Best Beauty Brands For Sensitive Skin

When it comes to sensitive skin, it can take time to figure out what works for you, and what doesn’t. Some common irritants include fragrance, alcohol, harsh exfoliants and oils. But everyone reacts differently to different products and ingredients – what makes your skin glow like no tomorrow could cause your friend to see red.

So for us sensitive-skinned ladies, here are a few of our tried-and-tested, favourite beauty brands that go a little gentler on the skin.

Note: it’s always a good idea to patch-test when trying something new, before getting too heavy-handed, and If you have a skin condition like rosacea or dermatitis, it’s always best to seek advice from a dermatologist before diving into any product or regime.

1. Cetaphil

As a former sufferer of rosacea, I swear by Cetaphil. Their super affordable prices and dermatologist recommendations make a strong case for this classic white t-shirt of the beauty world. The soap-free Gentle Cleanser is softening and smoothing, but still cleans away my makeup at the end of the day. It’s also super versatile, and can be used on the face and body, as can the Moisturising Lotion.

Similar: QV
2. Neutrogena

Another staple skin care brand, Neutrogena has affordable products for every skin type including some great options for sensitive skin. Highlights include their soap-free, frangrance-free, non-comedogenic Extra Gentle Cleanser, and their Oil Free Moisturisers, which come in both Sensitive Skin, Comboskin and SPF 15 versions.

READ: WHY 6 OF YOUR COMMON BEAUTY HABITS ARE BAD HABITS

3. Clinique

With skin care and beauty under their belt, Clinique is a one-stop shop for the sensitive skinned who still want a bit of colour and fun in their makeup bag. The Redness Solutions line is perfect for anyone with Rosacea or reactive redness, and includes the Soothing Cleanser, Daily Relief Cream, Daily Protective Base SPF 15, Makeup SPF 15 and Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder. As for makeup, they’ve got all your bases covered (quite literally), from the oil-free Superbalanced Makeup foundation to the opthamologist-tested mascaras.

READ: BEAUTY HOW-TO: BARELY THERE MAKEUP
4. Avène

This French mecca for the sensitive-skinned has something for everyone, with their three-tiered system to suit those with sensitive, intolerant and allergic skin. Oily and dry skin types are also catered for. The key ingredient is Avène thermal spring water, a soothing, non-irritating anti-free radical that is high in silica and low in minerals. Take their Skin Diagnosis test online to see which products are recommended for you.

Similar: Eucerin, Lumene
5. Dermalogica

Another reliable brand, Dermalogica has a catered sensitive skin range, the UltraCalming line, along with every other product under the sun. Take the speed mapping diagnostic test (I know, another test!) to see what products are recommended, or head into a treatment centre, salon or spa to go face-to-face with an expert. Our top pick? The Redness Relief SPF 20, with its green sheer tint to combat any tell-tale signs of redness.

Similar: La Roche Posay

READ: BEAUTY ROADTEST: DERMALOGICA C-12 PURE BRIGHT SERUM

P.S DON’T FORGET TO ENTER OUR FANTASTIC WATERLILY SPA GIVEAWAY! (Waterlily is a brilliant natural skincare line, that is designed for sensitive skin. You can read more about this brand right here.)

Do you have any favourite brands that work for your sensitive skin? Let us know what you like and what you loathe in the comments!