We know how frustrating it can be when your skin reacts badly to a product that works wonders for others but, finding the best serum for sensitive skin should never be that hard. Before you try any random product, understanding the type of skin you have and the product that best suits it is an extremely important education you need to have. Any use of the wrong product could cause a bad chemical reaction, thereby damaging your skin. You might not notice it right away, but in the long run your skin barriers will weaken and cause a lot of problems. Serums with ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can protect your skin from dullness, dark spots, or even aging signs that can be caused by harsh environments. Since everyone’s skin reacts differently to different products, you need to pick the one that works the best for your skin.

“When it comes to sensitive skin, it's essential to choose skincare ingredients that are gentle, soothing, and unlikely to cause irritation. While individual sensitivities can vary, some ingredients are generally considered safe and well-tolerated by sensitive skin types”, says Dr. B.R.N. Padmini, a serving consultant in the plastic surgery unit of CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Laying down the basic difference between sensitive skin serums and other serums, our contributor Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD — Welzo, an online healthcare platform says, “Sensitive skin serums are formulated to be extra gentle on the skin and to not irritate delicate skin, typically avoiding ingredients that can cause reactions, unlike other serums which may contain more active or potent ingredients.”

According to a board-certified dermatologist, Andrea Suarez, MD, FAAD, “Sensitive skin refers to unpleasant sensory experiences when your skin comes in contact with things that are otherwise innocuous”. In some cases, lack of skin care products can even lead to cancer if you expose yourself too much to harsh UV lights. That is why dermatologists always recommend using skin care products.

Considering the wide range of products in the market, you can’t blame yourself if you were deceived by claims on a product’s packaging or in an advertisement. It’s just impossible to find the right one on your own, so our team of experts have curated 15 best serums for sensitive skins from across the internet so that you don’t have to break a sweat.

• 1

  TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum

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Reap the benefits of antioxidants with this plant-based serum from TruSkin to boost your skin radiance. Its key ingredient is a potent form of vitamin c that evens your skin by fighting fine lines and wrinkles to provide the best anti-aging results (1). It is supported by other active ingredients like botanical hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) to keep your skin hydrated and protected at all times. Each ingredient is perfectly balanced (as all things should be) to restore your skin to its natural beauty. Besides, TruSkin claims to be the highest-rated vitamin C serum on the internet, so why not give it a try?

2

Eclat Natural Skincare Vitamin C Serum

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Say goodbye to your dark spots and let your skin radiate with the help of vitamin C serum from Eclat. It has been dermatologist-tested to ensure that it meets the highest standards. It is specially recommended by Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, who says “Not only does it contain the highest quality products that are gentle on your skin but also boosts collagen production for firmer skin”. They use naturally derived 20% vitamin C that is cold-pressed with sodium ascorbyl phosphate to maximize antioxidant properties. Its anti-wrinkle formula claims to provide 6 times faster renewal with its C-boost formula that accelerates new cell generation.

3

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

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Using their patented technology of Vitamin C+3 essential ceraminds, CeraVe is here with one of the best hydrating serum for sensitive skin to restore and maintain your skin’s protective barrier. To ensure maximum efficacy, it is designed with the help of dermatologists. No matter what your skin type is, this unique formula visibly brightens your skin and defends against free radicals. It gets its antioxidant benefits from its core ingredient that is infused with 10% l-ascorbic acid for an even and smoother skin texture. The hyaluronic acid locks in your skin’s natural moisture all day and improves your skin tone.

4

Best Anti-aging Benefits

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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Soothe redness and irritation caused by sensitive skin with the La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Its key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is known for its skin-plumping and moisturizing properties. It is supported by other nourishing ingredients, including Madecassoside, glycerin, vitamin B5, and dimethicone, that work together to draw moisture into the skin, prevent skin irritation, and firm up the skin. Featuring a lightweight formula, it easily gets absorbed into the skin and adds a sparkling glow to the skin in no time. Don’t wait anymore, and grab it now to revive your skin and shine every day. Our analysis of the product reveals that it should be used along with SPF protection for best results.

5

Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Hydrating Daily Skin Booster

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With just 2 drops from this pure skin boosting serum from Vichy Mineral 89, you can have an hydrated skin for hours. It allows your skin pores to tighten up and slow down the aging process. At the core of the formula, it is supported by 89% Vichy Volcanic Water and 15 other essential minerals. The lightweight texture has a fast-absorbing quality allowing for faster results. It is sensitive skin tested and has been recommended by over 50,000 dermatologists worldwide including a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Erin Gilbert. No wonder it is considered as one of the best hyaluronic acid serum for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

6

Advanced Clinicals Collagen Facial Serum + Turmeric Oil Face Serum Skin Care Set

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By bringing both modern technology and ancient methods together, Advanced Clinicals have developed this amazing face oil and facial serum for sensitive skin. By leveraging the properties of moisturizing collagen and antioxidant turmeric, the product can help you achieve beautiful looking skin. The natural qualities of turmeric face oil takes care of inflammation, visible blemishes, and bumpy skins; and the ultra-hydrating collagen serum smoothes out fine lines and lifts wrinkles for a soft and supple complexion. This gentle non-irritating formula is clinically-tested by dermatologists for allergies to safeguard its usage on all skin types. Its non-greasy and lightweight formula is a blend of delicate rose extracts and jojoba oil for a fresh and radiant glow which is sure to turn some heads.

7

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum

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You can now have instant soothing skin with the help of Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum. Aveeno is backed by their 70+ years of experience and is trusted and highly recommended by dermatologists too. Its triple oat complex and feverfew formula nourishes and calms your skin for a soothing tone (2) (3). With its hydrating qualities, you can go an entire day without thinking about dehydration as it can last upto 24 hours. The lightweight formula gets easily absorbed by the skin fortifying moisture barriers and keeps them from dehydrating. It’s definitely one of our best serums for dry and sensitive skin and customer reviews on Amazon can vouch for that.

8

Eva Naturals Skin Firming Serum

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This niacinamide serum for your skincare routine from Eva Naturals lets you unlock a more youthful and glowing skin. It was specially intended to be used for sensitive skin. This versatile skin firming serum has hyaluronic acid that protects your skin from harsh conditions and keeps it rejuvenated for a long period (4). The product also leverages the benefits of peptides and matrixyl 3000 to help you keep a clean skin by minimizing pores and eliminating acne. In addition, it also contains rosehip and botanical antioxidants to bring the best out of your complexion and save it from future damage.

9

Artnaturals Niacinamide Balance Advanced Hydration and Smoothing Formula

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Signs of aging is a natural process but this niacinamide serum for sensitive skin from Artnaturals can slow them down effectively. It contains hyaluronic acid mixed with botanical extracts and oils, that gets rid of wrinkles and fine lines to restore and revitalize the skin for the look that you’ve always wanted. By utilizing the benefits of its active ingredients, it promotes collagen generation to keep your skin smooth and provide natural hydrated sensation. Its key ingredient being Vitamin B3 is infused with skin-replenishing extracts and other antioxidants to avoid any further harm to the skin. Within just a few weeks, you will have plump and glowing skin.

10

Vibriance Super C Penetrating Serum

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Vibriance Super C Penetrating Serum has all your skin care needs packed into one compact bottle. Each drop of this multi-tasking serum has a powerful dose of vitamins and nutrients which is enough to nourish and hydrate your skin for a softer tone. Instead of water, they use evaporated lemon extracts to make their base ingredient — Vibriance Super C Serum. This results in the serum being highly concentrated with a thick consistency. The unique active lock delivery system of the serum allows it to easily penetrate through the skin and safeguard it. It is tested and proven to be used by people even with extremely sensitive skin types.

11

Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum

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Minimalist is known for its unique blend of ingredients which results in a clear and even skin tone. Within just two weeks, you will start experiencing a blemish-free skin tone all thanks to the serum’s high-grade 5% niacinamide. It is also a helping hand in melanin production which aids in fighting face marks and other aging signs with the ultimate goal of a clear glowing complexion. The 1% hyaluronic acid in the serum takes the responsibility of deep hydration in your skin, thereby preventing transepidermal water loss. By controlling sebum activity, it boosts cell turnover to reduce pores and refine skin texture. At 5% concentration, this serum is suitable for all types of skin ideally for the dry and sensitive ones.

12

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

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Bringing you straight from the island of Madagascar, this 100% centella asiatica extract is your go to hydrating serum for sensitive skin. It is a highly concentrated formula that tends to sensitive skins to provide a calming sensation and strengthen the barriers. The core ingredient has properties that are 7 times more smoothing compared to regular centella asiatica. The formula also has a slight hint of acidity that balances your pH levels. The texture of the serum is easily absorbed by the skin and maximizes the soothing effect. Since it is skin irritation tested, you can use it worry-free and let your skin return to its youthful form.

13

ZealSea 2% Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5

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To bring out the best of your natural beauty, ZealSea made this serum with a perfect balance of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and trehalose. Although it has just 2% hyaluronic acid, it provides the texture and necessary performance that your skin will love. The vitamin B5 (panthenol) contributes to the formula being easily absorbable to soothe your skin and leave it glowing (5). It also benefits from its anti-stressors qualities due its infusion with Trehalose enhancing the hydration effect (6). All the ingredients are chosen carefully and are clinically tested to safeguard its usage on all skin types.

14

Total Activation Vitamin C Serum

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Let’s turn the clock back on your skin with this 100% nature inspired, organic vitamin C serum from Total Activation. Vitamin C works together with other fruit extracts to get rid of early signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. It also eases out any inflammation that are the results of harmful UV rays. Its potent formula allows your skin to be nourished and hydrated for upto 24 hours. Since it’s organic, the serum is free from synthetic colors or artificial fragrances making it extremely skin-friendly. Your skin will be brighter, clearer, and smoother in just two weeks.

15

Yeouth Niacinamide Serum

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Crafted and engineered with high-quality ingredients, this powerful serum from Yeouth will fulfill all your fundamental skin care requirements. Its versatile key ingredient — 10% niacinamide — hydrates and targets all signs of aging resulting in a moisturized and clearer skin. The unique blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and licorice root extracts multitasks by treating enlarged pores, oiliness, uneven skin tone, and so much more. If you still think that’s not true, the 500+ positive reviews on Amazon claim the same.

16

EltaMD Skin Recovery Serum

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Deny your skin of all aging signs with this thoughtfully formulated face serum for sensitive skin by EltaMD. Its patented formula helps in repairing, renewing, and protecting your skin barrier. It contains a triple-action AAComplex that restores skin damage and cica (centella asiatica leaf extract) to improve skin barrier functionality. It works great even on acne-prone skin and ensures that you get a clear, plump, and supple skin. It is in its core nature to calm your skin and minimize any risk of irritation.

There you go! That was our list of the best serum for sensitive skins. Now that you know what to choose from, let us help you further in picking the best face serum for sensitive skin that works the best for you.

You need to consider these few things when choosing the best serum for you.

Skin Type: This is the most important factor that you need to consider. If you have oily, dull, acne-prone, or dry skin, you need to choose serums with the right type of ingredients so that they don’t cause any unexpected reactions. If you have oily skin, you will need to choose a product that provides hydration and has non-comedogenic properties. If you have dry skin, then you are going to need a vitamin C serum for sensitive skin.

Skin Issue: You will have to identify the type of issue you are experiencing. For example, if you have started seeing aging signs, maybe something like Eclat Natural Skincare Vitamin C Serum will work the best. And, if you are proactively trying to prevent any type of skin issue, you can choose something like the all-in-one Vibriance Super C Penetrating Serum.

Ingredients: Vitamin C is a common ingredient on most of these products, but there are other ingredients that you need to look out for. When you have sensitive skin, you are prone to certain ingredients which can cause severe allergic reactions. So, carefully read all the ingredients and ensure that you are not allergic to any of them.

According to Dr. B.R.N. Padmini, here are some of the safest ingredients for sensitive skin:

• “Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient that helps retain moisture in the skin without causing irritation. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration without causing irritation.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and calming properties. It can help reduce redness and irritation in sensitive skin.
• Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it beneficial for calming sensitive skin and reducing redness.
• Green Tea Extract: Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin and helping to reduce irritation.
• Colloidal Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oatmeal suspended in liquid and is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. It can help relieve itchiness and irritation in sensitive skin.
• Shea Butter: Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive skin.
• Ceramides: Ceramides help strengthen the skin's barrier and retain moisture, making them beneficial for sensitive skin prone to dryness.

Your skin care professional either dermatologist or plastic surgeon, may suggest to you the right product which is appropriate for you based  on your specific skin  type, so that the chances of allergy, pigmentation are minimized.”

Price: All the products that we have listed here for you falls on different price scales ranging from $10 to all way up to $63 dollars. Considering your budget and the capabilities of the product, you need to settle on something that meets halfway to both.

Contributor: Dr. Zeeshan Afzal, MD, Welzo Medical Officer