I’m the self-appointed president of the Sensitive Skin Club. If there’s burning, breakouts, or stinging to be had, I’ll know it. My face can be overarchingly be defined as highly reactive and irritable, which pretty much makes me the ideal tester for sensitive skin-approved moisturizers. In my experience, creams trump lotions, ceramides and squalane reign supreme, and fragrance is notoriously unwelcome. I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, but in the end, I've been able to determine the best moisturizers for sensitive skin.
With more people having sensitive skin than ever before (nearly 70 percent of people self-identify as having sensitive skin), incorporating one of these non-irritating, reparative options into your routine is a no-brainer. While you won’t find intense resurfacing acids in the options below, you will spot redness-reducing properties, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and skin barrier-boosting actives. To set your skin up for success, shop for the best moisturizers for sensitive skin ahead.
Do I Have Sensitive Skin?
Determining if your skin is acne-prone, oily, or dry is a little more cut and dry than determining if your skin is sensitive. “Typically people know that they have sensitive skin when they try different products and are quick to get irritation, flaking, or sensitivity on their skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robert Finney. “I always tell patients, one of the first signs that your skin is getting sensitive is that it feels tight or you get a burning stinging sensation when you put on lotions, even those that are considered moisturizers. Use those symptoms as a caution sign that dry, flaky, red skin is right around the bend if they don’t change course.”
What to Look For
Texture
“First off, skip lotions and look for a cream,” advises Dr. Finney. “Creams are way better at hydrating and restoring the barrier of your skin.” That means thicker is likely going to be your friends—especially in the winter.
Ingredients
“I look for important ingredients that help to repair and hydrate, such as ceramides, glycerin, and squalene,” says Dr. Finney. “Avoid words like anti-aging, exfoliating. Those products are likely to contain potentially irritating ingredients such as alpha-/beta-hydroxy acids or retinols.”
Just as important as the ingredients you want to actively seek out, are the ingredients you want to avoid. "Look for moisturizers that avoid including any harsh ingredients and preservatives, leave out strong fragrances, alcohol, and ingredients known to cause allergic and irritant reactions," advises board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nava Greenfield.
The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
- The Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin Overall: Embryolisse Lait Creme Sensitive
- The Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin: Skinfix Barrier + Triple Lipid Peptide Cream
- The Best Moisturizer for Dry, Sensitive Skin: Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream
- The Best Drugstore Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
- The Best Luxury Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: ReVive Sensitif Renewal Daily Cellular Protection Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
“This has been my morning moisturizer for the past two years, and regardless of what other formulas I try, this comes out on top. It’s a fragrance-free cream specially formulated to soothe reactive skin, infuse hydration, and double as a makeup base. It feels incredibly lightweight, which makes the deep hydration all the much more surprising. With a quarter-sized amount, I notice my skin looks less red (I have rosacea so that’s saying a lot), feels incredibly supple, and has a great glow. I truly can’t live without it.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Editor-approved; Safe for babies
Cons: Hard to get everything out of the tube
Customer Review: "I have used this product twice a day for over 6 years and it is my holy grail product. It is perfectly hydrating and doesn't clog my pores. Definitely my favorite beauty product." — Embryollise
“Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is the very first cream moisturizer I ever loved and the only protective layer I let near my sensitive, doesn't-want-to-be-touched teenage skin (seriously, I couldn't stand the feeling of anything on my face besides gels and serums). Fragrance free and extremely silky, this stuff is ultra-lightweight while still providing a level of hydration that rivals the heavier balms I learned to covet later in life.” — Sophia Vilensky, Freelance Beauty Writer
Pros: Lightweight texture; Fragrance-free
Cons: None
Customer Review: "I have to say that this is my new favorite moisturizer. It doesn't feel thick or greasy, doesn't have a scent and is very hydrating (which is necessary since I live in a dry area). A little goes a long way." — Sephora
“My favorite cheap and easily accessible moisturizer for sensitive skin is La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream. It is thick and hydrating, but will not clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. It also contains ceramides, glycerin, shea butter and niacinamide, the latter of which is great for soothing skin and fighting off pigmentation.” — Dr. Robert Finney, Board-Certified Dermatologist
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Affordable
Cons: Might pill for some
Customer Review: "I love, love, love this lotion! It provides the best hydration for my super dry winter skin without a heavy greasy feel. It is great if you have sensitive skin. There's no heavy smell either. I had to go back and buy another tube because it is so good!!" —Ulta
“I have had sensitive skin for years, and the only moisturizer that has never failed me has been the CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion. It is super lightweight, but hydrating so you can wear it in both winter and summer. If your skin is a little irritated from retinoids or dryness it also helps soothe the area, and as an extra plus it is very budget friendly.” — Sophie Cookson, E-Commerce Analyst
Pros: Affordable; Dermatologist-approved
Cons: There are more multi-beneficial formulas
Customer Review: "I have very sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and I think I have bought this item 15 times now. That’s how good I think it is. I use it multiple times a day (morning and night) at the very end of my skincare routine (except for morning sunscreen!) and find that it moisturizes my skin perfectly." —Target
"This is the only moisturizer I've finished multiple bottles of. The weather recently turned cold and dry here in New York and this is the moisturizer I turned to so that my skin could be protected. It instantly calms redness and soothes irritation (especially after I use an exfoliating mask). The texture is like icing—thick and smooth and it instantly melts into my skin without leaving a residue behind. It also plays nicely with the rest of my products" — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Pros: Good for redness; Works well under makeup
Cons: Too thick for some
Customer Review: "This is such an amazing moisturizer. It glides on, hydrates, improves overall tone, and makes your skin feel silky smooth. " — Sephora
“When I've been too ambitious with my retinol or AHAs and my sensitive skin is flaring up, I swear by First Aid Beauty's line of face moisturizers. They're the only moisturizers I've ever found (aside from Aquaphor, which doesn't really count? Does it?) that actually soothe my skin when it's dry and flaky and annoyed. Every other moisturizer make my skin sting even more, at best, and at worst make my skin more annoyed than ever, so I immediately switch to this moisturizer when needed. I'm not sure what colloidal oatmeal is, to be honest with you, but it feels great.” – Jenny Hollander, Digital Director
Pros: Contains colloidal oatmeal for soothing; Very calming
Cons: Smell isn’t for everyone
Customer Review: "This is my go to in the winter time. I have otherwise normal skin, but in the winter I tend to get very dry. This solves that and helps reduce redness. A little goes a long way with this." — Sephora
“With a seal from the National Eczema Association, you can be confident this fragrance and essential oil-free moisturizer is suitable for even the most irritable skin. Lipids and ceramides take center stage and work to strengthen the skin’s barrier so it’s less likely to have a reaction. It’s the inclusion of centella asiatica (one of my favorite ingredients) that puts it on my radar. The ingredient is known to soothe redness, reduce fine lines, and plump up the complexion.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Good for eczema
Cons: Too thick for acne prone skin (contains shea-butter)
Customer Review: "The lightweight formula is easily absorbed, leaving no greasy residue behind. It effectively hydrates my skin without causing any breakouts or clogging pores. I appreciate that it contains natural ingredients that are gentle on my skin and help to soothe any redness or irritation. What impresses me the most is how well this cream controls excess oil throughout the day." — Ulta
“I love ReVive’s classic Moisturizing Renewal Cream, but it contains a handful of resurfacing acids that occasionally cause some irritation. Still, I toughed it out because I couldn’t bare the thought of parting with the moisturizer’s anti-aging, firming benefits. Then, I realized I could have the best of both worlds with a little help from their Sensitif line. This contains all the amazing, fine-line reducing benefits, with the addition of soothing properties, SPF, and calming agents.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Anti-aging; Soothing; Slightly cooling
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "This cream feels so nourishing and not a sticky dry feeling after like most sunscreens. It keeps my skin moist but not shiny. I love that because I tend to have adult hormonal skin concerns." — Saks
“I love Skinfix Barrier + Triple Lipid Peptide Cream. It is also non-comedogenic, so great for those with sensitive, yet breakout prone skin. It contains great ingredients to restore your barrier and hydrate, such as ceramides, peptides and hyaluronic acid.” — Dr. Robert Finney, Board Certified Dermatologist
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Non-comedogenic
Cons: Dispenser can get clogged
Customer Review: "I have to admit I am in love with the Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream. My skin has become more sensitive and dry this past winter, and I’ve gotta say adding this cream to my skincare routine has been a game changer. I’m quite sensitive to strong scents but this cream is nice and light." — Sephora
“Contrary to popular belief, you can have oily skin that is also sensitive. If that’s your case, allow me to direct your attention to SkinCeuticals’ Daily Moisturizer. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, has pore-shrinking properties thanks to the inclusion of carefully curated botanical extracts, and is packed with enough vitamins and nutrients to bring compromised skin to a healthy state.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Lightweight; Pore shrinking
Cons: Not hydrating enough for dry skin types
Customer Review: "I love this moisturizer for morning application. It's hydrating, but not heavy or greasy. It's great for daytime, but I do find it a bit light for nighttime however and use a heavier product." — Dermstore
"You know when you use one hyped up product and realize it's worth it? That's how i felt using this cream from Dr. Jart. It's so thick (perfect for my dry, dehydrated skin) and instantly cools it down after I use a deep-cleaning face mask for exfoliating serum. I use it day or night because it layers well under makeup or under my favorite face oil. Plus, a little goes a long way and the tube lasts forever." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor
Pros: Deeply hydrating; Long-lasting
Cons: Might pill if used under makeup
Customer Review: "I've been dealing with extremely dry patchy and even flakey skin for months. This moisturizer drastically changed my dry skin within days of use. BUY IT!" — Sephora
“It’s colder out now (le sigh), which means my skin is entering its extra-dry phase of life. Historically, flakes and peeling are par for the course, but thanks to Shani Darden’s recent-ish launch, I’ve been able to stay in the clear. With a formula heavily focused on hydration and nourishment, my skin stays looking plumped and balanced despite the temperamental weather. Typical hydrators like peptides and squalane are at the forefront, in addition to an ingredient called hydrosella, which is clinically proven to provide 72 hours of hydration.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Deeply hydrating; Non-comedogenic; Good for large pores
Cons: Might pill
Customer Review: "My cheeks get extremely dry in the winter and this has been my savior! I love how it absorbs quickly and the hydration that it provides is top notch!" — Sephora
“I have rosacea, contact dermatitis, and UV damage to my skin, meaning it’s more sensitive than most and reactive to lots of products. This skincare duo is the first to help with my rosacea without irritating it. Boum Boum Milk is literally a spray moisturizer that goes on first (I can also put it on my body and hair—making it a savior when I travel), then C’est La Cream is the barrier cream that protects, nourishes, and “sets” my skin for the day. The dream!” — Katherine J. Igoe, Contributing Syndication Editor
Pros: Bundle; Reparative Cons: Expensive
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "My skin was parched and dry and irritated. Nothing helped, but this duo saved my skin. My skin is now clear and beautifully hydrated." — Violette FR
“While using a great moisturizer for sensitive skin can prevent a lot of havoc, there are times when the damage is already done (read: burning, stinging, redness). In those moments, this deeply reparative cream is the only option. It addresses fine lines, wrinkles, and redness, but most importantly delivers instant relief to stressed out skin. It’s not cooling per se, however it delivers the same relaxing sensation when skin needs to be calmed down.” — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Hypo-allergenic; Non-comedogenic
Cons: Too heavy for some
Customer Review: "I have tried multiple moisturizers that claim to hydrate your skin, but this is the only one that truly gives me long lasting hydration. This cream did not irritate my sensitive skin and it doesn't feel heavy. Soaks in well and really changes your skin. My pores clog easily with heavier creams, but this gave me no issues. Worth the price for those with sensitive skin." — Dermstore
"I've been dealing with adult acne over the last couple of years and it's been tricky to find day creams that are rich enough to hydrate my skin without causing the acne to flare or get worse. This cream from Peace Out! Skincare is the one that does it all for me. The formula is light and works to repair my skin barrier and I've noticed that my blemishes look better as I continue to use it." — Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: Non-comedogenic; Lightweight
Cons: Not hydrating enough for super dry skin
Customer Review: "This is one amazing product. I been using this for few weeks now and I truly love it. It keeps my face super hydrated, healthy-looking, and moisturized. My face tends to get oily from time to time and this is the moisturizer that balanced the oils from my face." — Ulta
Meet the Dermatologists
Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Finney completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Pennsylvania State University. He completed his internship and dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA where he served as chief resident during his final year. He also performed a postdoctoral research fellowship in eczema and allergic contact dermatitis at Rockefeller University in addition to an advanced fellowship in aesthetics, hair restoration, and skin surgery with renowned hair surgeon Dr. Marc Avram in New York. Dr. Finney is a clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine.
Dr. Finney is an expert in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology and is regularly asked to contribute to various media outlets, including Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire, and Women’s Health. He does not approach aesthetics from a cookie-cutter approach, rather he works closely with each patient to design a customized treatment regimen to achieve his or her desired aesthetic outcomes that appear natural and refreshed, never over-done.
Dr. Nava Greenfield is a dermatologist practicing at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Dr. Greenfield earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Queens College, City University of New York, where she graduated Cum Laude with honors in mathematics, natural sciences, chemistry and biochemistry.
Dr. Greenfield attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. She completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Greenfield has been published in many medical journals, including The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the Journal of Women’s Dermatology and Pediatrics. Dr. Greenfield is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.
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