The signs are all there: the sensation of itching, stinging, and burning on your face. Makes sense that you’d be looking for the best skin care for sensitive skin—because those symptoms are no fun to deal with no matter the time of year.
“Sensitive skin refers to skin that is more prone to irritation from environmental factors, skin care products, or even stress,” Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, says. “While not a medical diagnosis, sensitive skin is a skin type that requires extra care and attention to maintain its barrier and prevent discomfort.”
If you have sensitive skin, you’re going to need products with specific active ingredients and formulations as not to trigger a bad reaction. We consulted dermatologists to get their expertise on the subject—and to recommend specific products so you can put your best face forward.
The Best Skin Care Routine for Sensitive Skin, According to GQ
The best sensitive skin care items for your shopping pleasure.
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The Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay always wins praise from dermatologists because of the skin care brand’s clean ingredient list and formulations designed to prevent skin irritation. Shirazi recommends Toleriane, a gentle cleanser, because it’ll “soothe and hydrate without stripping the skin” thanks to its enrichment of ceramides and niacinamide. One of the biggest problems for those with sensitive skin is skin care products with fragrance, and luckily this one doesn’t have any of that.
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Despite its ubiquity in drugstores, CeraVe is still a relatively new brand when it comes to skin care products. Its hydrating facial cleanser is a favorite among dermatologists, including Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
“This cleanser effectively gets rid of dirt and buildup without leaving the skin feeling dry,” Garshick says. “It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin as well as ceramides support and strengthen the skin barrier. It is a great option for all skin types, including those with eczema as it is fragrance-free.”
The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream
Moisturizing Skin Cream
Shirazi calls Vanicream’s face cream, “a budget-friendly option that’s free of common irritants like dyes, fragrances, and parabens, [which is] perfect for highly reactive skin.” It won’t clog pores, which can lead to acne, and it’s just the right amount of lightweight and nourishing for day and nighttime usage, as well as oily skin, dry skin, and combination skin.
Skincare Junkie
Megadose Super Antioxidant Face Moisturizer
Everything about this moisturizer was designed so that it could help out those with sensitive skin. “This multitasking moisturizer incorporates antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, green tea and resveratrol, as well as Centella asiatica and camellia sinensis to reduce redness and calm inflammation, making it a great fall and winter pick,” Garshick says. “It helps fight free radical damage while moisturizing the skin and supporting the skin barrier. It’s fragrance-free making it a good option, even for those with sensitive skin.”
The Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD
UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD has developed quite a reputation for its much-loved sunscreens. Its broad-spectrum UV Clear option is a great oil-free mineral option, which will block the sun’s harmful UV rays without clogging pores with chemicals. Plus, the addition of niacinamide helps to soothe sensitive and acne-prone skin, Shirazi notes.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+
Given its affinity for making skin care products for those with sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay’s dual inclusion here makes sense. Garshick says this sunscreen is great for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin because of the incorporation of antioxidants, as well as iron oxides to provide protection against UVA/UVB and blue light. Plus, it’s easy to rub in and “leaves behind a natural matte finish.” she says.
The Best Serums for Sensitive Skin
CosRX
Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence
Snail what? This does in fact actual mucin from a snail (no mollusks were harmed in this product’s creation), which repairs and hydrates the skin through a lightweight and easy-to-apply moisturizer-like serum. The essence helps to repair damaged skin and quickly absorbs without any sticky or oily residue.
AziMD
Azelaic10 Azelaic Acid 10% Serum
You don’t see azelaic acid in a lot of common skin care products, but it’s great for alleviating redness and soothing inflammation. Additionally, hyaluronic acid hydrates; bearberry evens skin tone; and allantoin helps to control breakouts.
Sensitive Skin FAQ
“Sensitive skin is a skin type that easily reacts to ingredients, irritants, and allergens,” Dr. Mina Amin, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist, says. “Many skin conditions can contribute to the sensitivity of your skin, such as eczema, acne, and rosacea. Some individuals are born with skin that is naturally more sensitive.” Choosing the best skin care for sensitive skin usually relies on being extra vigilant when looking at ingredient lists, just in case there’s something in that new lotion or eye cream you’re thinking about buying that might be a trigger.
What skin care issues may arise for those with sensitive skin?
Someone with sensitive skin can also struggle with other skin issues like acne or eczema. Shirazi says that those with sensitive skin have “an inherently weak skin barrier.” which means they are more prone to “dryness, flaking, acne or breakouts.”
What can skin care products should someone with sensitive skin use?
“Sensitive skin benefits most from a routine that prioritizes gentle, hydrating, and barrier-repairing ingredients,” Shirazi says. A gentle face wash that’s also moisturizing is a must, and no matter what kind of skin you have, sun protection (at least SPF30) is a must. Both Shirazi and Garshick say that mineral sunscreens are best for those with sensitive skin because it’s less likely to cause irritation.
A good moisturizer will have ceramides and niacinamide, both of which will soothe the skin and support a weakened skin barrier, while the addition of extra-hydrating serums, peptides, and collagen will further improve overall skin health. It might be best to avoid exfoliating products, like AHA peels, scrubs, or salicylic acid, which can easily upset the skin and lead to redness, blemishes, and dryness. If you want to branch out and use new products like a toner, make sure they’re free of alcohol, because like fragrances, alcohol is one of the many triggers for sensitive skin types to have a flare-up.
