If there’s one new thing I’ve noticed in my treatment room lately, it’s how many people now describe their skin as 'sensitive'. Whether it’s the result of over-exfoliating, a disrupted skin barrier, environmental triggers, or simply using too many active ingredients at once, people's awareness of skin sensitivity is on the rise—and I see it every day as an esthetician. The good news? With the right products, sensitive skin can be supported, strengthened, and soothed without compromising on the results you want to achieve from your skincare.
Through years of hands-on experience (and trialling countless formulas on my own sensitivity-prone skin), I’ve learned exactly what works and what doesn’t when it comes to calming reactive skin. From cleansers to moisturisers, this edit includes my tried-and-tested favourites: products that soothe, repair, and comfort without causing irritation and that I confidently recommend to both my clients and use on my own skin. Whether your skin is chronically sensitive or just going through a reactive phase, these are the ones worth adding to your skincare routine.
What to avoid for sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, steering clear of potential irritants is just as important as choosing the right soothing ingredients. High quantities of fragrance (both synthetic and natural) is one of the most common culprits, often causing redness, itching, or stinging. Alcohol-based products can also be overly drying and disruptive to the skin barrier.
I usually advise my clients to avoid harsh physical scrubs, high-percentage exfoliating acids (especially if used frequently), and essential oils, which can be sensitising. Retinoids and vitamin C can be tolerated by some sensitive skin types, but they should be introduced slowly and in buffered, low-irritation forms alongside a hydrating, barrier-supporting routine. Ultimately, if your skin tends to react easily, less is more—stick to gentle, well-formulated basics and avoid anything that feels overly active, tingly, or aggressive.
The Best Products for Sensitive Skin
- Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Dr Sam's Flawless Cleanser
- Best Face Mist for Sensitive Skin: Clinisoothe Skin Purifier
- Best Serum for Sensitive Skin: The Inkey List Ectoin Barrier Serum
- Best Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5
- Best SPF for Sensitive Skin: Skin + Me Daily Moisturiser with SPF50 for Sensitive Skin
1. Dr Sam's Flawless Cleanser
My skin feeling calm and fresh post-cleanse.
Of all of the cleansers ever made, this one is definitely in my top three. It’s a non-foaming gel formula, which means it leaves skin feeling deeply cleansed and refreshed, but not tight or stripped of moisture. With aloe vera and allantoin, it calms, soothes and hydrates, all while delivering a thorough cleanse.
Pros
- Non-foaming formula so doesn't strip skin
- Free from fragrance
- Great for breakout-prone skin
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Available from limited retailers
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
There are very few brands as highly recommended for sensitive skin as La Roche-Posay. This particular cleanser is a cream formula, which is great for giving skin a gentle clean and refresh—I use it in my treatment room for particularly sensitive skin types and anyone with rosacea or eczema.
Pros
- Non-foaming
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for ultra-sensitive or dry skin (including rosacea)
Cons
- Doesn't effectively remove waterproof mascara or heavy makeup
- Some users report residue or filminess post-rinse
3. Skin Rocks The Cleansing Balm Fragrance Free
If you like a luxury cleansing experience, this cleansing balm is a surefire way to bring some enjoyment to your skincare routine and unlike most cleansing balms, it's free from fragrance. The thick, nourishing formula melts onto skin and breaks down even the most stubborn of makeup with total ease.
Pros
- Thick balm texture dissolves impurities and leaves skin hydrated
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Expensive price point
4. Clinisoothe Skin Purifier
I recommend this soothing, healing spray to anyone with any kind of sensitivity or inflammation in their skin—I've seen it massively reduce my clients' acne, eczema and rosacea symptoms. The key ingredient, hypochlorous acid, helps to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation and support the skin’s natural healing and repair processes.
Pros
- Speeds up healing and reduces redness
- Effective treatment for rosacea, acne, and eczema sufferers
Cons
- Only available online
- Strong chlorine-like scent takes getting used to
5. Paula's Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner
Paula's Choice Calm range has some brilliant products for sensitive skin, but this soothing milky toner is the standout from the collection for me. Gentle, nourishing and packed with skin barrier-supporting ingredients, it's great for daily hydration—especially layered beneath a hydrating serum and moisturiser.
Pros
- Deeply soothes skin
- Layers well with other products
Cons
- May be too rich or heavy for warmer months
6. The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
My love for this ultra-hydrating serum really does know no bounds. Jam-packed with replenishing and plumping hyaluronic acid, ectoin and ceramides (and free from any obvious potential irritants like fragrance), I would bathe in it if I could. I recommend this to everyone I know.
Pros
- Lightweight and easily absorbed
- Affordable price point
- Works well for all skin types
Cons
- Pump can be hard to dispense
7. Aveeno Calm+Restore Triple Oat Serum
best for calming skin
This is another great no-fuss, soothing and hydrating serum. You might not get instant mind-blowing results, but it definitely helps to reduce sensitivity and keep the skin barrier intact. Plus, it contains my hero ingredient for sensitive skin, oat, to calm and soothe.
Pros
- Instant relief for irritation and redness
- Affordable price point
- Easy to get hold of
Cons
- Some may dislike the mild stickiness upon application
8. Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum
Soothed and hydrated after applying the Alpha-H Vitamin E serum.
Formulated with plant-derived ceramides and vitamin E, this thick creamy serum is equally as hydrating as it is cooling and soothing. Dry skin types especially will benefit from adding this to their daily routines.
Pros
- Deeply nourishing and smoothing
Cons
- Expensive price point
9. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
best for overnight hydration
The Cicaplast Baume B5 is an absolute essential for me, and I recommend it to all of my clients. Having a tube on your bathroom shelf is like having a mini skincare first aid kit on hand. In addition to soothing sensitive complexions, it can also help to calm down skin post-product reactions, relieve sunburn and even heal breakouts. It's rich and creamy so it's best applied at night or used as a face mask.
Pros
- Often recommended by dermatologists
- Effective treatment for eczema and healing blemishes
Cons
- Thick texture which can feel heavy for oily skin types
10. Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream
Glowy skin and a supported skin barrier.
For daytime use, this cream is a little lighter than the Cicaplast balm, but is still super nourishing—in fact, it promises 120 hours of hydration. It contains an incredibly potent blend of ceramides, the ingredient responsible for keeping your skin barrier intact.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Oily skin types may not appreciate the dewy finish
11. Skin + Me Daily Moisturiser With SPF50 for Sensitive Skin
best chemical sunscreen
Not all chemical sunscreens are suitable for sensitive skin, so the fact that this one was formulated specifically with reactive skin in mind makes it an ideal pick. The ingredients list contains ectoin for deep hydration and glycolipids to calm sensitivity and repair your skin barrier.
Pros
- Twist-and-click packaging dispenses the exact amount needed
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Only contains 28 doses
12. Merit The Uniform
If you do prefer to reach for a mineral option, I'd highly recommend this tinted sunscreen from Merit. The formula is soothing and creamy, and won't make skin tingle or react. Plus, the tint will help to mute any breakouts or redness.
Pros
- Mineral SPF50 with a sheer, blur-like tint
- No white cast
- Lasts well in heat and humidity
Cons
- Some may prefer a non-tinted formula
13. Neurae The Balm
This thick balm may not be cheap, but it will help to soothe, hydrate, and restore skin while you sleep.
Pros
- Immediately soothes and nourishes skin
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Contains a small amount of fragrance
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is often misunderstood as a skin type, but it’s actually a skin condition—and one that can affect anyone, regardless of whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or otherwise. Sensitivity tends to come and go, often triggered by factors like weather changes, stress, overuse of active ingredients, or a compromised skin barrier.
It shows up in many forms, from redness, tightness and stinging, to flaking or breakouts (even after applying gentle products) and can feel unpredictable and frustrating. I always explain to my clients that sensitivity isn’t something you’re necessarily born with; it’s a sign that your skin needs a reset and some extra TLC.
What causes sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin can be caused by a variety of internal and external factors, and often it’s a combination of both—everyone's skin has a different tipping point. Environmental stressors like pollution, harsh weather, or sun exposure can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more reactive. Over-exfoliating, layering too many active ingredients (like retinol, acids, or vitamin C), or using fragranced or alcohol-heavy products can also strip the skin and trigger sensitivity.
Internally, things like hormones, stress, or even diet can contribute, while underlying skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or allergies can heighten sensitivity and those with dry skin may find themselves more prone to flare-ups of sensitivity. As an esthetician, I’ve seen even the most resilient complexions become sensitised due to an overloaded routine, so understanding and eliminating triggers is key to calming and rebuilding a healthy, balanced barrier.
What products should I use on sensitive skin?
When it comes to sensitive skin, simplicity is key. Look for products that contain gentle, barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, squalane and niacinamide—these work to hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin without causing irritation.
Ideally, formulas should be fragrance-free and alcohol-free, with a short ingredient list to minimise the risk of a reaction. Products labelled 'for sensitive skin' can be a good starting point, but always patch test if you’re unsure—in extreme cases, even the most gentle of products can still cause reactions. I always recommend my clients build a routine around a gentle cleanser, a replenishing moisturiser, and a mineral sunscreen, then slowly introduce treatment products like serums if needed. The goal is to support the skin barrier, not overwhelm it.
How We Tested
As a licensed esthetician with years of hands-on experience treating sensitive and reactive skin, I’ve seen first hand how unpredictable and delicate this skin condition can be. I had plenty of tried-and-tested favourites in mind for this article, but in addition, I tested a wide range of skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin over the course of several weeks.
I assessed each one for texture, tolerance, efficacy, and made notes of any common triggers like dryness, redness, and irritation. I also cross-referenced customer reviews from trusted retailers and beauty forums to ensure the products were also consistently well-received by those with real-world sensitive skin concerns.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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