Editor’s tip: For a hydrating boost after cleansing, shop the just-as-gentle (and award-winning) First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Cream.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, allantoin, glycerin | Who it’s for: people with easily inflamed skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Want another dermatologist-favorite cleanser for finicky complexions? Behold: The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. “This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face wash is super gentle, and you can use it with or without water,” says Dr. Park. She loves how it leaves skin feeling super soft and moisturized just from cleansing alone—and she isn’t the only one. One of our testers reported that it’s been a mainstay in her routine, especially for irritation relief. “When I had an unfortunate incident with retinol (sensitivity, redness, burning), the Gentle Skin Cleanser was the only face wash I could tolerate,” she said. “It actually felt soothing to coat my skin in the lotion-y formula.” Further proof that it’s worth a buy? It’s won three Best of Beauty Awards and three Readers’ Choice Awards over the years.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin | Who it’s for: everyone | 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, added. 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 natural 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.