Which moisturiser is best for sensitive skin?

A good cream for sensitive skin should above all help to:

• Add and hold moisture
• Support the skin barrier
• Reduce the feeling of tightness and discomfort
• Protect the skin from external influences
• Be gentle and well tolerated

That does not mean a cream has to be boring. It can absolutely contain active ingredients — what matters is which ingredients, at what concentration, and how the whole formulation works together. For sensitive skin, the principle of less is more is often accurate.

Panthenol — the skin's little multitasker. Also known as provitamin B5, panthenol is a popular ingredient in products for sensitive and irritated skin. It helps add moisture and can feel soothing. It is one of the ingredients we look for when the aim is a cream that feels comfortable even when the skin is a little on edge.

Niacinamide — yes, but not necessarily a lot. Niacinamide can be a wonderful ingredient: among other things it can help support the skin barrier. The goal is not the highest possible concentration, but a considered one that delivers benefits while the formulation still suits reactive skin.

Ceramides — building blocks of the skin barrier. Ceramides occur naturally in the skin and are important for a well-functioning barrier. In skincare they can help support the protective barrier and reduce moisture loss — well worth attention for dry, sensitive or compromised skin.

Oat — mild and soothing. Oat is widely used in products developed for dry and sensitive skin. Oat-derived ingredients can help calm the skin and support a weakened barrier, and they lend a formulation a mild, comfortable feel.

There is no universal banned list. An ingredient that irritates one person can work perfectly well for another. But if your skin is sensitive or reactive, it is worth paying extra attention to:

Fragrance. Not necessarily a problem for everyone, but a challenge for many with sensitive skin. If your skin often reacts to skincare, fragrance-free products are a good place to start.

Essential oils. Natural does not automatically mean mild. Essential oils contain aromatic compounds that can be problematic for some sensitive or reactive skin, so they are not the first choice when maximum tolerance is the aim.

Alcohol denat. Can be drying or irritating for some people, especially if the barrier is already weakened. That does not mean every product containing alcohol is bad — there are differences between alcohols, concentrations and formulations. But if your skin gets tight or irritated easily, it is worth noting.

High concentrations of acids. AHAs, BHAs and other exfoliating acids can be useful, but sensitive skin does not need them often or in strength. High concentrations or too-frequent use can contribute to irritation and weaken the barrier. Sometimes exfoliating less and getting more out of the rest of your routine is the better trade.

A good cream is not only about the ingredient list — the formulation and texture matter too. Sensitive skin often does well with a cream that provides enough moisture and lipids without feeling heavy, occlusive or uncomfortable. Dry sensitive skin may love a richer cream, while oily sensitive skin usually prefers a lighter emulsion.

A long ingredient list is not a quality stamp. What is interesting is what the ingredients actually do — and how they work together.

Does sensitive skin need different creams morning and evening? Not necessarily. What matters is that the skin gets what it needs.

In the morning, a simple routine can be: gentle cleansing, moisturiser, SPF. If your skin tolerates it you can of course add a serum or actives — but sensitive skin does not need to start the day with an entire chemistry lab.

In the evening, the focus can shift further towards moisture and barrier repair: gentle cleansing, a soothing serum, a barrier-supporting cream. If your skin is dry you might choose something richer at night; if it is oily and sensitive, a good light formulation can be enough.

If your skin often reacts, do not introduce five new products at once — it becomes impossible to know which one started the trouble. Try this instead:

1. Test on a small area first — apply a little product to a limited area, such as the inner forearm or a small patch near the jaw.
2. Use the product alone — do not introduce several new products at the same time.
3. Watch the skin — look for stinging, itching, redness, rash or any other clear reaction.
4. Introduce gradually — if it is well tolerated, start using it on the face. Stop if there is a strong or persistent reaction, and contact a doctor or dermatologist for significant skin reactions.

Sensitive skin is not one skin type, so the best cream differs from person to person.

Dry and sensitive: look for ceramides, panthenol, oat, glycerin, squalane and other humectant, barrier-supporting ingredients. A slightly richer cream can be a good choice.

Oily and sensitive: oily skin also needs moisture. Choose a lighter cream or emulsion with barrier-supporting ingredients that does not feel unnecessarily heavy. Panthenol, ceramides and a low concentration of niacinamide are good choices.

Mature and sensitive: here we usually want both barrier support and anti-ageing benefits without overloading the skin. A good base of moisture, ceramides, panthenol and possibly low-dose niacinamide can be combined with actives suited to your tolerance — introduced gradually.

A good cream for sensitive skin should be mild, hydrating and barrier-supporting — and matched to your particular skin type.

Look for ingredients such as panthenol, ceramides, oat and possibly low-dose niacinamide, and be aware of the ingredients your own skin reacts to. Remember: sensitive skin does not necessarily need less skincare. It needs more appropriate skincare.