Most people at one point or another have experienced negative skin reactions as a result of environmental, hormonal or genetic factors. In fact, as many as 70% of women and 60% of men report having some degree of skin sensitivity. Everything from climate, to over-exfoliation, to harsh chemicals can contribute to adverse reactions. If you suffer from sensitive skin, finding the right skincare products can be a frustrating (and expensive) exercise in trial and error. There are plenty of products at the drugstore formulated for sensitive skin, but that does not mean that they do not still contain potentially hazardous chemicals. You shouldnโt have to sacrifice overall health for a healthy looking complexion; which is why I went down the rabbit hole to find some of the best non-toxic products for sensitive skin.
Generally, if you have sensitive skin, you should think twice about products that contain the following ingredients:
โFragranceโ or โparfumโ
Alcohol (it is very drying)
Some essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus can cause reactions
Witch hazel can irritate sensitive skin
If you have rosacea in particular, avoid AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid)
Retinoids/retinol
Sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent) strips skin of its natural oils
Benzoyl peroxide, which is used to treat acne, can severely irritate sensitive skin
Chemical SPFs (use a mineral SPF with Titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide instead)
Remember, some skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea are results of impaired immune function, so skincare wonโt necessarily be the answer to your prayers. Avoiding known triggers along with maintaining a good skincare routine is key to limiting the number of flare-ups you get. A medicated treatment may also be necessary if symptoms are severe.
As always, please keep in mind that quality skincare with quality ingredients is more expensive than conventional drugstore products. Iโve tried to include some more affordable options on this list. Without further ado, see my choices below for the best sensitive skincare options.
Cleansers:
Pai Camellia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser $50
A. Florence Cleansing Milk $30
Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish $62 (this is a gentle scrub. Do not use on cracked or inflamed skin
daytime Moisturizers (No SPF):
Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream $60
OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream $48
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Hydra Therapy Lotion $12.95
Thicker moisturizers/balms:
Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream $45
Therapi Ultra Radiance Cream $60
January Labs Moisture Renew Mask $34
Laurel Healing Recovery Balm $68
Weleda Skin Food $19
Do you suffer from sensitive skin? What has worked/not worked for you? Comment below!