I'm an Esthetician and These Are the Hardworking Products I Swear By For Sensitive Skin

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

2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

3. Skin Rocks The Cleansing Balm Fragrance Free

4. Clinisoothe Skin Purifier

5. Paula's Choice Calm Nourishing Milky Toner

6. The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

7. Aveeno Calm+Restore Triple Oat Serum

8. Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum

9. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

10. Aestura Atobarrier365 Cream

11. Skin + Me Daily Moisturiser With SPF50 for Sensitive Skin

12. Merit The Uniform

13. Neurae The Balm

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.