The Best Hydrating Serums for Sensitive Skin, According to Our Editors
April 21, 2023
If you have sensitive skin, you likely understand the importance of using products that are specifically designed with your skin type in mind. When adding serums to your skincare lineup, it’s key to steer clear of harsh ingredients that can cause irritation, and instead opt for hydrating, gentle and soothing formulas. From products that target redness to those that enhance your glow, here are 18 of our favorite facial serums for sensitive skin.
The Best Hydrating Serums for Sensitive Skin
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
Whether you’re dealing with blotchy, red skin or are prone to breakouts, this gel-like, non-comedogenic serum deserves a spot in your lineup. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme and botanicals, the formula works to cancel out redness, calm your complexion and give skin an added dose of hydration.
Vichy Minéral 89
For a multi-purpose product that will help soothe your sensitive skin, give this Vichy product a go. Depending on how your skin feels, you can layer this daily booster on as a hydrating serum or wear it alone as a lightweight moisturizer. It gives skin a dewy, plumped-up glow and is formulated without any fragrance, alcohol, oils or parabens.
L’Oréal Paris Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid
Have dry, sensitive skin? This L’Oréal Paris serum has your back. Hyaluronic acid not only hydrates and plumps the skin, it also works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Formulated with 1.5% hyaluronic acid, this serum gives even the most sensitive skin types a smoother, plumper, more hydrated appearance. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the fragrance-free and allergy-tested formula contains vitamin B5 and peptide to help soften skin.
Vichy Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum
Formulated specifically for skin going through peri- and post-menopausal stages, this serum replenishes radiance and helps visibly improve the look of dark spots and wrinkles. It contains a combination of firming, plumping ingredients, including proxylane, cassia extract, vitamins and omegas.
Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Hydrating Serum
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this serum helps plump and add a glow to dehydrated, dull-looking skin. Inside the fragrance-free formula, you’ll find glycerin and an epidermal hydration filler, which helps boost skin’s elasticity and minimizes signs of dehydration.
Lancôme Absolue The Serum
With a combination of grand rose extracts, vitamin E and gently exfoliating acids, this luxe formula helps to speed up cell turnover for skin that looks plump, glowy and polished. It also boosts firmness and immediately helps even out the skin.
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this oil-free serum boosts hydration and helps improve the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The formula is so gentle and hydrating, it can even be used during and after a microneedling procedure.
Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Replumping Serum Cream
Great for all skin types, including sensitive, this plumping and smoothing multitasker is a face serum, cream and sunscreen in one. It has a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture that won’t leave behind a greasy residue or a white cast. The hydrating formula is allergy-tested and free of mineral oils, dyes and parabens.
La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Comfort dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin with this hyaluronic acid-rich serum. Its gel-like texture is refreshing and lightweight, and the formula gives your skin a boost of hydration for 24 hours. It contains hyaluronic and glycerin, two hydrating humectants, alongside La Roche-Posay’s soothing, proprietary thermal spring water.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum
This formula contains purslane, a calming, anti-aging ingredient, as well as sunflower extract to rebalance and soothe the skin. You can even apply it in the morning and/or at night, and even after shaving to help calm razor burn.
Femmue Balance Moments Serum
Finding products that work for sensitive skin that’s also acne-prone isn’t always easy. For a non-drying and gentle serum that won’t clog pores, give this serum from Femmue a try. It’s non-greasy and lightweight, packed with nourishing botanicals and works to even out skin tone.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Intensive Redness Relief Serum
With a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, this redness-relieving serum is a trusted pick for sensitive skin types. It helps soothe inflammation and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Dieux Deliverance Serum
This lightweight serum delivers a boost of calming cannabinoids, vitamin B3 and a tripeptide complex to your skincare routine. It’s formulated to tackle three main skin concerns — irritation, the look of fine lines and uneven tone — while keeping skin moisturized and calm.
Avené Hydrance INTENSE Rehydrating Serum
Restore hydration and soothe discomfort with this gentle, lipid-infused serum. The milky formula leaves skin glowy and calm, with increased softness and bonus antioxidant properties.
Beekman 1802 Milk Drops Ceramide Serum
A blend of ceramides, squalane, AHAs and hyaluronic acid in this serum come together to help boost moisture and radiance while keeping oil and visible pores in check. Its silky smooth consistency is sensitive skin-friendly and offers an instantly illuminating effect.
cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum
This hypoallergenic and allergy-tested formula is a gentle choice for sensitive skin. It combines five types of ceramides and lipids to restore hydration along with lactic acid to gently exfoliate skin.
Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum
Tackle blemishes, redness and sensitivity with this gentle yet effective serum. It moisturizes and calms the look of redness, leaving skin soft and free of irritation. The formula features redness-fighting azelaic acid, panthenol and green algae.
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