Our Favorite Moisturizers to Hydrate Sensitive Skin
December 16, 2022
The Importance of Using a Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Using a daily moisturizer is important for every skin type. Sensitive skin though can be especially reactive to beauty products and environmental factors, which can easily cause irritation, redness or allergic reactions. By using a moisturizer, those with sensitive skin can help improve their skin’s hydration and restore their skin’s barrier, thus helping to reduce irritation. Essentially, a moisturizer can get your sensitive skin back on track if it’s feeling imbalanced, so it’s important to find a quality cream you can rely on.
The Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
The right moisturizer for sensitive skin comes down to the ingredients. The general rule of thumb is to look for a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Some skin-soothing ingredients to keep an eye out for: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal and soy. On the other hand, consider avoiding any ingredients that may irritate your skin. These may include: alcohols, fragrances, sulfates, preservatives and dyes. Keep in mind that it may take some trial and error to find the right product for you. A board-certified dermatologist can also help point you in the right direction when it comes to choosing the best moisturizer for your sensitive skin.
The 17 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, According to Editors
La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral Moisturizing Cream
Formulated without common irritants like alcohol, parabens, fragrance or preservatives, this La Roche-Posay moisturizer-meets-sunscreen works to restore and repair your skin’s moisture barrier. It has a lightweight texture, provides SPF 30 protection and 24-hour hydration.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
If your skin is both sensitive and dry, this moisturizer, made with 97% natural origin ingredients, is for you. Hyaluronic acid and Vichy thermal water deliver a surge of long-lasting hydration to your skin. Apply morning and night to help achieve balanced skin and an enviable glow.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
This face cream is a savior when it comes to rescuing dry skin. The moisturizer feels lightweight and airy when applied and still manages to douse your skin with hydration. The formula contains squalane and glacial glycoprotein, which both work to keep skin soft and smooth, even in the coldest air.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a drugstore essential. It’s oil-free and contains hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Plus, the formula is non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and even suitable for anyone who suffers from eczema.
SkinCeuticals Emollience
This facial moisturizer uses natural extracts and essential oils to soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive skin. And with the winter weather in full force, this is ideal for avoiding a flaky and tight complexion.
Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisturizing Cream
Considered a must-have for dry, sensitive skin, this cream addresses fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and redness all while penetrating deep into the skin for intense hydration. It’s even known to calm irritated skin, according to reviewers. Take peace of mind in knowing it's fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty free, too.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
This lightweight moisturizer is packed with ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin to help restore your skin’s barrier. It’s formulated with dermatologist-recommended ingredients including ceramide-3, niacinamide, glycerin and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water. Additionally, this moisturizer is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and paraben-free, so even the most sensitive of users can use it safely.
L’Oréal Paris Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer Fragrance Free
This moisturizer uses the power of three dermatologist-recommended ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and pro-retinol. Pro-retinol may be a good choice for those with sensitive skin who want to reduce wrinkles and firm their complexion, as it’s a bit gentler than typical retinol.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
This cream offers several benefits in just one product. Obviously it moisturizes, but it also minimizes the look of fine lines and pores, smooths skin, evens tone and makes it appear both plumper and brighter. In total, it addresses 10 signs of aging. The formula contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane and peptides to keep your skin barrier well-hydrated.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Botanical Night Cream
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty moisturizer that deeply plumps and hydrates, this night cream is a solid option. It’s formulated with omega 3 oil, omega 6 oil and fatty acids to visibly renew the appearance of skin while you sleep. Although it may be thick, it’s easily absorbed and boasts a whipped, cloud-like texture. Bonus: The calming lavender scent helps soothe your mind for a restful night of sleep.
Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Replumping 3 in 1 Serum Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Watermelon
This little bottle is actually three products in one — a cream, a serum and a sunscreen. The non-comedogenic formula works to rehydrate dry skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines with the help of hyaluronic acid and watermelon.
Lancôme Hydra Zen Gel Cream Oil-Free Moisturizer with Salicylic Acid
A cult favorite for a reason, this ultra-hydrating, oil-free moisturizer has a bouncy gel-cream texture. Promising to provide 24-hour hydration along with a visible glow, it leaves skin more radiant, softer and smoother without irritation. It does include a light fragrance and salicylic acid, so keep that in mind if you’re particularly sensitive to those two ingredients.
Youth to the People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream
Another fan-favorite pick, this fragrance-free Youth to the People cream is formulated with peptides and ceramides to restore hydration to the skin for up to 24 hours. It’s suitable for all skin types and leave behind a dewy, glowy finish.
Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Clarifying Prebiotic Moisturizer
With a blend of squalane, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this super-hydrating, fragrance-free formula helps clarify and hydrate. It purifies, fuels good bacteria and smooths and softens texture for balanced, smooth skin.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
If moisturizers typically only give you short-lived relief, pick up this Peter Thomas Roth moisturizer. Pentavitin, a hydrator, helps to create long-lasting moisture for up to 72 hours, even after cleansing, according to the brand. The fragrance-free cream also packs in elderberry, which has anti-aging properties, as well as hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Stratia Liquid Gold
Liquid Gold isn’t your typical moisturizer. A lightweight cream-serum hybrid, it works hard to keep your face healthy, clear and resilient, all while soothing and repairing your barrier, per the brand. Two pumps up to twice daily replenish your skin with ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. It’s created to promote cell turnover, brighten and minimize fine lines.
Kopari Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream
Not only does this cream replenish dry skin while restoring its moisture barrier, but it also provides 72 hours of hydration while giving your complexion an instantly dewy glow, according to the brand. It’s all thanks to a power combo of vegan ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which leaves your skin smooth, supple and healthy.
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