<p>All good moisturizers should <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/g34964318/best-mens-skincare-gift-sets/” target=”_blank”>hydrate, absorb, spread evenly</a>, and safeguard from free radicals and pollution. For most dermatologists, the key ingredients are <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/g45855822/the-refresh-cold-weather-weather-grooming-products/” target=”_blank”>hyaluronic acid</a>, which hydrates the epidermis and locks in moisture, and ceramides. “It is essentially the mortar between the bricks that we call skin cells,” says Dr. Muneeb Shah, dermatology resident at Campbell University in North Carolina, who has become a TikTok star with over 10 million followers.</p><p>Basically, if you have sensitive skin, look for labels with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and steer clear of anything scented or that has exfoliants. And if you, too, are going through the same scenario, we asked the Dr. Yang, Dr. Shah, and Dr. Joel Lamm, a board-certified dermatologist and Ever/Body’s supervising physician, to relay their recommendations on the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, and added our editors’ go-to sensitive skin moisturizers alongside them.</p>”/>
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Malin and Goetz
best soothing sensitive skin moisturizer
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
best soothing sensitive skin moisturizer
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream
Pros
Replenishes firmness
Barrier lipid complex designed to deliver maximum hydration
Cons
Some may find formula too rich
Along with being fragrance-free, Dr. Shah recommends this Skinfix face cream because it contains glycerin, a lipid complex, and shea butter.
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best basic sensitive skin moisturizer
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
best basic sensitive skin moisturizer
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Pros
Lightweight yet hydrating
Clinically tested specifically for sensitive skin
Cons
Not ideal for oily or combination skin
“Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a simple moisturizer that does not contain any irritating ingredients such as parabens or fragrance,” says Dr. Lamm.
best antioxidant sensitive skin moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturizer
best antioxidant sensitive skin moisturizer
Paula’s Choice Replenishing Moisturizer
Pros
Minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and uneven texture
Preserve’s skin’s natural moisture
Cons
Very thick formula
From Paula’s Choice comes a moisturizer that soothes and hydrates, with plant oils and antioxidants that won’t dry out your skin.
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best sensitive skin moisturizer for oily skin
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
best sensitive skin moisturizer for oily skin
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
Pros
Ideal for blemish-prone skin
Lightweight, pore-refining formula
Cons
Pricey
“Skinceuticals Daily Moisture is a lightweight moisturizer for normal to oily skin that contains vitamin E, which can help soothe sensitive skin,” says Dr. Lamm.
best anti-aging sensitive skin moisturizer
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
best anti-aging sensitive skin moisturizer
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
Pros
Lipids restore skin elasticity
Vitamin E protects against environmental stressors
Cons
Pricey
Dr. Lamm also likes SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore treatment, which “contains cellular lipids that nourish dry skin while also providing anti-aging benefits.”
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best vegan sensitive skin moisturizer
Aveeno Calm + Restore Skin Therapy Balm
best vegan sensitive skin moisturizer
Aveeno Calm + Restore Skin Therapy Balm
Now 24% Off
Pros
Unscented formula
Gentle, natural ingredients including oat extract, colloidal oatmeal, and oat oil
Cons
Some find the balm too thick or greasy
Aveeno is a staple in the world of skincare, and this formula is ideal for sensitive skin types specifically, with a vegan formula and clean ingredients that won’t irritate or inflame.
best rich sensitive skin moisturizer
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
best rich sensitive skin moisturizer
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
The glycerin, squalane oil, and hydroxylpalmitoyl sphinganine in Kiehl’s fragrance-free face cream is why it is recommended by Dr. Shah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are best for sensitive skin?
Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are generally safe, gentle hydrators for sensitive skin types. Other natural ingredients, including green tea, chamomile, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal, can have benefits including hydration and restoration of elasticity that don’t cause irritation.
What ingredients should sensitive skin types avoid?
As a general rule, avoid products that have exfoliants, both physical and chemical. These can cause irritation and burning, and are especially harsh.
Parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and oils can also irritate sensitive skin. Most formulas these days are without sulfates and parabens, but double check to make sure your moisturizer isn’t scented!
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Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our grooming and e-commerce teams.
When it comes to sensitive skin moisturizers, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting picks that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these options are the ones that are simply the best.
Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of testing different products, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.