12 Best Moisturizers For Sensitive Skin – Our Top Picks For 2023
Expertise: Product Reviews
Experience: 5 years
Sakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her ... more
If you have sensitive skin, you must be all too familiar with the feeling of dread that hits you every time you consider applying a new lotion or moisturizer to your face. With sensitive skin, it can be tough to be sure about a product’s claims to heal and nourish it. But you need not worry anymore. Here’s our list of the 10 best moisturizers for sensitive skin. Read on.
In This Article
12 Best Moisturizers For Sensitive Skin – 2023
1. Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion
Product Claims
Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion is an ideal full body moisturizer that nourishes dry and sensitive skin for up to 24 hours. The formula contains Epidermal Replenishing Complex 5 – a unique combination of five key ingredients that protect dry skin and provide intense hydration. The lotion keeps your skin moisturized even in harsh winters without irritating it.
Pros
- Ideal for daily use
- Gets absorbed easily
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons
None
2. Ayuga 5% Chandanam Light Face Moisturizer
Product Claims
If you are looking for a lightweight moisturizer that works wonders without irritating your skin, here’s one for you! The Ayuga 5% Chandanam Face Moisturizer is enriched with an Ayurvedic blend of turmeric, sandalwood, and 26 beneficial herbs. The antioxidant turmeric and anti-inflammatory sandalwood work together to reduce dark spots and pigmentation to even tone and brighten the skin. The hydrating vetiver or khus balances skin pH and reduces inflammation, while the antibacterial manjishtha helps combat acne and common skin infections. The non-greasy formula is extremely fast-absorbing and imparts a plump, youthful glow to the skin.
Pros
- Absorbed quickly
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- SLS-free
- SLES-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture
Image: Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture Product Claims
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin is a lightweight, dual-action formula that moisturizes dry areas while controlling oily shine on the T-zone and wherever the skin feels greasy. The result is skin that feels soft and smooth with a matte finish that lasts throughout the day. The hydrating cream gets absorbed very quickly, without feeling heavy on your skin.
Pros
- Suitable for combination skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy-tested
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Contains parabens
4. St. Botanica Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Mattifying Moisturizer
This lightweight, non-sticky moisturizer deeply hydrates your skin and imparts a long-lasting sheen. It contains fast-absorbing skin conditioning ingredients that absorb excess oil and dirt. The jojoba oil, rosehip oil, aloe vera not only moisturize the skin but also enhance the texture for a healthier and youthful appearance. The pomegranate seed extract protects the skin from environmental aggressors. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 and PA+++ provide a protective shield from UVA and UVB rays and reduce skin darkening and the premature appearance of fine line and wrinkles.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
- Silicone-free
- Has SPF 30
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
None
5. Lotus Herbals Nutramoist Skin Renewal Daily Moisturising Crème
Product Claims
Lotus Herbals NutraMoist Skin Renewal Daily Moisturising Crème is a luxurious moisturizing cream with SPF 25. It contains extracts of cherry, plum, and alpha hydroxy fruit acids that provide long-lasting hydration. They also enhance the capability of the skin cells to retain moisture for a long time. This cream is enriched with natural antioxidant, astringent, and antiseptic properties that heal and nourish sensitive skin.
Pros
- Ideal for daily use
- Contains SPF 25
- Non-greasy
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Prevents breakouts
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Bulky packaging
6. Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
Image: Simple Product Claims
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer is blended with powerful ingredients – borage seed oil, glycerin, vitamin E, and pro-vitamin B5. Borage seed oil smoothens the skin and keeps it hydrated. Glycerin provides soft and supple skin, while vitamin E enhances the overall health of your skin. The pro-vitamin B5 clams your skin courtesy of its anti-inflammatory property. This moisturizer is free from harsh chemicals and has a lightweight texture.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Perfume-free
- Cruelty-free
- No harsh chemicals
- No artificial color
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May feel greasy
7. Minimalist Sepicalm 3% Oat Moisturizer
Keep your skin calm with the Minimalist Sepicalm 3% Oat Moisturizer that helps to moisturize dry and sun-damaged skin, while reducing redness and dullness. The lightweight formula of this moisturizer keeps the skin soft without leaving any oil residue. It is absorbed quickly and is powered by a blend of hydrators, emollients, and occlusives like polyglutamic acid, squalene, and shea butter. The combination of these key ingredients makes your skin soft, nourished, healthy by providing long-lasting hydration. In addition, the colloidal oat, sepicalm, and vitamin B5 soothe and protect your sensitive skin from the UVA/UVB sun rays.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Sulphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Makes your skin sweaty
8. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Product Claims
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream is a rich moisturizer that provides intense hydration and replenishes sensitive, dry skin. This is a unique formula with humectants and emollients that bind water to the skin, preventing moisture loss. This cream soothes dry skin and gives immediate and long-lasting relief. Regular use leaves your dry skin feeling soft and smooth to touch.
Pros
- Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- May cause breakouts
- No SPF
9. Lacto Calamine Daily Face Care Lotion
Product Claims
Lacto Calamine Daily Face Care Lotion is specially formulated for oily skin and provides oil balance for up to 8 hours. It is a clay-based lotion with unique Kaolin clay therapy. Kaolin clay contains natural minerals that act as exfoliants and help in removing dead skin cells. The cream has a unique 3-way action that gives you soft and supple skin every day.
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Provides a matte finish
- Reduces acne
- Non-drying
- No greasy residue
- Maintains the pH balance of your skin
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
- Added fragrance
10. Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Provide your dry and sensitive skin with excellent moisturization from the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. This lotion effectively hydrates the skin, keeps it softer, and nourishes it for a plumped-up texture. It is formulated with a triple oat complex that helps to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and maintain its pH balance. In addition, the shea butter further delivers nourishment to keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Fragrance-free
- Steroid-free
- Lightweight
- Great absorption
Cons
None
11. Re’equil Oil-free Mattifying Moisturizer
Image: Reequil Product Claims
Re’equil Oil-Free Mattifying Moisturiser contains cydonian green apple tree leaf extract, which reduces pore appearance and smoothens the rough and uneven surface of the skin. It is a gel-based moisturizer that reduces breakouts and hydrates the skin deeply, lending a mattifying look to your complexion.
Pros
- Suitable for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically-tested
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons
- Added fragrance
- No SPF
12. Sebamed Moisturizing Cream
Product Claims
Sebamed Moisturizing Cream is enriched with a high content of vitamin E, which protects your facial skin from long-time exposure to aggressive environmental influences and free radicals that cause premature skin aging. The moisturizing complex replicates the Natural Moisturizing Factors of our skin to prolong cellular elasticity and make the skin smooth and supple.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- pH-balanced
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-greasy formula
Cons
- May cause breakouts
- Added fragrance
- No SPF
These moisturizers work great for sensitive skin. But before you plan to buy any, consider the following factors.
What To Consider Before Buying Moisturizers For Sensitive Skin
- Ingredients
Always scan the ingredient list to check if you are allergic to any of the additives. Besides, for sensitive skin, hydration is necessary. Hence, ensure the moisturizer you plan to purchase contains hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
- Sun Protection
Sun protection is essential for all skin types. Hence, make sure your moisturizer has SPF 30 or above. Separately applying sunscreen could be cumbersome.
- Side Effects
Sensitive skin could be easily prone to allergies and other side effects. Hence, it is important to know if the product may cause any side effects. Make sure you read the customer reviews online.
- Price
The price of a moisturizer for sensitive skin depends on the ingredients used. The better the quality and effectiveness of the ingredients, the higher the price. If you have a lower budget, consider comparing the product you want to buy with other similar yet affordable products on the market. These can give you decent results.
- Quality
Always check the quality of the ingredients used in the moisturizer. A quality product will always be dermatologically tested and approved.
Sensitive skin can be difficult to maintain as not all products suit these skin types and can be harsh on them. Use gentle moisturizers on sensitive skin to heal your irritated skin. These moisturizers contain anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants that penetrate deep into the skin and enhance the skin’s texture and give you a youthful appearance. These products are often non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free. However, some products contain added fragrances and maybe greasy. Read the product reviews before choosing the right moisturizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I determine if a moisturizer is suitable for sensitive skin?
A. For sensitive skin, it is essential to look for gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic formulations and avoid moisturizers containing harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes. For sensitive skin, make sure to opt for products labeled as dermatologist-tested or recommended for sensitive skin.
Q. Are there any specific recommendations for moisturizers for sensitive skin during different seasons, such as winter or summer?
A. In colder months, sensitive skin becomes drier and more prone to irritation. Therefore, look for rich and deeply nourishing moisturizers like the Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion to lock in moisture. You may opt for the St. Botanica Bulgarian Rose Otto Glow Mattifying Moisturizer or the Lotus Herbals Nutramoist Skin Renewal Daily Moisturising Crème in hot and humid weather, as they are lightweight and contain SPF.
Q. Can moisturizers for sensitive skin be used at night as part of a nighttime skincare routine?
A. Yes, sensitive skin moisturizers can be part of your nighttime skincare routine. Using a moisturizer at night is essential for sensitive skin because this is when the skin undergoes a natural repair and regeneration process, and applying a moisturizer at night helps keep the skin soft and nourished.
Q. Are there any specific application techniques or tips for using moisturizers for sensitive skin?
A. Follow these tips for using moisturizers for sensitive skin:
- Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Take a small amount of moisturizer and gently pat or dab onto the skin.
- Start from the center of your face and work outwards.
- Use clean hands or a spatula to avoid bacteria.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to lock in moisture.
- Let it fully absorb before applying makeup or going to bed.
Recommended Articles:
- Best Anti-Aging Moisturizers in India
- Best Water-Based Moisturizers For Oily Skin In India
- Best Night Creams For Sensitive Skin Available In India
- Best Body Lotions For Dry Skin In India
