The Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin (And What to Avoid)
Sensitive skin can feel frustrating — redness, irritation, dryness, and reactions to even gentle products are common. But with the right ingredients, you can calm, protect, and support your skin without overcomplicating your routine.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best ingredients to look for and the ones to avoid so you can build a soothing, effective skincare routine.
Ingredients to love
Certain ingredients help calm, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier. Look for:
-
Hyaluronic acid – locks in moisture without irritation
-
Niacinamide – reduces redness and evens skin tone
-
Glycerin – gentle hydration for daily comfort
-
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – supports skin repair and softness
-
Ceramides – rebuild and protect the skin barrier
Explore our range
All Products
All Products
All Products
All Products
All Products
All Products
All Products
All Products
Ingredients to avoid
Some ingredients can trigger irritation or reactions, especially for sensitive skin. Watch out for:
-
Alcohol (denatured or SD alcohol) – can dry and strip the skin
-
Synthetic fragrances – often cause redness or itching
-
Harsh acids or exfoliants – strong AHA/BHA treatments can aggravate
-
Essential oils in high concentration – even natural oils can irritate
Stick to gentle, soothing formulations for the best results.
How to build a routine
When caring for sensitive skin, simplicity is key:
-
Cleanse gently – avoid hot water and harsh cleansers
-
Treat carefully – choose lightweight serums with calming ingredients
-
Moisturise daily – strengthen your skin barrier
-
Protect – SPF every morning, even on cloudy days
Short, consistent routines reduce irritation and improve results over time.
Final thoughts
Sensitive skin doesn’t have to be complicated or frustrating. Choosing gentle, effective ingredients and avoiding common irritants makes a real difference. Keep your routine simple, consistent, and kind to your skin — the results will follow.
