigue.

The eye cream is infused with antioxidants and peptides to boost collagen production and enhance the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It is also cruelty-free and free of parabens, phthalates — and other potentially harmful ingredients.

Best drugstore eye cream

CeraVe Under Eye Cream Repair

$14.49

$14.49 at Target

Pros & Cons

• Addresses under-eye concerns

• Improves overall texture 

• Dermatologist-recommended formula

• Some users have reported that it has limited brightening effects 

• Consistent long-term use is required to see optimal results

This drugstore eye cream is heaven sent. The CeraVe Under Eye Cream Repair is designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a standout product that pampers your under-eye area and delivers visible results.

Its gentle formula is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. The fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula ensures that even those with delicate skin can enjoy the benefits without any potential irritations.

Best sunscreen

Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

$46

$68 at Kiehl's

Pros & Cons

• Features high SPF and broad-spectrum protection 

• Comfortable to wear daily and as a base for makeup 

• Suitable for all skin types

• Price point may not be suitable for all budgets 

• Some users report noticeable white cast

Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ offers high-level broad-spectrum protection. This means it has been formulated to guard well against both aging and burning rays. The non-greasy formula allows for comfortable wear throughout the day, making it an excellent choice for everyday use and as a base for makeup.

Another remarkable feature is its oil-free and non-comedogenic formulation, which makes it suitable for oil and acne-prone skin. The gentle formula is also fragrance-free, ensuring a pleasant experience for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.

Best mineral SPF moisturizer

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF Moisturizer

$37.99

$37.99 at La Roche-Posay

Pros & Cons

• Offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection 

• Comfortable enough to wear daily 

• Enriched with nourishing ingredients

• Leaves white cast 

• Some reviewers say it has a slightly stick finish

This product is a multi-benefit sunscreen and moisturizer that provides high-level sun protection while hydrating your skin. It’s formulated with 100% mineral filters, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect and scatter the sun’s harmful rays. This helps prevent sunburn, photoaging and potential sun damage.

In addition to its sun protection benefits, this SPF moisturizer also serves as a lightweight moisturizer. It is enriched with glycerin and ceramides, which help to replenish and retain moisture.

Best drugstore makeup remover for sensitive skin

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

$8.58

$8.58 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Effectively removes makeup 

• Free from harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates and fragrances 

• Convenient and time-saving

• Some reviewers say it can leave a residue 

• Fragrance-free option but not odorless

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water features micellar technology, which consists of tiny micelles that act like magnets, drawing out dirt, oil and makeup residue. This cleansing water is not only effective but also gentle on the skin.

The no-rinse formula is a time-saving and convenient option for your daily skincare routine. It leaves no residue behind, making it unnecessary to rinse after use.

Best oil makeup remover

Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil

$28.25

$28.25 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Effortlessly removes stubborn makeup

• Leaves skin smooth and hydrated 

• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Requires a follow-up with a secondary cleanser 

• Some users have found the packaging to be less user-friendly

Have you tried an oil cleanser? This cleanser type is all the rage right now — and often, they can be quite expensive. That’s why we were delighted to land on the Curél Makeup Cleansing Oil, which is available at a fairly affordable price point — and can do wonders for your skin.

It features a unique blend of lightweight essential oils that effortlessly dissolve makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This cleansing oil is formulated with Curéls advanced Ceramide Complex, which helps to replenish and restore the skin’s moisture levels.

Using this product is simple and convenient. When in contact with water, the oil transforms into a milky texture that rinses away easily. This cleansing oil is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient makeup removal experience.

Sensitive skin — FAQs

Dealing with sensitive skin can be a difficult process that can require some trial and error — especially when shopping for skincare. To help you understand what sensitive skin is and how to get the best results, we answer some of your frequently asked questions.

Which ingredients are good for sensitive skin?

Taking a proactive and cautious approach to finding the best skincare for sensitive skin can help maintain the skin's health and minimize the occurrence of adverse reactions. To help you strike the right balance, here are the top ingredients for sensitive skin that are gentle — yet effective.

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has moisturizing and soothing properties, which make it a great choice for sensitive skin. It also relieves inflammation and irritation, according to WebMD.

• Chamomile: Studies indicate there are a number of health benefits associated with chamomile, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By soothing and calming the skin, it reduces inflammation and redness. 

• Green tea: Containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, Green tea is incredibly beneficial to the skin. Not only does green tea protect the skin from environmental stressors, but it’s also a staple ingredient used for its anti-aging properties. 

• Shea butter: Shea butter is a rich moisturizer that is well-tolerated by sensitive skin. This is because it contains natural fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and soothe the skin to help reduce inflammation, according to research from the Journal of Oleo Science.

Which ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be aware of which ingredients can cause adverse skin reactions and irritability. Here are a few ingredients you may want to avoid.

• Fragrance: According to the FDA, fragrance, whether synthetic or natural, can be a common irritant for sensitive skin. It can cause redness, itching and allergic reactions. 

• Alcohol: Alcohol-based products that contain ethanol can be harsh and dehydrate the skin barrier. This can lead to significant irritation and discomfort. 

• Parabens: Another ingredient to look out for, parabens are preservatives often used in cosmetic products — and have been associated with adverse skin reactions.  

• Sulfates: Sulfates are commonly found in cleansers, soaps and shampoos to create a lathering effect. According to WebMD, this ingredient can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.

Which sensitive skincare products are the best?

 Investing in the best skincare for sensitive skin is key, and even small additions can make a big difference. Confused about where to start? Here are our recommendations:

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: Washing your face daily is a non-negotiable on your skincare journey. You can purchase this product at your local drugstore and trust that this gentle formula will cleanse your skin without stripping it.

• Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion: Packed with niacinamide and glycerin, this moisturizer is a great addition to your collection. Keeping your skin moisturized is imperative and this will do the trick.  

By taking this step toward a tailored skincare routine, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can see and experience a difference.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.