According to Derms, I Should Only Use This Type of Moisturizer for My Sensitive Skin (2024)

You’d be hard-pressed to find a derm who doesn’t love CeraVe’s classic moisturizer—and for good reason. Its gentle, reparative ingredients have straight-up rebalanced my skin after a single use. “This is a classic for a reason,” says Dr. Yadav. “It features a blend of ceramides—hence the brand name—hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and petrolatum that work together to really hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin."

Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, agrees, saying that she regularly recommends the affordable cream to her patients for how the “simple, rich, dependable, and quick-absorbing formula fortifies the skin barrier.”

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
• Size: 16 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I’ve been using it for a few years already and I definitely can recommend it. It nourishes, soothes, and hydrates the skin, and I feel an immediate and really long-lasting effect. It’s really good for dry and sensitive skin. I’ve used it for everything. It’s great for the face, body, and hands as a hand cream.”

I don’t often geek out about ingredients, but there’s one magic element in this ultra-hydrating cream that makes it game changing for sensitive, dehydrated skin. (Spoiler: Dr. Henry is obsessed with it too!) “The trace mineral-infused spring water in this formula includes Cohederm, an antioxidant and lipid-rich system that was developed to reduce water loss and provide instant hydration,” she explains. “A small dab leaves your face refreshed and glowing, not greasy.”

• Key ingredients: Cohederm, thermal spring water, shea butter
• Size: 1.3 oz.
• Fragrance-free? No

Glowing customer review: “This is the seventh time purchasing this product, so I thought it deserved a review! I really hate spending so much money on a facial moisturizer, so I’ve been trying (too) many other less expensive options, trying to find something I can replace this with, to no avail. I have dry, mature skin and use moisturizer every day. This is the only one that makes my skin feel soft, and continues to feel that way throughout the day.”

If you have sensitive skin, you know that layering on multiple products can quickly spark irritation. Simplistic, minimal-step skincare routines are the way to go. But the step you should never skip? Sunscreen, bb. Which is why Dr. Henry suggests this moisturizer-SPF combo. The feverfew plant “provides anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while oats in the formula provide calming relief and hydration to sensitive skin,” she says. “The SPF 30 addition helps to fight dangerous UV rays too.” She also points out that it’s free of fragrances and alcohol, which are, unfortch, common irritants.

• Key ingredients: Oats, feverfew extract
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Fragrance-free? yes

Glowing customer review: “At 53, I’ve become increasingly discerning about the products I use, and the Aveeno’s Calm + Restore Daily Moisturizer with Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 truly stands out. What sets it apart is its effective yet lightweight consistency. It’s not often that you find a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection without feeling heavy on the skin. This Aveeno gem effortlessly combines both. The cream glides on smoothly, and you can instantly feel its hydrating properties without any greasiness.”

Pop quiz: You can only use one sensitive-skin-friendly moisturizer for the rest of your life. Dr. Henry’s pick for oily skin? This liquid moisturizer from La-Roche Posay that only features 10 ingredients—none of which are oils that can make you look greasy. “Glycerin and niacinamide are the stars that help keep skin looking hydrated while also replenishing your moisture barrier,” she says. Plus, it checks all the boxes for sensitive-skin peeps: It’s hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic and free of oils, fragrances, preservatives, and parabens.

• Key ingredients: Glycerin, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, niacinamide
• Size: 1.35 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “Literally saved my skin barrier and did not break me out! Love that it’s fragrance-free and that it comes in a pump bottle! Consistency is thin and is absorbed quickly. Simple and safe ingredients yet effective! My new holy grail!”

Guess what, babes: You don’t need to drop major $$$ on some fancy cream to get a lil skin relief. According to Dr. Yadav, there’s no need to spend more than $15—just pick up this simple lotion from the drugstore (or, you know, Amazon). “I recommend this product frequently to those who are more prone to breaking out, because it’s more lightweight than a lot of moisturizers for sensitive skin,” she says.

Even though it’s nearly weightless, it still manages to flood skin with hydration, thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “The cream absorbs rapidly and doesn’t leave behind any residue,” Dr. Yadav adds.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
• Size: 3 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I’ve tried many different oil-free moisturizers trying to find one that works for me and this is the one. It is just as good as higher priced brand moisturizers. It is for combination/sensitive skin and contains hyaluronic acid. It really is a lightweight moisturizer that is great for daily use. I’ve had no issues with it.”

When your skin is sensitive and acne-prone, finding a moisturizer that won’t cause breakouts or other flare-ups can feel impossible. The good news: Dr. Yadav feels pretty optimistic that this could be the remedy you’ve been looking for. “I like this for oily skin types or those who struggle with breakouts because of its light gel-cream texture,” she says. “The formula is packed with peptides, jojoba oil, and squalane to restore the skin barrier; hydrators including hyaluronic acid and glycerin; and skin-soothing ingredients like allantoin, green tea, and niacinamide.” Plus, niacinamide is fab for oily skin, as it can help smooth texture and potentially even balance oil production.

• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, jojoba oil
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Cosmo review: “After discovering that basically all of my favorite products were filled with pore-clogging ingredients, I swapped my oil-laden moisturizer for this gel cream and ended up going through an entire tub. It immediately sinks into my skin, so I don’t get an oily or greasy finish. And it never once caused a breakout. Heck, the niacinamide even helped smooth my skin, tbh.” —Beth Gillette, beauty editor

Ever wonder what fluffy clouds feel like? This moisturizer is as close as it gets…at least, IMO. The velvety gel-cream feels both gentle and seriously hydrating on my skin, thanks to a nourishing mix of glycerin, ceramides, and amino acids. Once it sinks in (which is pretty much instantaneously, btw), it keeps me feeling soft and supple for hours. Whoever came up with the name was spot-on, too, because it leaves me with an angelic, lit-from-within glow. 😇

• Key ingredients: Glycerin, squalane, urea, vegan collagen amino acids, sodium PCA
• Size: 2.53 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I’ve been using this as my main moisturizer for the past six months and I love it. I have extremely oily skin and this helps keep my skin hydrated without clogging my pores or causing breakouts. There’s no scent and it’s very lightweight but stays in the skin well.”

Vitamin C is basically the gold standard when it comes to brightening and protecting your skin, yet it’s difficult to incorporate into your routine when you have sensitive skin. (Like, I’ve burned and flaked one too many times.) But this silky moisturizer is my new secret weapon to incorporate the tricky ingredient in my routine. It uses two forms of vitamin C (ethyl ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) both of which are fairly stable derivatives of vitamin C that are more easily absorbed by your skin.

Plus, this formula also incorporates a slew of major moisturizers, like shea butter, peptides, and ceramides. Together, it gives my face a hefty dose of hydration (and a dewy glow, might I add) all while gently brightening and protecting my skin with vitamin C.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, ceramides, squalane, shea butter
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “The best for cystic acne-prone and combination skin. Feels thick enough to hydrate but not to suffocate skin. My pores for so minimized and my skin is SO SOFT without being greasy.”

Whether you tried a new product that didn’t agree with your sensitive skin (the worst, tbh) or are dealing with some serious weather-charged skin dryness, this rich barrier cream can help your skin quickly recover. Colloidal oatmeal is known for its soothing qualities, and when paired with beta glucan—a skin-repairing molecule that deeply nourishes skin—the combination rebuilds and rebalances the skin barrier.

FYI, this is a barrier cream, so it’s meant to be layered on top of your moisturizer (like, any other on this list) to help lock in all that hydration to keep your skin healthy and plump. Heard of slugging? Basically that, but with a way more elegant texture than your run-of-the-mill ointment. It’s particularly fab when you’re experiencing an eczema flare-up, dehydration, irritation, or a little more than the usual dryness. Just slather it on top of your moisturizer before bed and let it soak in and do its thing overnight.

• Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, beta glucan
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “This cream has truly changed my life. I have combo skin with eczema, and I’ve been looking for a solution. Swapping my night moisturizer w/ this cream has significantly reduced the eczema and sensitivity from coming on as frequently as it was, and now I can use other skincare ingredients more consistently. 12/10 recommend for sensitive skin girlies!”

As the president of the Red Skin Club, I hereby declare this soothing moisturizer the freakin’ best for calming down irritation. With a lightweight, cushiony texture, it instantly hydrates and can even minimize redness (yep, even rosacea) with a blend of hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate, as well as my fave anti-inflammatory active, allantoin.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin
• Size: 1.86 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “It’s SO hard to find a truly noncomedogenic moisturizer, but this sensitive skin gal is here to promise you that this one makes true on its word! It’s also a wonderful texture that is like nonsticky marshmallow cream weight. I use this at night because it’s a little heavier than I like my daytime moisturizer to be for under makeup, but it dries quickly and works immediately. A very luxurious product for a non-luxurious price.”

One thing I’ve learned while interviewing dermatologists for a living: Experts are obsessed with the gentle, no-frills formulas by Vanicream. Along with dermatologists, though, over 13,000 (!!) five-star reviewers swear by this moisturizer for sensitive skin. The noncomedogenic, fragrance-free cream deeply moisturizes sensitive skin with the most basic hydrators: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. A small dollop of the featherlight cream ensures skin stays soft, supple, and, most importantly, happy through the day.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
• Size: 3 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “My skin is picky. This lotion is the best I’ve tried. Great texture, not to think or runny. My face usually doesn’t feel gross at the end of the day like with others I’ve tried. Not oily or greasy, lightweight but effective.”

When I first got into skincare, I had no idea whether my skin was (a) normal, (b) sensitive, (c) dry, or (d) all of the above. (Dear reader, the answer turned out to be (d).) To play it safe, I stuck with this straightforward moisturizer, and it’s still my trusty fallback 10 years later. The bouncy cream is full of soothing hydrators, including colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin that go far beyond simply rebalancing skin. It doesn’t matter what skin issue I’m dealing with—whether it’s an eczema flare-up or serious winter weather dryness—this quickly clears it up in a matter of days.

• Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin
• Size: 6 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “I personally enjoy a simple moisturizer that is hydrating without feeling greasy, has no fragrance, and doesn’t have a huge list of ingredients. I have repurchased a few times now.”

NGL, it was a sad day when Neutrogena discontinued their fan-favorite Sensitive Skin Moisturizer, but this replacement works just as well…and maybe even a little better than the original. Formulated with uncomplicated barrier-repair ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin E, and glycerin, it repairs and strengthens my reactive skin, all while imparting a matte finish that looks like I applied nada to my skin.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin B3 + B5, vitamin E, glycerin
• Size: 3.4 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “Have used Neutrogena Moisture for Sensitive Skin for years and was disappointed when I couldn’t find it anymore. Apparently, this is Neutrogena’s replacement for that product. I expected this cream to burn from some reviews, but it doesn’t. I do have sensitive skin and have had ZERO irritation. It is so light, it’s almost like a gel. I like it very much and will continue to use.”

If your sensitive skin’s natural state is red (like mine, lol), this centella-asiatica-spiked moisturizer can help calm your skin down a bit. It basically rebalances the pH of your skin, while anti-inflammatory allantoin helps soothe irritation. Better yet: It has a sheer green tint to help immediately neutralize some discoloration.

• Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, allantoin
• Size: 1.69 oz.
• Fragrance-free? No

Glowing customer review: “My fave has always been dry with some rosacea. This moisturizer has made my face smooth and silky not even a week after first use. It’s also already tamed my rosacea. Highly recommend!”

After struggling with sensitive skin and acne for years, actor Scarlett Johansson took matters into her own hands and developed her sensitive-skin-safe line The Outset. Although all of the formulations are mellow enough for reactive skin, this basic moisturizer is a standout. Olive oil-derived squalane, edelweiss extract, and avocado oils plump, smooth, and soothe your skin, keeping it well-hydrated for over 24 hours. But don’t worry if you’re prone to an oily T-zone—it’s not too heavy or greasy, according to testers.

• Key ingredients: Oil-derived squalane, edelweiss extract, Hyaluroset complex
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: “This is the most moisturizing moisturizer I have ever had the pleasure of purchasing! I can’t recommend it enough. I haven’t tried it under makeup, because it is on the thicker side but not uncomfortably thick. I use it at night and I’ve never had such soft skin! It’s a bit pricey, but it lasts a good while! I use two pumps a night and it’s been several months. I highly recommend this product!”

The best moisturizer for sensitive skin should include humectants, which include urea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera, according to Dr. Henry. These attract water into your skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores.

FYI: “Skin sensitivity is very frequently a sign of skin barrier dysfunction,” says Dr. Yadav. So keeping your skin barrier healthy and strong can help prevent water loss, and in turn, balance your sensitive skin to avoid flare-ups and irritation. Dr. Yadav adds that lipids (such as ceramides, urea, and jojoba seed oil) are also an essential part of the equation because these elements then lock in the hydration and ensure the skin barrier continues to function as it should.

Beyond those humectants and lipids, both of our experts say the finest sensitive-skin moisturizers are also hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, and quick-absorbing. Which brings us to...

If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid moisturizers with active ingredients, like “retinoids, alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, and even vitamin C,” says Dr. Yadav. These actives can be too strong and irritating, especially if used too often.

That’s not all though: “Fragrances, regardless of whether they’re natural or synthetic, and dyes can also irritate the skin,” she says. (Rest assured, as we curated the entire above list with all of this in mind.)

Think about your skin concerns.

Do you deal with eczema, redness, or excessive dryness? There are certain moisturizer formulas that can address each of those specific concerns, so it’s important to pinpoint what you struggle with. For eczema, it’s a good idea to look for options that contain colloidal oatmeal, like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, because the ingredient naturally relieves side effects. If redness is your main concern, opt for Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer for Redness. The green tint, along with calming allantoin and cica, quickly rebalances your skin tone. As for excessive dryness, rich hydrators, like our best overall pick CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, replenishes moisture and quickly repairs the skin barrier (plus, it’s a trusty fallback to have on hand when your skin starts to act up).

Consider the texture.

“Sensitive skin is mainly dry due to the skin barrier not functioning properly," says Dr. Yadav. “For this reason, sensitive skin can handle richer textures, so long as they contain nonirritating, soothing ingredients.” This is why so many options are thick and reparative to really cushion your skin and bring it back to life.

But if your skin is sensitive and oily, these richer textures may exacerbate breakouts. “For acne-prone sensitive skin, a gel-cream texture may be better, but it will still need to have humectants and emollients in the formula to make sure the skin is staying nourished,” says Dr. Yadav. A great option that she loves is Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream

Keep it simple.

When it comes to sensitive skin, there’s nothing wrong with being basic. The simpler the formula the better. “Patients with sensitive skin should seek products with gentle, anti-inflammatory ingredients that assist with balancing the microbiome of bacteria on the skin,” says Dr. Henry. This includes hydration boosters and skin fortifiers like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and squalane. Try to avoid any active ingredients (such as vitamin C or exfoliants) as they’re known to trigger irritation.

• Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada.
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon, and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan in New York, NY.