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Fact: I have the driest, most sensitive skin on the planet. (That’s probably not an exaggeration, either.) My skin is so sensitive that sometimes in the middle of the day, when I’m sitting still at my desk, it’ll develop a rash or hives or a burning itch, completely for no reason. And if it doesn’t stage a coup against my sanity, it will flake off. That’s why I always try the best moisturizers for sensitive skin. I have a strict five-second window between washing my face and applying moisturizer before my skin tightens and shrinks into a dull, angry mess.
According to the Cetaphil brand, people with sensitive skin make up more than half of the population (based on data from 20 countries and five continents). This means the majority of us benefit from non-irritating products, which prompted Cetaphil to launch the first-ever Sensitive Skin Awareness Week, a program week aimed at teaching us the art of skin care. Yes, this week will be remembered from now on as the week we stroke our tricky complexions, and I for one am more than here for that.
“But use a moisturizer!” you say and I laugh. My normal night routine right now consists of a hydrating serum, a hell of a thick cream, an occlusive moisturizer (occlusive formulas basically form a film on the skin to prevent water loss) and then, sometimes, just a fun face oil on top. And yet I often wake up with a dry face. (Actually, it’s a miracle; I could be an anomaly. Someone’s calling Guiness.)
However, hope is not lost. Because in all my years of talking to dermatologists, testing moisturizers, and scouring the internet for advice, I’ve found hope and relief, mostly in the form of five very excellent, very magical moisturizers. Moisturizers specially formulated to hydrate, soothe and restore happiness to stressed skin with clogged pores. And you know it’s true, because none of these bottles were created just to look pretty. Scroll down to see our favourites.
Photo: CeraVe.
CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion
This lotion is for a reason
is the #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon. With ceramides and hyaluronic acid, the fragrance-free cream soothes dry and sensitive skin.
Photo: Cetaphil.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer (2-Pack)
Although a favorite for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free daily moisturizer is perfect
is great for all skin types.
Renee Rouleau.
Renée Rouleau skin recovery lotion
My only complaint about this lotion is that there isn’t enough of it, so I can’t apply it all over my body. It soothes even the most stressed skin and also prevents breakouts. If you’re a fan of the brand, their cult-favorite Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is back in stock after a waitlist of nearly 5,000 buyers. Stock up on both products to get the skin of your dreams.
SkinCeuticals.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
It’s pricey, but this anti-aging cream really does it all. It uses 2 percent pure ceramides, 4 percent natural cholesterol and 2 percent fatty acids to restore the skin’s barrier while nourishing it.
La Roche-Posay.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizing Face Cream
This oil-free face moisturizer doesn’t just work
Hydrates with ceramides and prebiotic thermal water, but it also uses niacinamide to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
BeautyStat.
BeautyStat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream
This fragrance-free, airy light face cream
uses mushrooms and probiotics to heal and soothe skin.
First Aid Beauty.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intensive moisturizing cream
If your skin feels dry and cracked and maybe even a little itchy, this moisturizer is for you
soothes and heals with colloidal oatmeal.
kehl.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Face Cream
With glacial glycoprotein from sea glaciers and squalane from olive fruit, this popular face cream moisturizes all skin types and soothes sensitive skin.
aveeno
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer for sensitive skin
You already know that Aveeno is made for the itchy, sensitive skin. This gel moisturizer for the face
is fragrance-free and made with prebiotic oats and feverfew to soothe irritation.
Originally published November 2016. Updated June 2017.
