Top 6 Staples For Sensitive Skin
Phoebe Blogg is a Senior Lifestyle Journalist and Freelance Writer. She has worked and interned across several titles including Harper’s BAZAAR, Elle, JONES Magazine and more.
Although a fashion enthusiast at heart, Phoebe has quickly become infatuated with the beauty realm after trialling, investing and re-investing in several top-shelf products.
Now knowing what acids, to combine with which serums in what order, it’s safe to say… Phoebe has become accustomed to the evolving world that is the beauty industry.
Some of her favourite Adore Beauty products include, Bondi Sands Melt Me Cleansing Balm , Salt By Hendrix Niacnamide Body Serum and Who is elijah, muse edp.
There’s no denying it, when it comes to sensitive skincare and the range of products on offer today, the beauty industry is certainly not lacking.
As the number of consumers investing in products tailored to sensitive skin increases, so too does the variety of products available to them.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive Skin is a term generally used to describe skin with reduced tolerance to the application of cosmetics and personal care products.
Sensitive skin can present itself in many ways, including physical irritation such as stinging, itching and burning or visual irritation including redness, dryness and peeling.
To gain a deeper understanding of what caring for sensitive skin involves, I spoke with qualified Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist and Beauty Journalist, Yads (Yadira) Cauchi.
What would cause skin sensitivity?
The multi-talented skin guru was quick to confirm that it is essential you pay attention to not only a product's formula, but the ingredients and the method of application.
“Sensitive skin usually reflects a weaker barrier and can easily overreact to certain triggers, meaning water can escape faster, alongside increased inflammation,” said Cauchi.
“A well-formulated product can calm inflammation, reinforce the barrier and improve tolerance over time, while a poorly formulated product will keep the skin stuck in a cycle of irritation.”
“Sensitive skin thrives on ingredients that support barrier repair and reduce inflammation. Look for barrier lipids like ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, which mimic the skin’s natural structure.”
“Glycerin and hyaluronic acid act as humectants, pulling water into the skin and improving hydration without irritation.”
To take the stress work out of what products may be a great starting point for someone with sensitive skin, this month we here at Adore Beauty have rounded up our top 6 best sensitive skincare products.
From skin moisturiser for sensitive skin to masks and even sunscreen for sensitive skin, these are the products we think every skin-loving guru should invest in.
For more expert sensitive skincare recommendations, watch the YouTube video below
Best Sensitive Skin Products
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser, $22.99
Cleanser for sensitive skin?
Notably recognised as one of the most important steps in any great skincare regime, cleansing and the products you choose to cleanse your skin are significantly important.
When it comes to those with sensitive skin, opting for a cleanser with a fragrance, alcohol and paraben-free formula is a great place to start.
This Bioderma Sensibio H20 is the perfect example of how a gentle formula can be just as effective as others with more chemicals.
The Bioderma Micellar Water works to remove makeup, dirt and impurities without requiring the use of water.
Formulated to respect and soothe even the most sensitive of skin types, to use, simply soak a cotton pad with Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water, before gently cleansing and/or removing makeup from your face and eyes.
Bioderma micellar water reviews from Adore Beauty customers:
"My favourite micellar water. As someone who has sensitive skin this is such a saviour of a product that hydrates and cleanses my skin so well."- AB customer RH.
"One of the best micellar water cleansers out there. It cleans effectively and I only need to use a little bit for face and neck and still does the job effortlessly and in a perfect way." - AB customer Pooja.
2. Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask, $49
Which Korean brand is best for sensitive skin? There are so many that cater specifically to sensitive skins, however this K-Beauty skincare product is a great one to consider.
Aiming to calm sensitive skin and strengthen the skin barrier, the Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask is a soothing overnight facial mask that delivers both hydration and relief. Leaving skin looking calmer, smoother, and more resilient by the AM.
Ingredients featured in the mask’s formula which strive to strengthen and de-stress the skin include, panthenol (soothes and comforts), centella asiatica (calms redness, soothing to skin) and forest yeast extract (supports barrier repair).
Sleeping masks are ideal for those with sensitive skin, as they aim to replenish and soothe the skin, all whilst hydrating the skin via a formula that is effective yet lightweight.
How to use a sleeping mask?
To use, simply apply a scoop in the evening to your face as the final step in your skincare routine, before washing it off in the morning with lukewarm water.
Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask reviews from Adore Beauty customers:
"This product exceeded my expectations. My skin felt hydrated and amazing without feeling greasy." - AB customer Sammy.
"Really calming when my skin feels irritated. I use it after exfoliating and it helps reduce redness." - AB customer Tiana.
3. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream Rich Hydrating Moisturiser, $28.99
Known as one of the most popular brands when it comes to sensitive skincare products, Cetaphil's dermatologist-recommended range of products are both gentle and effective.
Designed for daily application, this creamy Cetaphil Moisturising cream has become a popular choice for many.
Formulated to be an intensely nourishing moisturiser featuring niacinamide, panthenol and sweet almond oil, this product is ideal for those with dry yet sensitive skin. These three core ingredients work together to reinforce the skin's resilience.
Able to be used all over the body, the popular moisturising cream is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested.
4. Dermalogica Stabilising Repair Cream, $109
Created to sooth and replenish sensitive skin, the Dermalogica Stabilising Cream is formulated with a ceramide building complex + cica, to effectively calm skin and reduce the look of redness.
Marked as cruelty, paraben and artificial fragrance free, this facial cream has been formulated to not only rebuild the skin’s barrier but further gently nourish and sooth the skin’s surface.
With daily usage advised, simply rub a small amount of cream onto your face and neck in the morning or evening when skin feels dry and, or dehydrated.
Dermalogica Stabilising Repair Cream reviews from Adore Beauty customers:
"This is the perfect moisturiser for my easily irritated sensitive skin. It's fragrance-free and nourishing and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soothed." - AB Customer
"This cream is a game changer. I have very dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin & I LOVE this! It is a heavier cream so keep that in mind. You only need a pea size amount as well." - AB customer Britt
5. Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, $43
Best Korean skincare for sensitive skin?
Known as a powerful multi-tasking anti-ageing serum with Salmon PDRN and peptides to firm, brighten, and soothe sensitive skin the Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum has become a fond favourite for many.
Created as a high-performance anti-ageing treatment formulated to tackle multiple skin concerns, this serum is powered by 10,000 ppm Salmon PDRN, Salmon collagen complex, in addition to a powerful blend of peptides.
Striving to boost skin elasticity, fade pigmentation, and repair a weakened skin barrier for visibly smoother and healthier-looking skin, the serum has been formulated for those with dull, sensitive, or ageing skin.
Thanks to its lightweight formula, the serum absorbs quickly into the skin’s surface, leaving no sticky residue.
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum reviews from Adore Beauty customers:
"This vitamin rich serum gives my sensitive skin a healthy, rested look even on days when I barely sleep. It absorbs quickly and never pills under makeup." - AB customer Lora.
"The glow I get from this serum is unreal. It's like I've had a facial. People keep complimenting my skin!" - AB customer
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ , $38.95
Similar to a staple serum, selecting a sunscreen tailored to your skin’s concerns is vital when wanting to nourish and protect your skin’s health both now and in the future.
When it comes to facial sunscreen tailored to sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen has become a cult favourite.
The invisible lightweight sunscreen is ideal for those with sensitive, normal, or combination skin types.
Able to be worn under makeup, the sunscreen’s lightweight yet powerful non-greasy formula is also fragrance-free – making it ideal for those who prefer not to smell of SPF50+ at the office.
Delivering SPF50+ protection this sunscreen has been designed for practical daily usage.
To apply, simply rub the sunscreen generously onto the face 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Re-apply every 2 hours or after swimming, towelling, or perspiring.
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