Many moisturizers contain irritating ingredients. Here, dermatologists share the ones to avoid, plus the best moisturizers for sensitive skin on the market.
Moisturizing Skin Cream Vanicream is a great option for very sensitive skin because it’s incredibly gentle, says Dr. Kassardjian. Consider it a no-brainer for what it doesn’t contain: common irritants, such as dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde. Instead, it “contains ceramides to help hydrate and moisturize skin,” he adds. Plus, it has even earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
What a reviewer says: “Vanicream’s skin cream is the absolute best nighttime moisturizer! I was recommended this skin cream since I have a lot of redness and dryness in my face. I’ve been using this lotion every night before bed layered on top of my serums and it works perfectly with no irritation. This cream leaves my skin feeling super instantly hydrated and moisturized.”
Skin Calming Cream If your sensitive skin tends to get itchy, this is the product for you. Eucerin’s Skin Calming Cream contains colloidal oatmeal, a top-notch ingredient often used for eczema relief. David Lortscher, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Curology, likes this rich moisturizer because it’s free of common irritants, like fragrances and dyes. It works best at night and is ideal for those struggling with a skin condition or severe dryness. Otherwise it may feel a bit heavy for day-to-day use on your face.
What a reviewer says: “With a family full of folks with sensitive skin, finding this was a game changer! It’s lightweight, but very moisturizing. I have super sensitive skin and I use this daily on my face, neck, and entire body. My grandchildren have eczema and this has made a tremendous difference for their skin too. This cream truly is skin calming. I think the key for this cream is to apply directly after getting out of the shower, to enable it to soak into the skin.”
Golden Hour Recovery Cream Ursa Major’s products only include natural ingredients, which is a major win for those with sensitive skin. The Golden Hour Recovery Cream is a favorite among the brand’s fanatics, as it’s infused with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and essential fatty acids. You won’t find synthetic ingredients, only ones that are derived from nature: aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, sea buckthorn extract, etc.
What a reviewer says: “Really love this! Was looking for something light and non-toxic. I have fairly sensitive skin and this has been great. No breakouts or clogged pores and doesn't feel greasy. Love that it can be used day or night.”
Super Peptide & Ghostberry Barrier Repair Cream One of the top-rated moisturizers for sensitive skin at Sephora, Alpyn Beauty’s Super Peptide & Ghostberry Barrier Repair Cream is somewhat of a cult favorite. Formulated to reduce redness and promote a healthy skin barrier, this stuff comes with rave reviews. Peptides and ceramides hydrate and relax fine lines, but it’s the ghostberry that calms irritated skin.
What a reviewer says: “I’ve been using this for a bit now and honestly it’s such a comforting cream, especially when my skin is irritated or just not cooperating. The texture is rich but not heavy—it melts in really nicely and doesn’t just sit on top of the skin. I wake up with my face feeling softer and less tight... I was a little worried it might clog my pores because barrier creams can be hit or miss, but so far it hasn’t broken me out. It actually helps calm down redness and makes my skin feel more balanced overall.”
Alpha Beta pH Balance Replenishing Cream Thought electrolytes were just for drinking? Think again! This beloved cream from Dr. Dennis Gross is souped up with an electrolyte complex proven to soothe, hydrate, and balance skin. Reviewers mention this one is especially great for the summer months, as it’s lightweight and works well layered under other products.
What a reviewer says: “I can honestly say that this product is so worth it. I was very wary of it just because of the price point but it’s worth every penny! It lasts for quite a while and just one pump is all you really need! I used benzoyl peroxide on my skin for years due to acne and it left my skin dry and very red! The redness in my face has gradually gotten so much better and my skin feels and looks much more healthy... After a couple weeks you’ll see the results! Definitely recommend!”
Renewing Facial Moisturizer With Collagen & Elastin You’d be hard-pressed to find a facial cream with as many glowing reviews for under $10. The price-per-ounce is an unbelievable deal, especially when you factor in the number of customers who call this their go-to for daily use. While it doesn’t have any high-value ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, it does have collagen and elastin to improve skin’s firmness.
What a reviewer says: “I have been using this cream for years and I swear by it. I am 61 and people mistake me for being in my 40s or early 50s! I use it as my day cream and it is perfect under makeup, it isn’t greasy, it’s light and it soaks in your skin so nicely and leaves you dewy and soft. The price is right and nice size too! I highly recommend it if you have sensitive skin as I do. I will have a reaction to almost any cream and this one is great.”
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream This readily available drugstore staple has thousands of nearly perfect Amazon reviews for a reason: It’s affordable, it’s non-irritating, and it simply gets the job done. “This product contains hyaluronic acid, which has an incredible ability to retain water and moisturize the skin,” says Dr. Kassardjian. “It is gentle, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, and it goes on smoothly. It also absorbs quickly to lock in moisture.” It’s also a favorite of Senior Commerce Editor, Charlotte Lewis Finigan, who calls it “perfect” for daily use under her makeup to prevent potential irritation, as well as plump her skin canvas.
What a reviewer says: “This stuff is great! I saw my dermatologist recently and she recommended me this product. I have a very oily T-zone but very dry everywhere else. This is perfect for combo skin. I also have acne and this has not irritated or made my skin itchy. I use a small amount and it goes a long way. It’s very lightweight and doesn’t feel thick on your skin which is my favorite part. Different than any other lotion type of moisturizer. Theres no scent which is also good. Lasts all day and feels like it’s doing its job.”
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer “This product contains thermal spring water that helps soothe inflamed skin and promote a healthy skin microbiome,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. It also has glycerin , a ceramide , and niacinamide . The lightweight cream is also allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic.
What an editor says: This lotion is super lightweight, layers well under makeup, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I love it!
Moisturizing Cream This formula is both developed and recommended by dermatologists because it loves sensitive and dry skin types. That’s why it is the best overall pick on our list of moisturizers for dry skin and the best for mature, sensitive skin on our list of mature skin moisturizers. “This is a thick but non-greasy and fast-absorbing moisturizer that can be used on both face and body,” Ashley McGuinness, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, MO previously told Prevention. “It’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and contains multiple ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone, that help moisturize and restore the skin barrier.”
What an editor says: “I will never stray,” Deputy Commerce Editor, Cristina Corvino previously wrote in her in-depth review. “After continued use, my stubborn dry patches faded without exacerbating my combination-to-oily skin. I currently use it daily under my SPF—my skin soaks it up immediately, and it doesn’t leave me feeling sticky or with any leftover residue.”
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion All of CeraVe’s products are developed with ceramides, naturally occurring lipids that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. If you’re new to the line, this nighttime moisturizer is a great place to start, since it also contains skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to calm inflammation. What’s more, it’s noncomedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free, and overall super-gentle if you struggle with sensitivity.
What an editor says: “This moisturizer has been a staple in my skincare routine for years because of how lightweight, hydrating, and affordable it is,” says former Assistant Editor, Shannen Zitz. “Whether I’m dealing with an acne breakout, dry patches, or irritated skin, this moisturizer always does the job. It was even my holy grail product while I was on a course of Accutane, which left me with extremely dry, sensitive, and reactive skin.”
Ultra Repair Cream This gentle moisturizer will work magic on dry patches and is even heavy-duty enough to reduce flaking associated with eczema and psoriasis. Enriched with soothing and moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal extract, ceramides, shea butter, squalane, and feverfew , this rich cream is fit to use all over your body to soothe irritated skin. Bonus: It never feels greasy and comes with six ounces of product.
What a reviewer says: “AMAZING. I wish I took before and after photos. I have extremely sensitive skin. Despite hydration, non-harsh face washes, and having no more than a 3-step skin care routine, my face was still dry, irritated, and redness all over... I found this product and within one to two weeks I saw MAJOR improvement. I feel so beautiful now and barely wear makeup anymore. I’ll definitely be purchasing this for a while.”
Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream This unscented intensive moisturizing cream has a cult following, thanks to its powerful ingredient list, which includes hyaluronic acid. With over 2,000 ratings on Amazon and nearly five stars overall, the moisturizer is a shopper favorite.
What a reviewer says: “The texture is perfect—lightweight but still super nourishing. It absorbs beautifully into the skin without feeling greasy, and it leaves my face feeling soft, smooth, and instantly hydrated. What really stands out to me is how well it keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day. I don’t feel like I need to constantly reapply, which is a huge plus. It layers really well with the rest of my skincare and sits nicely under makeup without pilling. I’ve also noticed my skin looks more plump and healthy since using it. Another big win: it doesn’t irritate my skin or clog my pores at all.”
Defense All Day Moisturizer SPF 30 This pleasantly lightweight, oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer from Olay contains soothing aloe, hydrating glycerin, skin-calming niacinamide, and SPF 30 to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. Plus, it leaves dull skin looking nourished without leaving behind a sticky, greasy film.
What a reviewer says: “This Olay Invisible Sunscreen has transformed my daily routine! The clear, lightweight formula makes applying sunscreen feel less like an chore and more like an essential part of my skincare. I have not had any bad reactions or breakouts like I have had with other sunscreens on my face. I don’t have to worry about stickiness, greasiness, white cast, or that typical sunscreen smell anymore, either. This product goes on effortlessly, leaving my skin feeling soft and velvety.”
PM Restore Moisturizer While this product may be marketed for bedtime use, many users say they love using it morning and night. The noncomedogenic formula is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Plus, with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this pick helps moisturize and repair skin simultaneously.
What an editor says: “As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, I really struggle to find skincare products that work. But I love this lightweight EltaMD moisturizer because it leaves my skin feeling comfortable and moisturized, it doesn’t break me out, and it’s formulated with ingredients I feel good about—like peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. I use it both day and night.”
Triple Lipid Restore 242 “This moisturizer contains natural fats that help repair the outer skin layer,” says Dr. Zeichner. A great pick for aging skin, the formula also provides vitamin E, essential oils, a ceramide, and glycerin to boost moisture, smooth skin texture, and protect against harmful free radicals that may damage the skin even further.
What a reviewer says: “This has become my go-to nightly moisturizer, and I’ve been using it consistently for a few months. The scent is my absolute favorite, and it’s played a big role in keeping my skin barrier strong as I’ve introduced retinol into my routine. It is a richer cream, and I sometimes need a bit more product than expected to fully cover my face, but the payoff in hydration and comfort makes it worth it. I especially love how my skin looks and feels in the morning after using it. It looks smooth, hydrated, and well-rested.”
XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream This non-greasy moisturizer from Avène targets dryness, itching, redness, and irritation, making it a great choice for sensitive skin types. “In general, this brand has various moisturizers that have a minimal amount of ingredients and are fragrance-free, gentle, and noncomedogenic,” says Dr. Kassardjian.
What a reviewer says: “I got this to help heal my skin barrier. My face is so happy since I tried this. Redness is down, bumps are down, and dry skin is nonexistent. I want to bathe in this. If you’re reading this just buy it already.”
Calm Water Gel Moisturizer This moisturizer earns a recommendation from Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. She loves that it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, is fragrance- and paraben-free, and offers soothing cactus pear extract. The gel texture also sinks right into the skin.
What a reviewer says: “I got this product as a sample and it makes your skin feel so plump and moisturized. As someone who has combo skin and acne, finding a moisturizer that leaves my skin soft and calm is hard. The price is a bit steep but it’s worth it.”
Rich Hydrating Night Cream If you struggle with dryness in addition to sensitivity, this noncomedogenic, fragrance-free night cream from Cetaphil has you covered. Dr. Lortscher recommends this product because it contains soothing olive extract in addition to hyaluronic acid to boost skin’s natural moisture. It’s rich enough to keep your face soft without feeling greasy.
What a reviewer says: “I have sensitive skin that doesn’t like most moisturizers, but this one is golden. Hydrates my skin, reduces fine lines, and doesn’t cause a breakout. It feels like silk on my skin, not greasy at all, and doesn’t pill—even with makeup. Better than the more expensive moisturizers. Love love love.”
Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream This moisturizer is chock-full of hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and squalane. With over 120,000 hearts on Sephora’s website and 700 reviews, shoppers seem to love this moisturizer. They even note that it’s great for sensitive skin.
What a reviewer says: “This might be my new holy grail. My skin was so dry this winter; I had dry patches that were not going away no matter what moisturizer or serum i used. After one use of this product it already looked better, now that I have been consistently using my skin is clear and with no dryness.”
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer This gel moisturizer feels cooling and comforting on the skin, and its ingredients keep that effect going long after application. It’s lightweight enough to use both day and night, and it’s hypoallergenic.
What a reviewer says: “When I tell you that I have the most sensitive skin ever, I have rosacea, I have to use fragrance-free everything, I cannot use any sunscreen except mineral, so on and so on... It has been an ongoing battle to find something that really calms down my redness and irritation. I tried this on a whim. I've just looking up products and their ingredients and I will never use another moisturizer again.”
Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin Best Face Moisturizer For Dry Sensitive Skin Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture Sensitive Skin Best Face Moisturizer With Spf For Sensitive Skin
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