We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
When your face is irritated, the last thing you want do is apply a product that makes it look and feel worse—but that guessing game may be a constant struggle if you have sensitive skin. What you really need is the perfect moisturizer for sensitive skin (but more on that in a few).
“Sensitive skin is not
necessarily a clinical diagnosis by dermatologists, but rather meant as skin that may have a higher tendency to react than average,” says Michael Kassardjian, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. This is due to a weaker skin barrier, which allows irritants—say, from a certain ingredient or colder weather—to penetrate
your skin more readily. The result? Redness, itching, or stinging.
“Having an occasional sensitization to a product can occur to many people, but an ongoing sensitivity to products and persistent symptoms like redness, irritation, or itching, may indicate a possible underlying condition,” says Dr. Kassardjian, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
Sensitive skin is usually pretty dry, too. “Having a thinner or damaged skin barrier allows moisture to escape more easily, causing more dryness and exacerbating this condition,” explains Dr. Kassardjian. “Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the skin barrier to thin as we age, and therefore some products that may have once been fine to use can later start becoming more irritating and intolerable.” (Check out our favorite moisturizers for dry skin.)
How we chose the best moisturizers for sensitive skin
We consulted Michael Kassardjian, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, and researched top-reviewed products, deeply examining specs and even testing some ourselves, to find the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. We also asked dermatologists to round up the best picks you can find online right now and combed through thousands of reviews from shoppers just like you.
Our top picks
To help you find the best moisturizer for your sensitive complexion, we’ve rounded up the only moisturizers for sensitive skin to add to your daily routine, according to dermatologists and reviews. Check out our top picks below:
1
BEST OVERALL
Moisturizing Skin Cream Vanicream
Read More
2
BEST VALUE
Skin Calming Cream Eucerin
Read More
3
Best Drugstore Find
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Neutrogena
Read More
4
Best Moisturizer for Acne
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer La Roche-Posay
Read More
5
Best PM Moisturizer
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion CeraVe
Read More
1
BEST OVERALL
Vanicream
Moisturizing Skin Cream
2
BEST VALUE
Eucerin
Skin Calming Cream
3
Best Drugstore Find
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
4
Best Moisturizer for Acne
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
5
Best PM Moisturizer
CeraVe
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
6
Best Oil-Free Moisturizer
Neutrogena
Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15
7
Best Repairing Moisturizer
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Cream
8
Best Fragrance-Free Moisturizer
Aveeno
Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream
9
Best Moisturizer with SPF
Olay
Defense All Day Moisturizer SPF 30
10
Best for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals
Triple Lipid Restore 242
11
Best AM Moisturizer
EltaMD
AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer
12
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Avène
Xeracalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream
13
Best Gel Moisturizer
Dermalogica
Calm Water Gel Moisturizer
14
Best Lightweight Formula
Kiehl's
Ultra Facial Cream
15
Best All Season Moisturizer
Cetaphil
Rich Hydrating Night Cream
16
How to choose the best moisturizer for sensitive skin
Look out for common irritants: Be cautious of moisturizers that contains sulfates, alcohol, preservatives, dyes, or fragrance. In fact, “fragrances are a common cause of skin irritation and allergies,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Steer clear of acids: “While everyone wants radiant skin, acids often cause more harm than good in people who have sensitive skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “They work by enhancing exfoliation, but can lead to skin barrier disruption in people with sensitive skin.” Common ones to keep an eye for include salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids.
Choose skin soothers: The experts we talked to recommend looking for ingredients that boost hydration, soothe irritation, and have healing properties. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, soy, and colloidal oatmeal are all safe bets.
As you try a new product, listen to your skin. “It can take six to eight weeks after you start using a product for negative effects to show up—and six to eight weeks more weeks for negative effects to subside,” says David Lortscher, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Curology, a customized acne treatment system.
Emily Shiffer Emily Shiffer is a former digital web producer for Men’s Health and Prevention, and is currently a freelancer writer specializing in health, weight loss, and fitness.