Choosing which brand to trust when it comes to skincare can be tricky, especially if you have sensitive skin and are worried about reactions, redness and irritation. It gets even harder when you want to tackle other concerns like signs of ageing or hyperpigmentation, too. Luckily, there are plenty of brands out there with products designed especially for sensitive and reactive skin. But how do you know who to trust?
Here at Face Dr, our skin experts have decades of experience helping thousands of clients get the glowing skin of their dreams. We know first hand which brands work, which products are worth investing in and how to put them together into a routine to help soothe skin.
Here, we’re going to share that knowledge with our top five brands for sensitive skin. We’ve chosen the brands we’ve seen first hand great results from, which are also cost effective, contain high-quality ingredients and have been rigorously tested. Plus, we’ve covered other brands which are ideal options for those with sensitive skin.
Our top brands for sensitive skin are:
#5 La Roche-Posay
#4 iS Clinical
#2 AllSkin Med
Looking for free online advice right away? Book a free online skincare consultation with a skin expert by clicking the button below.
Interested in our top tips for sensitive skin? We’ve covered that here. Before we dive into why we chose these brands, here’s a look at what sensitive skin actually means.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is so common it’s one of the four main skin types — along with dry, combination and oily. Most people will experience some form of sensitive at some point in their lives. This sensitivity could come and go, or it could simply be a part of your everyday life.
Sensitive skin is skin that reacts more than normal. This could be triggered by anything from skincare products to make-up to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
The most common symptoms of sensitive skin include:
- Dry skin
- Flaky patches
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Small bumps
If you’re finding your skin is becoming more sensitive, or even if this is something you’ve dealt with for years, there are brands out there that can help. Finding the right one can make all the difference to your skin, as the right ingredients can calm irritation, help heal the skin and reduce sensitivity over time.
Our top 5 skincare brands for sensitive skin
#5 La Roche-Posay
With a whole range for sensitive skin and those prone to allergic reactions, La Roche-Posay is a science-backed brand that’s great for sensitive skin. The Toleriane range promises to not only be gentle on sensitive skin, but help to heal the skin’s natural barrier and reduce sensitivity overtime.
Products can also help reduce the physical sensations, like burning and stinging, that often come when skin is dry and irritated. Plus, there are targeted treatments for those with uneven skin tones, redness or dehydrated skin, all of which often come hand in hand with sensitivity.
Prices start from: £12.50
Products to try:
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Soothing Cream
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser Wipe-Off Milk
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
#4 iS Clinical
With botanical extracts and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, iS Clinical combines science and nature to make products that can heal, soothe and calm skin. From the Cleansing Complex, which deep cleans without drying, to the Pro-Heal serum, which reduces redness and provides an antioxidant boost, there’s plenty for those with sensitive skin. The products are so gentle they’re even suitable for pregnant women and cancer patients.
Explore their everyday essentials like cleansers and moisturisers, as well as targeted treatments for ageing, hyperpigmentation and acne.
Prices start from: £24
Products to try:
#3 Obagi
With clinically proven results and plenty of products suitable for sensitive skin, Obagi is ideal for anyone that experiences irritation. You can choose from gentle sunscreens to soothing cleansers to hydrating serums.
For those looking to lighten dark spots or brighten their complexions, without causing irritation, try the Obagi Professional-C Serum 10%. With a lower concentration of vitamin C, this product promises to deliver all the benefits of the ingredient, in a gentle enough percentage for those who react and irritate easily.
Prices start from: £28
Products to try:
Find out more about Obagi skincare here, and get in touch with us at hello@facedr.com to see how you can get your hands on the products.
#2 AllSkin Med
AllSkin Med uses patented active ingredients that are absorbed deep into the skin to deliver powerful results. But powerful results can still be gentle. The brand has products to help boost hydration in dry skin, correct dark spots for those with hyperpigmentation and soften the look of lines and wrinkles.
Try the chemical-free Mineral Fluid SPF 50 for sun protection without the irritation, or the GF Rich Replenishing Cream, with growth factors to help skin heal and regenerate.
Prices start from: £15
Products to try:
- AllSkin Med Mineral Fluid SPF 50
- AllSkin Med GF Replenishing Cream
- AllSkin Med Purifying Cleansing Foam
#1 ZO Skin Health
ZO Skin Health was founded by dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi and has its roots firmly in the world of skincare science. For those with sensitive skin, the brand has everyday essentials that are kind to reactive skin.
The gentle cleanser for example helps to remove oil, dirt and make-up with ingredients like oat aminos. These help to relieve dryness and the itchy sensations that often come with aggravated skin. The calming toner is a go-to toner for balancing the skin, without drying it out with harsh alcohols. Targeted treatments include everything from anti-ageing exfoliators to brightening serums.
Prices start from: £36
Product to try:
- ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser
- ZO Skin Health Calming Toner
- ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Masque
Need an expert to help?
Now you know our top brands for sensitive skin, it’s time to decide which one is best for you. We know how confusing the world of skincare can be, especially when there are so many options out there and you’re looking for something that won’t cause a reaction. If you want to make the very best decision for your sensitive skin, why not turn to an expert?
Here at Face Dr, we offer free online consultations to help with exactly this. You can speak with one of our skin experts on a 30-minute video call. They’ll analyse your skin, ask about your level of sensitivity and recommend the best brand to help. What’s more, they can recommend specific products and share how you can use them in the ideal skincare routine.
We only ever recommend high-quality cosmeceutical brands we know will provide the best results. We’ve personally tried and tested each one, so you can trust you’re making the best choice for sensitive skin. Plus, there’s never any obligation to buy. If you’ve got any other questions about skincare concerns and how to tackle them without causing a reaction, we can help answer those, too.
