This is a great option for those who favour natural skincare. Comprising avocado oil, borage oil, and echinacea, this moisturiser is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a simple moisturiser that makes a difference to hydration, while also soothing any redness. It’s light to the touch and dries fast, but locks in 72-hours worth of moisture that can even be felt the following morning. It’s great value, considering this product feels and looks like it’s of the utmost luxury, but its more modest price makes it more accessible. Plus, it’s suitable for all skincare types.
We love the scent of every Aesop product – and this one is no different. Thanks to a combination of botanical butters and citrus smells, this moisturiser is a total delight to apply, and it feels more indulgent every time. It feels firm on the skin and has an instant brightening effect. Packed with vitamins C and E, it’s also a great option for winter, when our skin is in need of a little extra care, thanks to the colder conditions. An all-round good product suitable for every skin type.
Due to how light they are, gel moisturisers are always a suitable option for those with sensitive skin. This one from Aveeno is particularly light and gentle, leaving your skin feeling nourished and hydrated with just a small amount. It doesn’t have the same floral scents or indulgent textures as some of the other products listed here but it does what it says on the tin, and has an instantly soothing effect. Its very reasonable price makes it hard to resist.
The beauty of this product is that it doubles up as a morning and night cream. Hence the ‘24-hour’ part of its name. We used it in the morning, so it could be compared with the other products here, as a daytime moisturiser. It’s definitely thicker than some of the other options here, as night creams often are, but it’s still suitable for a morning cream, as it dries fairly quickly and doesn’t leave the skin feeling sticky or overly hydrated. Given its blend of essential oils – lavender, frankincense, bergamot and ylang ylang – this one is suitable for those with sensitive and dry skin.
Those familiar with Dr Sturm’s products will already know they’re adored by A-list stars – and for good reason. With molecular formulations, they put science (and good skin) first. This moisturiser encompasses both of these things, containing hyaluronic acid to provide extra hydration and cress sprouts extract to brighten the skin. It feels very light to apply but somehow simultaneously very rich and thick. But it still feels gentle on the skin and shouldn’t cause any flare-ups. This is down to the quality of the product. It’s one of the most expensive moisturisers on the market – but buying Dr Sturm’s products is always an investment worth making, if you can.
This is definitely on the pricier end of the scale – as are all of Sunday Riley’s products – but it’s worth your money to invest in this deeply rich, coconut-scented moisturiser that works wonders on skin that is sensitive and dry. It also doubles up as a night cream, meaning you’re saving some money here, and it contains pomegranate sterols, which help to act as a barrier against dehydration. You can feel and see the difference when you apply it, almost instantly, with an immediately firmer and brighter complexion. Our skin felt soft and hydrated all day with this one, even during the cold snap.
You know this is a luxury product just from looking at it. With its heavy-set, optic-white jar and silver orning, it’s already a sight to behold. Then you open it – and the smell is like a spa. With soothing saffron flower extract, shea butter, and buckwheat seed extracts, there’s a lot going on in this cream, which could put off those with sensitive skin. Don’t let it – somehow, all of these ingredients combine to provide an instantly satisfying moisturiser that visibly changes the skin’s texture after just a few uses. That said, it’s one of the most expensive skincare products around and doesn’t double up as a nightcream like some of the other options here. You don’t need to use a lot, though, in order to feel the moisture all over your face. So perhaps it’s a worthwhile investment, so long as you use it sparingly.
It’s rare to find a moisturiser that ticks every box, particularly when you have sensitive skin, but this one almost does. Not only does its texture feel just right – not too light but not too rich that it makes your skin look sweaty all day – it also contains SPF 15, making it an ideal cream to use if you’re spending time outside. Unlike some SPF creams, though, this one doesn’t leave your skin looking pasty, or smelling like a poolside cabinet. In fact, you’d hardly notice the SPF at all, other than the fact it’s a slightly whiter cream than some of the others listed here. Its anti-ageing properties (it contains No7’s matrixyl 3000+, its next-generation age-defying complex) also come as an added bonus – although, we didn’t notice a significant difference after a few uses.
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Having sensitive skin can make skincare even more of a minefield than it already is. Often, it’s a case of testing out various products and waiting to see which of them don’t irritate your skin, cause any unexpected flare-ups, or lead to redness. It can be incredibly stressful, which, in turn, only makes your skin worse.
Hence why it’s so important to find the right things for you – and, as an integral part to anyone’s regime, moisturiser is surely one of the products we should all be prioritising. With so many variations on the market now, offering copious benefits and boasting intricate ingredients, it can be difficult to read between the marketing lines and identify what you’re actually buying.
There seems to be a current vogue for skincare brands touting all sorts of complex ingredients you’ve never heard of on their packaging, making you think this is the magic solution to all your skincare problems. As a result, we can wind up spending a fortune on things that aren’t right for our skin type, and end up going in the bin.
Not only can things go to waste, though, they can also wind up exacerbating underlying skin issues, particularly if you’re using a product loaded with niche acids and extracts that are only going to irritate sensitive skin further.
But fear not, because, here, we’ve identified the best moisturisers for sensitive skin, encompassing all of their properties and price ranges. There is a mix of items here to suit all budgets, skin types and personal preferences. Enjoy.
We applied each of the creams repeatedly for a period of two weeks and then judged the short and long-term effects they had, in terms of brightening, hydrating and, of course, sensitivity, which is based on our own reviewer’s sensitive skin. We also examined other factors in terms of product quality and versatility, such as scent, texture and packaging.
We tested these over a two-week period for short and long-term results
(Olivia Petter)
The best moisturisers for sensitive skin in 2023 are:
This is a great option for those who favour natural skincare. Comprising avocado oil, borage oil, and echinacea, this moisturiser is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a simple moisturiser that makes a difference to hydration, while also soothing any redness. It’s light to the touch and dries fast, but locks in 72-hours worth of moisture that can even be felt the following morning. It’s great value, considering this product feels and looks like it’s of the utmost luxury, but its more modest price makes it more accessible. Plus, it’s suitable for all skincare types.
Key ingredients: Vitamins C and E, frankincense, tocopherol and sodium ascorbyl phosphate
We love the scent of every Aesop product – and this one is no different. Thanks to a combination of botanical butters and citrus smells, this moisturiser is a total delight to apply, and it feels more indulgent every time. It feels firm on the skin and has an instant brightening effect. Packed with vitamins C and E, it’s also a great option for winter, when our skin is in need of a little extra care, thanks to the colder conditions. An all-round good product suitable for every skin type.
Due to how light they are, gel moisturisers are always a suitable option for those with sensitive skin. This one from Aveeno is particularly light and gentle, leaving your skin feeling nourished and hydrated with just a small amount. It doesn’t have the same floral scents or indulgent textures as some of the other products listed here but it does what it says on the tin, and has an instantly soothing effect. Its very reasonable price makes it hard to resist.
Key ingredients: Avocado, frankincense, horsetail, sea buckthorn, raw shea butter and lavender, frankincense, bergamot and ylang ylang essential oils
The beauty of this product is that it doubles up as a morning and night cream. Hence the ‘24-hour’ part of its name. We used it in the morning, so it could be compared with the other products here, as a daytime moisturiser. It’s definitely thicker than some of the other options here, as night creams often are, but it’s still suitable for a morning cream, as it dries fairly quickly and doesn’t leave the skin feeling sticky or overly hydrated. Given its blend of essential oils – lavender, frankincense, bergamot and ylang ylang – this one is suitable for those with sensitive and dry skin.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cress sprouts and ginseng extracts
Those familiar with Dr Sturm’s products will already know they’re adored by A-list stars – and for good reason. With molecular formulations, they put science (and good skin) first. This moisturiser encompasses both of these things, containing hyaluronic acid to provide extra hydration and cress sprouts extract to brighten the skin. It feels very light to apply but somehow simultaneously very rich and thick. But it still feels gentle on the skin and shouldn’t cause any flare-ups. This is down to the quality of the product. It’s one of the most expensive moisturisers on the market – but buying Dr Sturm’s products is always an investment worth making, if you can.
Key ingredients: Ceramides, pomegranate sterols and coconut, beetroot and red algae extracts
This is definitely on the pricier end of the scale – as are all of Sunday Riley’s products – but it’s worth your money to invest in this deeply rich, coconut-scented moisturiser that works wonders on skin that is sensitive and dry. It also doubles up as a night cream, meaning you’re saving some money here, and it contains pomegranate sterols, which help to act as a barrier against dehydration. You can feel and see the difference when you apply it, almost instantly, with an immediately firmer and brighter complexion. Our skin felt soft and hydrated all day with this one, even during the cold snap.
You know this is a luxury product just from looking at it. With its heavy-set, optic-white jar and silver orning, it’s already a sight to behold. Then you open it – and the smell is like a spa. With soothing saffron flower extract, shea butter, and buckwheat seed extracts, there’s a lot going on in this cream, which could put off those with sensitive skin. Don’t let it – somehow, all of these ingredients combine to provide an instantly satisfying moisturiser that visibly changes the skin’s texture after just a few uses. That said, it’s one of the most expensive skincare products around and doesn’t double up as a nightcream like some of the other options here. You don’t need to use a lot, though, in order to feel the moisture all over your face. So perhaps it’s a worthwhile investment, so long as you use it sparingly.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and No7’s matrixyl 3000+ age-defying complex, ginseng extract, antioxidant complex and rice peptides
It’s rare to find a moisturiser that ticks every box, particularly when you have sensitive skin, but this one almost does. Not only does its texture feel just right – not too light but not too rich that it makes your skin look sweaty all day – it also contains SPF 15, making it an ideal cream to use if you’re spending time outside. Unlike some SPF creams, though, this one doesn’t leave your skin looking pasty, or smelling like a poolside cabinet. In fact, you’d hardly notice the SPF at all, other than the fact it’s a slightly whiter cream than some of the others listed here. Its anti-ageing properties (it contains No7’s matrixyl 3000+, its next-generation age-defying complex) also come as an added bonus – although, we didn’t notice a significant difference after a few uses.
What to look for in a moisturiser for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin has many variants, including redness, tightness and itchiness, so a considered approach is needed when choosing a moisturiser. When looking for a moisturiser that will work best for you, take into account what causes your sensitivity.
Fragrance and alcohol are common irritants for many (not necessarily for all), so look for formulas free from both if you’re struggling to find a product for you.
Don’t forget about texture – if you’re oily, you may want to keep your moisturiser as lightweight as possible, to keep skin feeling comfortable, in which case, opt for water-based gel consistencies. For those looking to tackle dry, flaky patches, a richer balm-based cream will be more suitable.
The verdict: Moisturisers for sensitive skin
In terms of price, versatility and quality, it’s got to be Liz Earle’s light moisturiser. This is a very straightforward, no-frills product with the benefits of something far more expensive. It comes in small, slim packaging too that makes it very easy to carry around with you in a handbag, if you are someone who likes to regularly top up your moisturiser, or take it to the gym. If you can stretch your coins slightly more, though, we’d recommend Aesop’s cream – it just smells so lovely and feels very indulgent to apply, as if you’ve just stepped out of a spa.
