Of all skin types, people with sensitive skin are the most skeptical ones to try new skincare products, for obvious reasons. And, any mishap with a new serum, scrub, or toner makes them immediately reach for a moisturizer to calm the skin! Hence, if not anything else, having the best moisturizer for sensitive skin handy is extremely essential for such people. 

Now, moisturizers too can be harsh on the skin or cause irritation or flare-ups — only if you pick the wrong product. If a certain emollient works for one skin type, it may not work so well for another, more sensitive skin type. Hence, a moisturizer should be picked very carefully in such cases, and overly potent or harsh ingredients should be avoided. 

Another feature people look for in a hydrant is anti-inflammatory properties, to offer soothing relief to the skin if at all it gets irritated or inflamed — which, let’s be honest, happens a lot with sensitive skin! Now, my skin type is combination (leaning towards the oilier end of the spectrum). Hence, while I have tried out some of the products mentioned below, the insights in my reviews are heavily influenced by the feedback I received from my friends with sensitive skin, as well as genuine customers from around the globe. 

Besides, any claims regarding the prowess of a certain ingredient are backed with research articles, so you can get the best idea about how exactly the product works. So, without further ado, let’s jump into my product recommendations.

• 1
  Best Overall

  La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

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The biggest problem of sensitive skin is that its protective barrier is disrupted, and that’s exactly what this face moisturizer from La Roche-Posay helps with. Its formula is enriched with three essential ceramides and niacinamide, which are sensitive skin-loving ingredients — the former enhances skin’s water absorption, the latter prevents water loss and maintains a healthy skin balance (studies by the  American Journal of Clinical Dermatology and the International Journal of Dermatology).

Further, the formula is boosted with soothing thermal water as well as other impressive humectants that hydrate and comfort sensitive skin very well. This reparative moisturizer is free of harsh alcohol as well as potent actives like retinol palmitate, so you can trust that it won’t trigger any flare-ups or hurt your sensitive skin in any way! Besides, this cream worked well for my acne-prone skin too!

Key Ingredients: Three essential ceramides, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water, and glycerin

Cruelty-free: No information 

Quantity: 3.38 fl oz

Customer Review:  “I have very dry skin and I love this. It’s thick and moisturizing but not too thick/oily where it sits on your skin. It’s absorbed in a nice way. I love the feel and weight of it. There is no smell so if you have sensitive skin, I can see this working for you”.

2

Lightest in Weight

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Moisturizer Gel-Cream

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Hyaluronic acid lovers — this one’s for you! Sensitive skin types can benefit greatly from this moisturizing gel cream from Neutrogena. What sets it apart is that it doesn’t leave any sticky aftermath on the skin, which people with drier skin types often feel like they “have to” make peace with! Your skin would drink up this formula in a jiffy, and experience a radiant glow and plump look immediately after applying. 

In my opinion, this product is an excellent day moisturizer as it sits really well under sunscreen and makeup. It contains purified HA and glycerin to provide hydration to your skin on multiple levels so that it stays comforted and quenched. What sweetens up the deal further is that the product is free from harsh parabens, retinoid derivatives, and dyes. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin

Cruelty-free: Not mentioned

Quantity: 1.7 oz

Customer Review: “What truly sets this moisturizer apart is its ability to outshine its more expensive competitors. I've tried high-end products, but none have delivered the same level of hydration and skin-smoothing results as Neutrogena Hydro Boost. The gel-cream texture is a dream to apply, and it absorbs quickly, making it perfect for my daily skincare routine”.

Quick Tip:

During PM use, apply a dollop of this gel cream evenly onto your face and neck, and follow up with a very small amount of petroleum jelly to really seal in the moisture.

3

Best for Face And Body Use

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin

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Other than Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, if there’s any household name for sensitive skin care and repair that even your mother would swear by is this moisturizer from Vanicream. For just about 13 dollars, you get a great quantity of this product, which you can liberally use on your face and body — literally any skin area that could use some TLC! 

The formula is quite rich and intensely moisturizing, and not hard to absorb into the skin either.  It is non-comedogenic, so you can apply it on your face day and night, and not worry about getting any whiteheads or acne breakouts. An important feature that sets this product apart is that it has been awarded a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. 

Key Ingredients: Purified water, Cetearyl alcohol, and petrolatum

Cruelty-free: No information

Quantity: 1 lb

Customer Review: “As I applied the cream, I was amazed at how rich and creamy it felt. It effortlessly glides onto the skin, instantly providing hydration and relief. Unlike other creams that can feel greasy or heavy, Vanicream absorbs quickly, leaving behind a smooth and velvety finish. It truly feels like a luxurious treat for my skin”.

4

Best with Sun Protection

Cetaphil Daily Oil-free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35

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Perfect for combination and sensitive skin types, this oil-free moisturizer from Cetaphil comprises a silky, lightweight formula that absorbs easily into the skin and leaves it feeling nourished and comforted. This is an excellent daytime moisturizer as it also contains SPF 35, which keeps sun damage at bay and protects the skin.

This facial moisturizing lotion caters to major signs of skin sensitivity, such as dryness, irritation, rough texture, and tightness. For this, the formula employs infused edelweiss flower extracts, which is scientifically proven to increase skin elasticity and dermal thickness, which contributes to a strengthened skin barrier (research published in the National Library of Medicine). Besides, I can’t think of any skin type that won’t benefit from this hydrating goodness!

Key Ingredients: Edelweiss flower extracts, vitamins B3, B5, and E

Sun Filters: Avobenzone 2.8%, Homosalate 9.5%, Octisalate 4.8%, Octocrylene 7%

Cruelty-free: No information

Quantity: 3 fl oz

Customer Review: “I'm a big fan of the Cetaphil products because of their minimalistic ingredients. I have sensitive skin, combination, super oily but also super dry, textured, and acne-prone. I bought this because I needed a daytime moisturizer with SPF without the bells and whistles (minimal harsh ingredients) ever since I started using retinol. This fits the bill for all the things I need it for.”

5

Best Non-comedogenic Formula

EltaMD PM Restore Face Moisturizer

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Like the Cetaphil lotion talked about above is a great choice for AM use, this rich moisturizer for sensitive skin from EltaMD is an excellent pick for PM use. The restorative formula is infused with niacinamide and peptides, which work in harmony to boost skin elasticity and hydrate the skin immensely (research by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences). The formula has a rich, creamy texture infused with superior emollients that soften the skin texture and make it more resilient.

Like any other product from EltaMD, this face moisturizer is dermatologist-recommended and free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, triclosan, retinyl palmitate, formaldehyde, phthalates, etc. Besides, repairing and restoring the skin is the primary feature of this cream and my combination, acne-prone skin loves it too!

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hydrolyzed rice protein, thioctic acid, vitamin E, linoleic acid, and hyaluronic acid

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 1.7 oz

Customer Review: “I have been using this moisturizer for five years now and I get so many compliments on my skin. It is very lightweight, but also keeps my skin moisturized. It never causes me to have a breakout or any other skin problems. I have this subscription I also have used other products in this brand, and I honestly can say that it’s the best!!!”

6

Best Clean Formula

Burt's Bees Sensitive Solutions Moisturizing Cream with Aloe And Rice Milk

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Like all Burt’s Bees products, this sensitive skin moisturizing cream, too, won my trust through its kind-to-skin ingredients and impressive hydration benefits. The formula is infused with gentle goodies such as aloe vera and rice milk extracts in addition to glycerin, honey, and squalene to deeply nourish the skin, making it soft, supple, and happy!

The cream has a nutrient-dense, rich texture that spreads over a large surface, so you don’t need much in a single use. This is the kind of face cream that’s indulgent and satisfying to massage onto the skin — and, it doesn’t contain anything that your sensitive skin should steer clear of! Lastly, it has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Key Ingredients: Aloe and rice milk

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 3 oz

Customer Review: “This is good for sensitive skin it doesn’t break me out. It’s super thick but absorbs good. It does leave a nice sticky layer if you are applying foundation on top, I have been skipping my primer.”

7

Best Antioxidant Formula

COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

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Probably the brand’s most trusted and loved product after the COSRX Advanced Snail 96% Mucin Power Essence, this rich cream is a star quencher for thirsty skin! While the texture and consistency of the cream are quite thick and lotion-like, it does penetrate really well into the skin and replenishes the skin with hyaluronic acid. Many of my friends with sensitive and dry skin types have had a good experience with this product, though this isn’t something I’d recommend to someone with oily or acne-prone skin. 

To be frank, I was kind of surprised to find out that this formula is clean and free of nasties, but it turned out to be quite true. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic and helps alleviate sensitive skin flare-ups, which is a great reason to invest in it!

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn water, panthenol, and macadamia oil

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 3.52 oz

Customer Review: “This hyaluronic acid moisturizer seems heavier and more hydrating than the snail cream, but it still leaves my skin feeling tight and wanting more.”

8

Olay Face Moisturizer Complete Daily Defense Moisturizer With SPF 30

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For sensitive skin types that have started to age a bit, this Olay face moisturizer is a great pick! To start with, the product contains SPF 30, which is great for sun protection on days when you’ve forgotten to wear sunscreen. The formula is also rich in antioxidant ingredients such as vitamins B3 and E, and aloe vera, which boost the skin’s defense against environmental aggressors — a sworn enemy to sensitive skin! Moreover, users love this moisturizer for its silky texture and hydration. 

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, green tea, aloe vera, and panthenol

Sun Filters: Octinoxate 7.5%, octisalate 2.5%, octocrylene 2.5%, zinc oxide 6.9%

Cruelty-free: No

Quantity: 2.5 fl oz

Customer Review: “My skin turns red at any product but for this one, it doesn’t react negatively at all, really soft to apply and not watery or greasy, a really good moisturizer too.”

9

Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream

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I couldn’t help but shortlist this cream from Dear, Klairs as it contains everything that can soothe sensitive skin — a gold-standard product to alleviate skin irritations and redness. The product is enriched with centella asiatica, purslane extracts, and aloe, which work in harmony to calm skin inflammation and make it feel its best (research by the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skin Research And Technology, and as published on NCBI).

It also contains ceramides and other essential humectants to richly moisturize and nourish the skin, thereby making its texture soft, supple, and smooth. All in all, this product is an excellent purchase! 

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, centella asiatica, purslane extracts, and aloe vera extracts

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 2.85 fl oz

Customer Review: “This moisturizer is amazing! I have been using it for about a month now and even though it's been super dry here, I have not been flaking.”

10

Best Vegan And Cruelty-free Product

Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Skin Moisturizer

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If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to expose their skin to too many ingredients, then this moisturizer from Simple is the best choice after Vanicream! The formula contains the finest of all humectants — glycerin, allantoin, and pro-vitamin B5, which boost the skin’s water content without clogging any pores or leaving an icky residue (studies by the Journal of Cosmetic Science, the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, and published on ResearchGate. 

Adept at boosting natural ceramides, the formula is silky smooth and easy to absorb into the skin, leaving it feeling quenched and comforted. I’ve used this product on my acne-prone skin for a very long time, and it never triggered any blemishes or whiteheads in my experience. Hence, I highly recommend it!

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, allantoin, panthenol, bisabolol, and vitamin E

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 4.2 fl oz

Customer Review: “The price is really good in comparison to many face lotions. It’s not too thick but it does a good job of moisturizing without having to use a large amount. It has never left my face feeling greasy, shiny, filmy, burning, stinging, or irritated. This helps to easily spread the lotion all around and I feel like it saves me from using an unnecessarily excessive amount."

11

Deepest Hydration

Minimalist 3% Sepicalm Face Moisturizer

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To quench sensitive skin that is easily parched and dehydrated, this moisturizer from Minimalist contains some of the best humectants and emollients in the world — oat extracts, squalene, and shea butter — that deeply nourish the skin. 

However, what really gives this product an edge is the addition of polyglutamic acid, which offers hydration that is far superior to hyaluronic acid (research by Materials - MDPI). With this, you can trust this product to prevent trans-epidermal water loss and keep your skin hydrated. What sweetens up the deal even more is that this product makes the skin stronger and plumper, and is great for anti-aging too!

Key Ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, amino acids, oat extracts, squalene, and shea butter

Cruelty-free: Yes

Customer Review: “I found this to be very moisturizing, and leaves my skin feeling very soft and replenished. I would definitely recommend this to friends and family and I plan on purchasing again.”

Quick Tip:

For best results, dot this product over your face and neck and gently pat it till the product gets evenly absorbed. Avoid rubbing it too much.

12

Dermalogica Calm Water Gel

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Formulated with lavender essential oil, this gel-based moisturizer for sensitive skin is as calming as the name suggests! The formula is drenched with rich humectants such as cactus pear and gold standard HA, which dive deep into the skin’s layers for lasting hydration and comfort. What sets this effective moisturizer apart from the rest is that it doesn’t just moisturize the skin as you’d expect from any moisturizer — it invites you into an indulgent experience and treats your senses!

Key Ingredients: Apple fruit extracts, hyaluronic acid, cactus pear, and lavender essential oil

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 1.7 fl oz

Customer Review: “This product is in perfect balance with my skin. Not oily but still provides enough moisture to make me feel comfortable, even out redness and not causing an outbreak. I'm using my second tube at the moment.”

13

Best Non-greasy

Honest Beauty The Daily Calm Lightweight Moisturizer

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This dermatologist-approved moisturizer is a pinnacle in sensitive skin care as it comprises a rich blend of plant extracts to soothe and calm irritated skin. The infused phytosterols and phospholipids in the formula work together to restore the skin’s natural barrier and make it more resilient. This moisturizer also reduces the skin’s sensitivity against environmental aggressors, thereby preventing many skin problems that could occur. Plus, it has been recognized by the National Eczema Association. 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and Phyto-blend

Cruelty-free: Yes

Quantity: 1.7 fl oz

Customer Review: “I LOVE how this moisturizer feels in my face. It is not too thick where it feels like too much but just enough that I stay glowing all day long and without having to reapply which is a godsend in the winter weather! It also has a clean scent that won’t mix with anything else you choose to put on. I highly recommend.”

Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, scroll away to see the following buying guide and make a better judgment about which product you want to buy.

1. Look for the Right Humectants, Emollients, And Occlusives:

These are the three essential components of any moisturizer. Humectants are ingredients that draw water deep into the skin, whereas occlusives help seal the moisture inside the skin. This is extremely important to prevent dehydration in sensitive skin types. Moreover, emollients are necessary to soften the skin texture and make it more supple, especially if your skin has become rough and scaly because of dryness. 

However, people with sensitive skin should be careful about the kind of moisturizing ingredients they’re picking for their skin, ensuring that the product doesn’t trigger redness, inflammation, or any other skin condition. The following are some gentle moisturizing ingredients to look for:

• Humectants: Glycerin, colloidal oat, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, thermal water, niacinamide, panthenol
• Emollients: Honey, shea butter, olive-derived squalene, linoleic acid, amino acids, and allantoin
• Occlusives: Petroleum jelly, argan oil, ceramides, sunflower oil, wax esters, and dimethicone

2. Steer Clear of Harsh/Overly Potent Ingredients:

While some potent ingredients may suit normal, oily, or combination skin types very well, they may not be the best pick for sensitive skin. These include vitamin C, retinol derivatives, hydroquinone, AHAs, essential oils, etc. Hence, they should be avoided in moisturizers for sensitive skin. Other ingredients to avoid include harmful chemicals such as liquid paraffin, phthalates, parabens, benzenes, denatured alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, strong fragrances, and dyes. 

3. Texture And Skin Absorption:

A good moisturizer is supposed to seep into the skin easily, without leaving any icky residue — not only is that an indicator of whether the product is effective or not, but also it feels more comfortable on the skin. Plus, the texture and consistency of the moisturizer should be smooth and well-emulsified for the application to be even and mess-free.

4. Features Other Than Hydration:

It’s always a bonus when a moisturizer offers benefits other than just hydration. For example, if the formula contains Centella asiatica, green tea, or thermal water, you can expect it to be very soothing for the skin and have anti-inflammatory benefits. If the product comprises essential vitamins and plant extracts, you can count on it to offer antioxidant protection to your skin. In case it contains amino acids, collagen, and peptides, then the product likely helps boost skin’s elasticity and plumpness. Lastly, if the moisturizer contains UV filters, then it offers sun protection, which is always an excellent thing!

Having referred to the above-mentioned points, if you have an idea about which product you wish to invest in, then scroll away to see some application tips and make the best of the moisturizer.

1. Always Moisturizer After Exfoliation:

Moisturizing the skin is the best and most general way to support it and prevent its barrier from weakening. Hence, after strong or abrasive skin practices such as exfoliation, it is imperative that you use a moisturizer. 

2. Moisturize Right After Shower:

Moisturizing right after taking a shower is great as this helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss in the skin and helps retain hydration. While there’s no direct research to prove this, anecdotal evidence suggests that moisturizing after a shower shows better hydration benefits than moisturizing at a different time. Besides, many people (including me) have experienced that we need much less product when moisturizing right after a shower than doing so otherwise. 

3. AM And PM Use Is Non-negotiable:

Particularly for sensitive skin, moisturizing at least twice a day (morning and before bedtime) is crucial to maintain the skin’s optimal health and homeostasis. 

4. Top off with a Sunscreen in the Daytime:

When applying moisturizer during the day, always top it up with sunscreen — preferably even when you’re staying indoors.