11 best moisturisers for sensitive skin 2024 – to calm irritation and soothe reactive skin
Those of us with a reactive complexion will likely be in need of one of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin, to soothe, calm and de-escalate. If you fall into that category, finding the right kind of products is essential in order to stave off reactions and maintain the delicate balance between a healthy complexion and a reaction or irritation, which could look like anything from breakouts to redness and flaking or dry, sore spots. While your entire skincare routine is crucial to get right, finding your best moisturiser is a must.
You see, the moisturiser is the bookend of any skincare routine. Whether it's a rich night cream in the PM or an SPF-powered lotion in the morning time, it's the last thing you'll put on before makeup/facing the day and bedtime. That means it's responsible for locking in all the goodness from the rest of your routine – it acts as a barrier to keep hydration and nourishment in, and anything harmful out. Sensitive skin deserves the best moisturiser to do this, and to keep skin from breaking out, getting red and itchy or dry and tight. Let's get in to more of the how and why…
SKIP TO: What are the most common skincare concerns for sensitive skin? | What are the best ingredients for someone with sensitive skin? | How to choose the best moisturiser for sensitive skin | Our full reviews.
Meet the experts:
- Cosmetic Doctor and Dermatology Expert Dr Sonia Khorana.
- Dr Marisa Garshick, Certified Dermatologist and Skin Proud Consultant.
- Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, Skincare Expert and Doctor.
Best moisturisers for sensitive skin at a glance:
- Best moisturiser for sensitive skin overall: Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin
- Best affordable moisturiser for sensitive skin: The Inkey List Omega Water Moisturiser
- Best moisturiser for sensitive skin for overnight: Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream
- Best rich moisturiser for sensitive skin: Dr.Jart Ceramidin Cream
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What are the most common skincare concerns for sensitive skin?
Cosmetic Doctor and Dermatology Expert Dr Sonia Khorana explains that sensitivity often presents through “inflammation (bumps/rashes/redness) and itching/dryness.” People with sensitivity are also “more prone to breakouts and a general discomfort after the skin comes into contact with a particular ingredient or environmental trigger.”
Dr Marisa Garshick, Certified Dermatologist and Skin Proud Consultant explains that usually, “those with sensitive skin often have a disrupted skin barrier,” which is why it's so important to build it back up again with hydrating ingredients and effective moisturisers.
What are the best ingredients for someone with sensitive skin?
“Those with sensitive skin should focus on ingredients that help to support the skin barrier, including ceramides and ingredients that help minimise the potential for dryness, such as humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Other ingredients that can be helpful include niacinamide, which helps to soothe the skin and reduce redness and inflammation,” says Dr Marisa.
Dr Sonia adds that squalane, panthenol and centella asiatica extract are also very effective and therefore should be prioritised.
How to choose the best moisturiser for sensitive skin
Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, skincare expert and doctor, recommends following three main tips.
“Look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products,” she begins. “Fragrances can be a common source of irritation for sensitive skin. Opt for products labeled as fragrance-free or hypoallergenic to minimise the risk of adverse reactions.”
Next, “avoid harsh chemicals,” she implores. "Ingredients like alcohol, artificial colours, and sulfates can be harsh on sensitive skin. Read the ingredient list and avoid products that
contain these potential irritants."
Finally, she says it's important to opt for gentle formulas. "Look for moisturisers specifically formulated for sensitive skin. These products typically have fewer ingredients and are designed to be gentle and non-irritating.
To help you pick, we’ve put together a carefully curated list of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin, including affordable options as well as the more premium picks for every taste and budget.
Scroll to view our edit of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin.
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin
Why we love it: This is the cream even the most sensitive of skins can tolerate. It's fragrance and preservative-free, with 98% natural origin ingredients. The moisturiser works to gently nourish while re-building the skin barrier, meaning the cause of sensitivity is tackled head on. It's also affordable, easily accessible and beloved by most who try it. Win win.Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Amazon discount codes.
Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream
Why we love it: One of Dermalogica's newest formulations, years of science-backed research went into the development of the Stabilizing Repair Cream, which aims to re-build that delicate skin barrier that once compromised, can lead to serious sensitivity issues. It's rich in texture, sinks in beautifully and leaves skin feeling ultra-cared for, making it a great night cream.Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Amazon discount codes.
Why we love it: This richly decadent cream is so moreish and irresistible, you'll never want to stop using it. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, its main aim is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, while also repairing a tired skin barrier. As well as a glorious texture and feel on the skin, it also smells divine.
Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Why we love it: As its name suggests, Hailey Bieber's first moisturiser is dedicated to caring for the skin barrier, and it does exactly what it says on the tin (read: tube), with a simple, fuss-free line up of ingredients that won't cause skin to react. It's rich in peptides, niacinamide, shea butter and squalane, and feels lightweight on skin when applied.
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Beauty Pie Happy Face™ Extreme Relief Cica Moisture Cream
Why we love it: Described as a ‘cashmere blanket for your face,’ we can't think of a better description for this rich cream, packed with cica, glycerin and squalane. It's specifically designed for very dry or sensitive skin, including those with rosacea, and soothes upon contact. It's an ultra-comforting formula for sensitive skin.
Eucerin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care for Dry Skin
Why we love it: While Eucerin Aquaphor may get all the glory, this unsung hero is a go-to for sensitive skin in need of SOS. It contains SymSitive, an active dermocosmetic ingredient that works to target the root cause of skin hypersensitivity, meaning it's helping long term as well as instantly.
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Why we love it: Specifically designed to strengthen the microbiome, this combats sensitivity with prebiotics like micro algae and inulin, as well as glycerin and squalane to hydrate. Note: while it's suitable for dry and redness-prone skin, we wouldn't recommend it for ultra-sensitive skin.
Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser
Why we love it: La Roche Posay really is the master when it comes to sensitive skin, so you could pick up any of its Toleraine range and feel safe in the knowledge it would be gentle enough for irritated, red, itchy or inflamed skin. This contains glycerin, niacinamide and ceramides, and has a lightweight texture.
Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Amazon discount codes.
CeraVe PM Daily Facial Moisturiser Lotion
Why we love it: CeraVe's moisturisers are all packed with skin-loving ceramides, and this cream is in our opinion, its best. It hydrates and nourishes sensitive skin effectively, without weighing it down or feeling thick, due to its gel-cream texture.
Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Amazon discount codes.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Why we love it: This is packed full of amino acids, fatty acids and hyaluronic acids, and is a fuss-free way to enhance your skin's moisture levels. It's affordable, suitable for morning and night and is generally tolerated by pretty much everyone. What's not to love?!
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The Inkey List Omega Water Moisturiser
Why we love it: The Inkey List's water cream is a great alternative for one of the market's bestselling luxury buys if you need something a little more affordable. It's featherlight on skin, cooling and watery in texture and sinks in beautifully. It features a ceramide complex as well as glycerin and omegas 3, 6 and 9.
Save big when shopping for the best moisturisers for sensitive skin using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
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