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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Creating an effective skincare routine is challenging enough, but for those with sensitive skin, the already tough task is even more daunting. It requires being extra picky with the products you choose since a misstep has the potential to lead to all kinds of irritation, redness, and more. Despite the potential hassle, a good moisturizer is an absolute must for all skin types—even more so for the sensitive set.
The right moisturizer can go a long way in helping to create a strong skin barrier—the secret to warding off both dryness and sensitivity. The key is to seek out simple formulas: the more basic, the better, advises Lucy Chen, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.
Chen also advises that people with sensitive skin steer clear of certain ingredients like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, as well as salicylic acids. “While acids can be a bonus for those without sensitive skin because they exfoliate, they can have an opposite effect on those with sensitive skin and cause skin barrier disruption,” she says. Fragrance is another ingredient to avoid, a very common irritant, Dr. Chen says. Instead, look for ingredients that soothe and hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, soy, and colloidal oatmeal are some of her favorites.
We conducted hours of research on the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, evaluating each formula on active ingredients, as well as what the ingredient list does not contain—like fragrance, dyes, or potential irritants. We also looked for formulas that contain SPF or sun protection and how well they deliver hydrating results without irritating skin or causing breakouts. To help narrow down our selections, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists to offer product recommendations and advise on what types of ingredients to look out for. After considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Best Overall
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
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Ulta
Lightweight
Approved by the National Eczema Association
Works for face and body
Comes in a pump bottle
Need to reapply often
A true classic, there’s a good reason why people sing the praises of this cream over and over. This fragrance-free lotion touts three types of ceramides coupled with hydrating hyaluronic acid in a formula gentle enough to be accepted by the National Eczema Association. Plus, it works equally well on both your face and body.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 8, 12, or 16 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Olay Moisturizing Face Lotion Sensitive Skin
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Walmart
Fragrance-free
Lightweight
Affordable
Absorbs fast
Strong scent
This is an ideal all-around option for those seeking a lotion that checks all the sensitive skin boxes but won’t break the bank. It's also approved by board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD, FAAD, founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland. Dr. Rodney points out that the aloe leaf and chamomile in the formula help soothe sensitive skin while added glycerin attracts and locks in moisture. (More specifically, it delivers 12 hours' worth of moisture, though it still feels super lightweight.)
Price at time of publish: $13
Active Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore
SheaMoisture Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil & Witch Hazel Skin Rescue Moisturizer
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Walgreens
Soothes inflammation
Lightweight
Unhygienic packaging
Hemp seed oil, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, is the star of the show here (though no, this doesn’t contain CBD or THC). It also has vitamin E and skin-balancing witch hazel, all in a fragrance-free formula that rings it at a super affordable price.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, witch hazel, vitamin E | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Runner-Up, Best Drugstore
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
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Vanicream
Fragrance and paraben-free
Lightweight
Can be used day and night
Not rich enough for super dry skin types
Another great drugstore option is this pick from Vanicream, which was specifically formulated for sensitive skin (but works for all skin types). It has a thicker texture that adds moisture and calms irritated complexions, but doesn't feel heavy—it can even be worn under SPF and makeup. Full of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides, it'll make your skin feel soft and nourished.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Splurge
Alastin Sensitive Skin Ultra Light Moisturizer With TriHex Technology
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Amazon
Great anti-aging benefits
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
May be too light for dry skin types
Is this pick super pricey? Yes. Is it well worth the money? Also yes. The newbie comes from one of our favorite, derm-beloved brands. It's noteworthy because it not only delivers gentle hydration (so gentle that you can even use this on post-procedure skin) but also touts the company’s unique TriHex Technology. Why does that matter? It helps boost collagen and elastin production, key proteins that are needed for strong, youthful, healthy skin. Calming ginger root and white tea leaf extracts are in the mix, too.
Price at time of publish: $78
Active Ingredients: TriHex Technology | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fluid ounces | SPF: No Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Gel
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer
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Amazon
Lightweight
Absorbs fast
Long-lasting
Unhygienic packaging
Byrdie Associate Editorial Director, Holly Rhue recommends this gel pick, a choice option for those who prefer lighter hydration. Despite its fast-absorbing texture, it still delivers plenty of moisture—and continues to moisturize for up to 24 hours. It’s free from parabens, fragrances, alcohols, and dyes. Also noteworthy is the addition of prebiotic oat, which is known to improve the skin barrier function and calm dry or itchy skin. Rodney also likes this option, lauding it for the addition of feverfew, which can help reduce redness.
Price at time of publish: $21
Active Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Heavy Duty Cream
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
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Sephora
Reduces itch and irritation
Works for face and body
Can pill easily
If your skin needs seriously intense moisture, this ultrarich, ultrathick cream is tops. Shea butter is the moisturizing hero, while allantoin and colloidal oats relieve both itch and irritation. (FYI, the latter is even FDA-designated as a skin protectant.) To that point, it earns rave reviews not only for how well it moisturizes but also for relieving issues like eczema and psoriasis.
The Ultra Repair Cream is another one of Dr. Rodney's favorites. “It also contains both feverfew and licorice extracts, which are great at soothing irritating skin,” she notes. On top of all of that, it can be used from head to toe on pretty much everyone, including babies.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin, FAB antioxidant booster | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 2, 6, 8, or 14 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Face and Body
EltaMD Intense Moisturizer
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Dermstore
Works for face and body
Long-lasting
Leaves a greasy feeling
EltaMD may be more often associated with sunscreen, but it does more than just great SPF. Case in point: this guy. The rich consistency truly melts into the skin, and, according to the brand, it can help skin retain up to 90% of its moisture for 12 hours. It’s great not only for sensitive skin but for post-procedure skin, too, a true sign that it’s mega-gentle.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Petrolatum | Skin Type: Sensitive, dry, post-procedure | Size: 2.8 or 3.8 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
A little goes a long way, so you only need to use a pearl-size amount for your whole face.
Best With SPF
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30
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Walgreens
Lightweight
Oil-free
Non-comedogenic
Chemical sunscreen ingredients can be irritating
When it comes to streamlining and speeding up your a.m. routine, opting for a moisturizer with built-in SPF is the way to go. Unlike many formulas that cap it at SPF 15 (technically not enough for daily use, according to the American Academy of Dermatology), this one contains SPF 30. Plus, “Ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin help with hydration and skin repair, and the brand’s proprietary thermal water has antioxidant properties,” says Dr. Rodney.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, oxybenzone | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5 fluid ounces | SPF: Yes, 30 | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Soothing
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream
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Amazon
Fights environmental agressors
Lightweight
Reduces irritation
Can pill under makeup
Fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested, this formula touts two unique soothers. One is a ferment derived from a rare mushroom; the other is a probiotic that also helps fight environmental aggressors. Combined with ceramides and pomegranate sterols that work to restore the skin barrier, this is ideal for calming irritation and has a lovely, cloud-like texture, to boot.
Price at time of publish: $50
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, pomegranate sterols, Ganoderma, bifida extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 or 1.7 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Eczematic Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Ap+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer For Dry Skin
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Ulta Beauty
Approved by the National Eczema Association
Works for face and body
Reviewers note it absorbs slowly
For those who don’t just have sensitive skin but are also battling full-on eczema flares, this is a true skin-saver. Accepted by the National Eczema Association, it is tested by both dermatologists and pediatricians and can be used on babies as young as two weeks old. This moisturizer is also suitable for both face and body. Credit a combo of niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, and the brand’s prebiotic-rich thermal water. Dr. Rodney, who is also a fan, says these ingredients help hydrate and protect the skin.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, Aqua Posae Filiformis post-biotic, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 6.7 or 13.5 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Very Irritated Skin
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
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Amazon
Helps skin both look and feel better
Minimal ingredient list
Reviewers note it leaves a greasy feeling
When your sensitive skin has had enough and is starting to look (and feel) irritated, reach for this guy. Yes, it does the standard duties of helping to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier and all that good stuff, but it’s also unique because it contains D-sensinose. The post-biotic ingredient is found in the mineral-rich thermal spring water in the formula, which the brand says can help quickly calm all kinds of feelings and signs of skin discomfort—think tingling, burning, and tightness.
Price at time of publish: $27
Active Ingredients: D-sensinose | Skin Type: Dry, irritated | Size: 1.3 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Anti-Aging
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
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Dermstore
Absorbs fast
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Not cruelty-free
This just may be the creamiest cream we’ve ever used. The name refers to the ratio of hydrating, anti-aging, sensitivity-preventing lipids it contains—2% ceramides to 4% cholesterol to 2% fatty acids. Imparting mega moisture, the formula also claims to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and add back elasticity and fullness. The product also boasts antioxidants and vitamins.
Price at time of publish: $136
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Natural
Doctor Rogers RESTORE Face Lotion
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Amazon
Minimal ingredient list
Has lightweight and thicker varieties
Pump could work better
While ingredients both natural and chemical can be irritating for many skin types, you may find relief in this gentle formula. It has a minimal ingredient list loaded with hydrating and calming plant-based ingredients. The product has repeatedly earns rave reviews, and we like that it comes in both this lightweight lotion and a thicker cream variant. Conduct a patch test on a small area ahead of application to rule out allergic reactions.
Price at time of publish: $72
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, centella asiatica extract | Skin Type: Balanced, oily, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best K-Beauty
Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
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Sephora
Lightweight
Repairs the skin's moisture barrier
Non-greasy
Unhygienic container
K-beauty is known for its hydrating, barrier-strengthening ingredients, and this moisturizer from Belif is no exception. It's formulated with ceramides to nourish and protect the skin, but still has a cooling, lightweight texture. We love that it's effective on all skin types, and doesn't leave a greasy finish behind.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.68 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Final Verdict
People with sensitive skin needs a good moisturizer more than anyone—so make sure that moisturizer is free of irritating ingredients and is filled with hydrating and soothing ones. Dermatologists love CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which touts the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you can feel confident knowing the formula is extra gentle and effective. For those who prefer more lightweight hydration, a gel formula, like Aveeno's Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer, is the way to go. If you want heavy hydration, try SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, which also delivers anti-aging benefits.
Meet the Expert
- Lucy Chen, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.
- Ife J. Rodney, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, as well as the founder of Eternal Dermatology in Fulton, Maryland. She specializes in all areas of cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology for all skin types. She practices medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology and has a special interest in skin cancer and Mohs surgery.
What to Look for in a Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Fragrance-Free
According to Dr. Chen, this is a non-negotiable if you have sensitive skin. The fragrance is an “extra” and will not positively affect how well your moisturizer functions—but it is a common cause of allergies and skin irritation, she says.
A Short Ingredient List
The fewer ingredients, the less likely there is to be something in there that can irritate your skin. Dr. Chen says it’s a good idea to aim for 10 ingredients or fewer.
Soothing Ingredients
They’re your stressed and irritated skin’s BFF. Good ones to look for include colloidal oats, soy, and aloe vera. Ceramides are also soothing, while they bring moisture to restore the skin-barrier. Try The Ultra Repair Cream, from this roundup, which contains colloidal oatmeal. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, also mentioned are both rich in ceramides.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She has super sensitive skin and is well-practiced when it comes to finding the best moisturizers—and other products—for sensitive skin.
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