These Ultra-Gentle Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin Instantly Soothe (2024)

Vanicream is a great option for very sensitive skin because it’s incredibly gentle, says Dr. Kassardjian. Consider it a no-brainer for what it doesn’t contain: common irritants, such as dyes, fragrances, parabens, lanolin, and formaldehyde. Instead, it “contains ceramides to help hydrate and moisturize skin,” he adds. Plus, it has even earned a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.

With tens of thousands of rave reviews on Amazon, testers say it’s a winner, too. “I have very sensitive skin and can NOT tolerate many lotions/creams, but this one is very nice and not greasy,” explained one reviewer.

Active ingredients: Glycolic acid

Free of: Dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, gluten

If your sensitive skin tends to get itchy, this is the product for you. Eucerin’s Skin Calming Cream contains colloidal oatmeal, a top-notch ingredient often used for eczema relief. David Lortscher, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Curology, likes this rich moisturizer because it’s free of common irritants, like fragrances and dyes. It works best at night and is ideal for those struggling with a skin condition or severe dryness. Otherwise it may feel a bit heavy for day-to-day use on your face.

Reviewers love the product, too. “I bought this product because I had a persistent dry, flaky rash on my face. I read the reviews about how it helps soothe irritated skin. It really worked. Within a few days, my skin had calmed down, and the rash was gone. I would use it and highly recommend it for short-term use if you have irritated skin,” said one Amazon customer.

Active ingredient(s): Glycerin, mineral oil, oatmeal

Free of: Fragrances, dyes, parabens

This raved-about moisturizer has thousands of nearly perfect Amazon reviews for a reason: It’s affordable, it’s non-irritating, and it simply gets the job done. “This product contains hyaluronic acid, which has an incredible ability to retain water and moisturize the skin,” says Dr. Kassardjian. “It is gentle, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, and it goes on smoothly. It also absorbs quickly to lock in moisture.” (Check out our full review on the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream.)

“If you have dry or sensitive skin, this is the product for you! I’ve used a lot of products and never found anything like this. It makes your face feel rejuvenated and moisturized without it being oily. Highly, highly recommended!” said one verified Amazon customer.

Active ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, glycerin

Free of: Fragrances, oils, dyes

“This product contains thermal spring water that helps soothe inflamed skin and promote a healthy skin microbiome,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. It also has glycerin (for hydration), a ceramide (to decrease irritation), and niacinamide (a B vitamin that targets discoloration and redness). The lightweight cream is also allergy-tested, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic.

Not to mention, it’s highly rated on Amazon, with more than 18,000 five-star reviews. And Prevention deputy editor Emily Goldman swears by the moisturizer for her sensitive skin. “This lotion is super lightweight, layers well under makeup, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I love it!”

Active ingredient(s): Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide

Free of: Oils, fragrances, parabens

This formula is both developed and recommended by dermatologists because it loves sensitive and dry skin types. That’s why it is the best overall pick on our list of moisturizers for dry skin and the best for mature, sensitive skin on our list of mature skin moisturizers.

“This is a thick but non-greasy and fast-absorbing moisturizer that can be used on both face and body,” Ashley McGuinness, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, MO previously told Prevention. “It’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and contains multiple ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone, that help moisturize and restore the skin barrier.”

Active ingredient(s): Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum

Free of: Fragrance, parabens

All of CeraVe’s products are developed with ceramides, naturally occurring lipids (a.k.a. fats) that hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. If you’re new to the line, this nighttime moisturizer is a great place to start, since it also contains skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to calm inflammation. What’s more, it’s noncomedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free, and overall super-gentle if you struggle with sensitivity.

Prevention assistant editor Shannen Zitz loves the lotion. “This moisturizer has been a staple in my skincare routine for years because of how lightweight, hydrating, and affordable it is. Whether I’m dealing with an acne breakout, dry patches, or irritated skin, this moisturizer always does the job. It was even my holy grail product while I was on a course of Accutane, which left me with extremely dry, sensitive, and reactive skin,” she shares.

Active ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide

Free of: Oils, fragrances, parabens

Active ingredient(s): Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramides

Free of: Artificial fragrances, artificial colorants, alcohols, lanolin, gluten, nuts, soy, nanos

This unscented intensive moisturizing cream has a cult following, thanks to its powerful ingredient list, which includes hyaluronic acid. With over 2,000 ratings on Amazon and nearly five stars overall, the moisturizer is a shopper favorite.

“Speaking of sensitive skin, this cream is an absolute dream. It’s gentle and soothing, never causing any irritation or redness,” wrote one satisfied Amazon shopper.

Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin

Free of: Animal testing, Parabens

This pleasantly lightweight, oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer from Olay contains soothing aloe, hydrating glycerin, skin-calming niacinamide, and SPF 30 to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. Plus, it leaves dull skin looking nourished without leaving behind a sticky, greasy film.

“I have been using this for maybe 20 years. It is a great sunblock, zero smell, and it doesn’t bother my sensitive redhead skin. This is the only sunblock I have ever found that doesn’t make my face sting,” shared one Amazon reviewer.

Active ingredient(s): SPF 30, vitamin E, vitamin B3, aloe, pro-vitamin B5

Free of: Oils, fragrances

While this product may be marketed for bedtime use, many users say they love using it morning and night. The noncomedogenic (not pore-clogging) formula is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Plus, with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this pick helps moisturize and repair skin simultaneously.

Prevention assistant editor Zitz loves this product, too. “As someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin, I really struggle to find skincare products that work. But I love this lightweight EltaMD moisturizer because it leaves my skin feeling comfortable and moisturized, it doesn’t break me out, and it’s formulated with ingredients I feel good about—like peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. I use it both day and night.”

Active ingredient(s): Peptides, niacinamide, vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid

Free of: Oil, parabens, fragrances, dyes

“This moisturizer contains natural fats that help repair the outer skin layer,” says Dr. Zeichner. A great pick for aging skin, the formula also provides vitamin E, essential oils, a ceramide, and glycerin to boost moisture, smooth skin texture, and protect against harmful free radicals that may damage the skin even further.

“I’m 45 and this product truly works wonders. It does not leave me oily or greasy and makes my skin nice and plump looking,” wrote a reviewer.

Active ingredient(s): Ceramides, fatty acids, vitamin E, essential oils

Free of: Parabens, dyes

Active ingredient(s): Vitamin E, thermal spring water, glycerin

Free of: Preservatives, fragrances, parabens

This moisturizer earns a recommendation from Arielle Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care and clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. She loves that it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, is fragrance- and paraben-free, and offers soothing cactus pear extract. The gel texture also sinks right into the skin.

“Love the way this feels on my skin! It’s so light and weightless feeling but still feels extremely hydrating on the skin,” said a Sephora shopper.

Active ingredient(s): Cactus pear extract, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, apple fruit extract

Free of: Fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten

If you struggle with dryness in addition to sensitivity, this noncomedogenic, fragrance-free night cream from Cetaphil has you covered. Dr. Lortscher recommends this product because it contains soothing olive extract in addition to hyaluronic acid to boost skin’s natural moisture. It’s rich enough to keep your face soft without feeling greasy.

“I was looking for a moisturizing, non-greasy, no added fragrance and, light cream for my face (sensitive skin). I discovered this Cetaphil lotion. It changed my life! I’ve been using it for a few years. The skin on my face has adopted it well, and I no longer have any imperfections. It’s flawless! Thank you, Cetaphil,” said one of Amazon reviewers who gave the product five stars.

Active ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, olive extract

Free of: Fragrances

This moisturizer is chock-full of hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and squalane. With over 30,000 hearts on Sephora’s website and 700 reviews, shoppers seem to love this moisturizer. They even note that it’s great for sensitive skin.

“Been using this product for over a year now. It used to just be my winter moisturizer because Canadian winters are harsh on the skin, but now I use it every day. It’s great for my combo sensitive skin [and is a] rich and thick cream, so a little definitely goes a long way.”

Active ingredient(s): Green tea tri-biotics, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Free of: Parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan

From a trending Korean skincare line, this moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and is ultra-hydrating. The formula features ginseng—a root that is known to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging, promote elasticity and collagen production, and reduce puffiness and inflammation.

One Amazon reviewer wrote, “As I get older, I noticed that my skin is more and more dry, especially during the winter. That and hormones can really wreak havoc on your skin! Since using this cream twice a day, I’ve noticed more hydrated and brighter skin.

Active ingredient(s): Ginseng, squalane, baobab, hyaluronic acid

Free of: Artificial fragrances and colors, parabens, and alcohol

This gel moisturizer feels cooling and comforting on the skin, and its ingredients keep that effect going long after application. It’s lightweight enough to use both day and night, and it’s hypoallergenic.

An Ulta reviewer wrote: “I have always had sensitive skin and recently, I just got really bad cystic acne and needed moisturizer that didn’t sting my face and this did not bother my skin at all! You don’t need a lot for the whole face.”

Active Ingredient(s): Prebiotic oat, feverfew, glycerin

Free of: Fragrance, parabens, alcohol, dyes

Free of irritants: Be cautious of moisturizers that contains sulfates, alcohol, preservatives, dyes, or fragrance. In fact, “fragrances are a common cause of skin irritation and allergies,” says Dr. Zeichner.

No acids: “While everyone wants radiant skin, acids often cause more harm than good in people who have sensitive skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “They work by enhancing exfoliation but can lead to skin barrier disruption in people with sensitive skin.” Common ones to keep an eye for include salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids.

Skin-soothing: The experts we talked to recommend looking for ingredients that boost hydration, soothe irritation, and have healing properties. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, soy, and colloidal oatmeal are all safe bets.

As you try a new product, listen to your skin. “It can take six to eight weeks after you start using a product for negative effects to show up—and six to eight weeks more weeks for negative effects to subside,” says Dr. Lortscher.

“Sensitive skin is not necessarily a clinical diagnosis by dermatologists, but rather meant as skin that may have a higher tendency to react than average,” says Dr. Kassardjian. This is due to a weaker skin barrier, which allows irritants—say, from a certain ingredient or colder weather—to penetrate your skin more readily. The result? Redness, itching, or stinging.

Some people simply have more sensitive skin than others. If your skin regularly feels or looks red, itchy, or inflamed, you might need to seek out gentler skincare products or speak with a dermatologist to determine a possible root cause or irritation. Note: You may be more sensitive during the winter or summer months or after using new products even if you don’t typically experience irritation.

Any new sensation of itching, burning, stinging, redness, dryness, cracking, or acne breakouts is worth investigating. It’s a good idea to discontinue new products if you experience sensitive skin symptoms and to talk to a dermatologist if the symptoms don’t clear up in a few days.

Sensitive skin can be irritated by chemicals and artificial additives. It’s best to steer clear of products that have artificial fragrances, colorants, or dyes. If you’re prone to acne, it’s a good idea to avoid oils that can clog pores. Also, alcohols, parabens, sulfates, and preservatives can all cause issues.

Look for skincare products that have been dermatologist tested and are labeled as noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic to help reduce the chance of irritation. If you have a specific skin condition, like eczema, it’s also a good idea to look for products that have been approved by the National Eczema Association or similar organizations.