Tester feedback: “When I had an unfortunate incident with retinol (sensitivity, redness, burning), the Gentle Skin Cleanser was the only face wash I could tolerate,” says one Allure tester. “It actually felt soothing to coat my skin in the lotion-y formula.”
Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sensitive skin and how do I know if I have it?
“Sensitive skin is skin that is more reactive than usual,” Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, previously told Allure. This means your skin can be easily irritated by the elements, air pollution, hormones, or, you guessed it, topical skin care products. “If [you find yourself being] cautious with trying new skin products or find that you’re frequently battling red, flaky, itchy, or bumpy skin, then you probably have sensitive skin,” Illinois board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, adds. Because “sensitive skin” isn’t a medical condition but rather a complaint or finding, it can be tricky to know if you have sensitive skin. Ask your dermatologist for tailored skin care advice if you suspect you might.
How should I choose a face wash for sensitive skin?
“You want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier of all its natural moisturizing factors,” explains Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, who recommends sudsing up with a cleanser that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, “which help keep water in the skin.” Tennessee-based board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, previously recommended using formulas that include soothing ingredients like licorice, rosehip oil, algae, and colloidal oatmeal.
So before you wash your face, seek out products with as short an ingredient list as possible, says Dr. Irwin. “For sensitive skin, specifically, you want products that are free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.”
What ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure that people with sensitive skin should avoid sulfates, exfoliants, retinoids, isopropyl alcohol, glycolic, and salicylic acids—to name a few. “Some patients think they’re sensitive because they’re red and dry, but really they’re vaping, or smoking cigarettes or weed—so their skin isn’t as resilient as it used to be,” Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, previously told Allure. If smoking or sun damage (don’t forget your sunscreen, please) is behind your sensitive skin, topicals aren’t going to fix or help your skin concerns.
Sensitive skin isn’t a one-size-fits-all concern, so you may find your triggers inconsistent with conventional wisdom. Therefore, pay close attention to your skin after using any new products and talk to your dermatologist for more information.
Meet the experts
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Ontario
- Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Austin, Texas
- Marisa Garshick, MD a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Englewood, New Jersey
- Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington
- Melissa Levin MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Illinois
- Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- Amy B. Lewis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, New Jersey
- Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tennessee
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.