Discover the Best Face Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin to Soothe and Hydrate
/ TL;DR
Our favorite pick, just like many skincare enthusiasts, is the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. It’s earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s super gentle and works well. If you like a moisturizer that gives your skin lots of hydration, try SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. It not only hydrates but also helps fight signs of aging.
In today’s busy life, having a skincare routine is very important, especially for those women who are over 30 and have sensitive skin. As per recent study, Cosmetics, climate changes and skin barrier impairment are the main factors that contribute for skin hyperreactivity. [1] We need to be especially mindful of the products we use, ensuring they are of good quality and free from harsh chemicals, which is important for sensitive skin. A good moisturizer keeps our skin fresh and hydrated, preventing it from becoming dry and sensitive. Therefore, dermatologists recommend using moisturizers with minimal ingredients for the best results.
Meet the Writers
Two skincare-obsessed sisters, Noor and Faiza, have an incurable passion for debunking old myths and decoding the latest scientific research on skincare, thereby helping millions of women around the world make the right choices for their skin. So, if you’re a woman and you love your skin, this blog is for you.
We started our research by looking at the skin conditions of some of our friends to find the best moisturizers. We examined each formula based on active ingredients, ensuring they do not contain any ingredients like fragrance, dyes, or potential irritants. We also looked for moisturizers that provide good sun protection and keep the skin hydrated, resulting in well-hydrated skin. We sifted through thousands of reviews online for the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. Keeping dozens of options in mind, we arrived at these top-rated picks.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST OVERALL:
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Amazon ($14)
BEST BUDGET:
SheaMoisture Cannabis & Witch Hazel Skin Rescue Moisturizer at Amazon ($19)
BEST BUDGET, RUNNER-UP:
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin at Target ($16)
BEST SPLURGE:
Alastin Ultra Light Moisturizer at Alastin.com ($78)
BEST GEL:
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer at Amazon ($19)
BEST HEAVY DUTY CREAM:
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream at Amazon ($32)
BEST FACE AND BODY:
EltaMD Intense Moisturizer at Amazon ($19)]
BEST WITH SPF:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV at Amazon ($20)
BEST SOOTHING:
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream at Amazon ($32)
BEST FOR ECZEMA :
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Ap+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer at Ulta ($20)
Best Overall
What we like
- Light weight
- Approved by Eczema Association
- Works for face and body
- Comes in pump bottle
What we don't like
- We need to reapply often.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides
Skin Type: Balanced, dry
Size: 8, 12, or 16 ounces
SPF: No
Cruelty-Free: No
There are a few reasons why people keep praising this cream. This fragrance-free lotion combines three types of ceramides with hydrating hyaluronic acid in a formula that feels quite gentle, according to the National Eczema Association‘s approval.
This lotion is quite popular because it’s oil-free, yet it’s moisturizing and hydrating. Another benefit is that it’s widely available at most drugstores worldwide. Dermatologists have favored this lotion for years because it’s very effective for sensitive skin due to its simple formula. It’s safe to use on your face and body throughout the year. Its texture is quite lightweight, so it may not provide long-lasting hydration throughout the day. If you feel the need, you can reapply it a few times during the day. It’s safe to use for sensitive skin.
What we like
- Soothes inflammation
- Light weight
What we don't like
- Hemp smell is a bit strong
Active Ingredients:Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, witch hazel, vitamin E
Skin Type: Dry
Size: 02 ounces
SPF: No
Cruelty-Free: Yes
The hero ingredient in this product is hemp seed oil, which is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.[2] It doesn’t contain CBD or THC. It also has vitamin E and skin-balancing witch hazel. All of this is in a fragrance-free formula that is available at a very reasonable price.
We like this product because its texture is very light, almost like water, but still deeply hydrates the skin for hours. It calms irritated skin and also protects against the harsh effects of winter.
Just note, some folks might find the hemp smell to be a bit off-putting.
Best Budget, Runner-Up
What we like
- Fragrance and paraben-free
- Light weight
- Can be used day and night
What we don't like
- Not rich enough for super dry skin types
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane
Skin Type: All
Size: 3 fluid ounces
SPF: No
Cruelty-Free: No
Vanicream leads the way in creating products for those with sensitive skin. This moisturizer is a cult favorite at drugstores and is specifically formulated for sensitive skin (though it works well for all skin types). Its thick texture moisturizes and calms irritated skin without feeling heavy—it can even be used before applying SPF and makeup. Packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides, this moisturizer will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
The beauty of Vanicream skin care is that you don’t have to worry about any of their products irritating your face or body. The brand offers products that are basic and don’t contain ingredients that could cause sensitivity. Plus, all of their products are fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about skin irritation either. We like that this product comes in a squeeze bottle for easy and hygienic application, and we also assure you that you can find this product in most drugstores easily.
Best Splurge
Active Ingredients: TriHex Technology
Skin Type: All
Size: 2 fluid ounces
SPF: No
Cruelty-Free: Yes
This product is expensive, but it’s worth the money in terms of quality. It comes from one of our favorite, derm-beloved brands. Its significance lies in the fact that it not only provides gentle hydration (so gentle that you can even use it on post-procedure skin), but also features the company’s special TriHex Technology. Why does this matter? It helps boost collagen and elastin production, which are essential proteins for strong, youthful, and healthy skin. [3] Calming ginger root and white tea leaf extracts are also included in this fancy product.
We like the unique, lightweight formula, and also appreciate that it contains ingredients that work to calm and soothe irritated skin. The pump feature keeps things clean and sanitary—no need to dip your hands into a jar for this splurge.
Best Gel
What we like
- Light weight
- Absorbs fast
- Long-lasting
What we don't like
- Not ideal for those who like a radiant finish
Active Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew
Skin Type: Sensitive
Size: 1.7 ounces
SPF: No
Cruelty-Free: No
We recommend this product for those who prefer lighter hydration. Despite its fast-absorbing texture, it still provides plenty of moisture—and continues to moisturize for up to 24 hours. It’s free from parabens, fragrances, alcohol, and dyes. The addition of prebiotic oats is also significant, as they are known to improve skin barrier function and soothe dry or itchy skin. [4] Dr. Rodney also likes this option, praising it for the addition of feverfew, which can help reduce redness.
Many users prefer this moisturizer because it truly works wonders in calming inflamed skin—a necessity when you’re dealing with sensitive skin. The formula dries down to an almost matte finish and doesn’t leave your skin looking greasy or shiny. If you prefer a moisturizer that leaves a bit of a sheen on the skin, you should opt for something else.
faq
What are the benefits of face moisturizers for sensitive skin?
Moisturizing, in general, restores your skin barrier, protecting you from environmental irritants and damage,” says Dr. Rodney. Those with sensitive skin tend to have a compromised skin barrier; the right moisturizer can help strengthen it and soothe the skin while also providing much-needed hydration.
What ingredients should people with sensitive skin avoid?
In addition to avoiding synthetic fragrances, Chen also advises that people with sensitive skin steer clear of certain ingredients like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, as well as salicylic acids. “While acids can be a bonus for those without sensitive skin because they exfoliate, they can have an opposite effect on those with sensitive skin and cause skin barrier disruption,” she says.
How do you apply face moisturizers for sensitive skin?
“When applying a face moisturizer for sensitive skin, you should first do a patch test,” Dr. Rodney advises. Apply it to a small area either behind your ear or on your inner arm, and look for signs of irritation. If all seems okay after 24 to 48 hours, you can proceed to your face. Apply a dime-size amount onto each cheek, chin, and forehead, then gently massage in an upward motion. Once the moisturizer is fully absorbed, you can put on other products, such as sunscreen or makeup, she says.
How often should you use face moisturizers for sensitive skin?
Dr. Rodney suggests using them twice daily after washing your face. (The one exception: Formulas with SPF only need to be used in the morning.)
Article Sources
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- Duarte I, Silveira JEPS, Hafner MFS, Toyota R, Pedroso DMM. Sensitive skin: review of an ascending concept. An Bras Dermatol. 2017 Jul-Aug;92(4):521-525. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.201756111. PMID: 28954102; PMCID: PMC5595600.
- Jin S, Lee M-Y (2018) The ameliorative effect of hemp seed hexane extracts on the Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation and lipogenesis in sebocytes. PLoS ONE 13(8): e0202933. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202933
- Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):308-19. doi: 10.4161/derm.22804. PMID: 23467476; PMCID: PMC3583892
- Liu-Walsh F, Tierney NK, Hauschild J, Rush, AK, Masucci, J, Leo, GC, et al. Prebiotic colloidal oat supports the growth of cutaneous commensal bacteria including S. epidermidis and enhances the production of lactic acid. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14(4):73-82. doi:10.2147/ccid.s253386
