13 Best Serums For Sensitive Skin Recommended By An Esthetician – 2024

Get flawless and glowy skin instantly without worrying about rashes or inflammation.

Reviewed by Raisa Zarin, Licensed Esthetician
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

A serum helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. The best serum for sensitive skin makes your skin appear youthful, removing all scars and combating against aging. Moreover, these serums can even out the skin and make the skin texture smooth. Serums absorb into the skin quickly without making the skin greasy.

There are countless serums available on the market specially designed for sensitive skin and finding the right serum can be challenging. Hence, in this article, we bring you the 13 best serums designed for sensitive skin, based on scientifically tested results and reviewer’s experience. Read on to find your ideal serum.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:Eclat Vitamin C SerumPrice on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free:LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Dry Skin:Amara Beauty Vitamin C SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Vegan:SKINKISSED Face SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Comedogenic:La Roche-Posay Hyalu SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Moisturizing:Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Mild-Fragrance:It’S Skin Power 10 Formula GF EffectorPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Greasy:Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Lightweight:Bioderma Hydrabio SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Gluten-Free:Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Absolute SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

13 Best Serums For Sensitive Skin That Really Work – 2024

Best Overall:Eclat Vitamin C Serum

4.2
Eclat Skincare 20% Vitamin C Facial Serum Image: Eclat Skincare

The Organic Vitamin C serum by clinically backed skin care brand Eclat, has patented C-Boost Complex that reverses the seven signs of aging and combats sun damage, imparting healthy clean skin. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E that regenerate and revitalize the skin. It also has hyaluronic acid that restores moisture, ferulic acid that helps release the power of antioxidants, and witch hazel and MSM that detoxify the skin and reduce puffiness. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties that repair the skin.

The blend of antioxidants in the serum boosts collagen production and keeps your skin hydrated. It also protects the skin against UV rays. It is free of parabens and silicones. It is also cruelty-free. This anti-inflammatory serum has garnered thousands of positive customer reviews and can be used by both men and women for long-lasting skin hydration.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin C, jojoba oil, hazelnut, MSM, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Long-lasting hydration
  • Vegan
  • Dermatologist-approved
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Gluten-free

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Quick tip
Avoid getting vitamin C serums in clear bottles as the formulation is prone to chemical reactions on light exposure.


Best Fragrance-Free:LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum

4.2
LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face Image: Lilyana Naturals

The Vitamin C Serum by LilyAna Naturals claims proven efficacy for all skin types including very dry and oily skin. It combats all signs of aging effectively. It is induced with jojoba oil, v, aloe vera leaf extract, MSM, wild geranium, horsetail, and dandelion extracts that reduce dark spots and promote collagen production. The serum also improves skin elasticity and firmness. Its hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help retain skin moisture. The serum is free of parabens, SLS, phthalates, petroleum, gluten, and artificial fragrances that do not trigger skin sensitivity. This gentle serum for sensitive skin is vegan and does not support animal testing. Know more about this product in this video.

Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E, aloe leaf juice, MSM, wild geranium, horsetail, dandelion extracts, jojoba oil, and botanical hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan
  • Artificial color-free
  • Glute-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • SLS-free
  • Petroleum-free

Cons

  • Expensive

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 11,859 reviews claiming its efficacy.


Best For Dry Skin:Amara Beauty Vitamin C Serum

4.2
Vitamin C Serum for Face 20% with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E, 1 fl. oz. Image: Amara Beauty

The Vitamin C Serum by Amara Beauty is best for dry and sensitive skin. This antioxidant serum contains aloe vera juice, vitamin C, witch hazel, glycerine, jojoba oil, and other organic ingredients that ensure well-hydrated skin. The potent blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamins E and C keeps your skin brighter, clearer, smoother, and firmer. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and scars and provides glowing skin. This antioxidant-rich serum for sensitive skin is free of parabens and dyes, so is less irritating for damaged and dehydrated skin. This fragrance-free formula is vegan and cruelty-free.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera juice, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Long-lasting
  • Dye-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received over 7,568 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.


Best Vegan:SKINKISSED Face Serum

4
SKINKISSED Winner 2020* Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum Helps Remove Acne Scars Image: Skinkissed

Eclat Vitamin C Serum
Best Overall
LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum
Best For Dry Skin
SKINKISSED Face Serum
Best Vegan
Skin Type All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry --
Dimensions 1.38 x 1.42 x 4.29 inches --
Weight 2.89 Ounces--
Rating
Reviews64,021--
Price$9.99--
Buy NowBuy NowBuy Now

Get rid of dry, flaky skin with the hydrating face serum by SKINKISSED. It is an anti-aging serum for sensitive skin. Its effective formulation firms, hydrates, and revives the skin. Its hyaluronic acid moisturizes dry and dull skin, removes scars, and diminishes fine lines, offering smooth skin. The mild formula nourishes and leaves the skin rejuvenated. It is packed with vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits to the skin while fading fine lines and wrinkles, thus treating skin laxity. The serum penetrates the skin cortex and softens the scar tissue. This barrier repair serum for sensitive skin can be used by both men and women alike. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic.Further, this highly potent formula has amassed impressive social media acclaim with hundreds of happy reviewers. Learn more about this product in this video.

Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Quick Tip
If your serum is slightly thick, use the warmth of your palm to emulsify it before applying it on the face and avoid a vigorous massage.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has received 2,255 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.


Best Non-Comedogenic:La Roche-Posay Hyalu Serum

4.5
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face Image: La Roche-posay

The hyaluronic acid face serum from La Roche–Posay is an anti-aging product for sensitive skin. This powerful serum contains pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5 that plump your skin. This hypoallergenic serum for sensitive skin also restores skin moisture within 4 hours of application. Madecassoside is a booster ingredient that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and hydrates skin.

This brightening serum for sensitive skin also consists of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water that leaves skin feeling supple and hydrated. You only have to use 3-4 drops in the morning and evening. This dermatologically-approved product is tested for allergies and has an oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic formula.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, vitamin B5, and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Oil-free
  • Allergy-tested
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Overpowering fragrance
  • Expensive

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 2,255 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.


Best Moisturizing:Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum

4.4
Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum Image: Vichy Mineral

The Vinchy Minerals 89 Eyes Serum works as an eye contour. It is suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. It is formulated with 89% Vichy Volcanic Water which is powered by 15 essential minerals and is clinically proven to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Its naturally derived hyaluronic acid moisturizes and hydrates the skin. Its caffeine reduces puffiness and gives a rested look to your eyes. This soothing serum for sensitive skin hydrates, brightens, and smoothens the fine lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. This video will provide you with added insights about the product.

Key Ingredients: Vichy Volcanic Water, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Allergy-tested
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-greasy
  • Lightweight
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • Expensive


Best Mild-Fragrance:It'S SKIN Power 10 Formula GF Effector

4.2
It’S Skin Power 10 Formula GF Effector Image: It’s Skin

The soothing face serum by It’S Skin is best for sensitive and dry skin. It contains ginkgo leaf water and tremella mushrooms that restore skin moisture. The formula has shown a proven track record in clinical settings to provide 100-hour moisture maintenance. The product makes skin healthier, softer, and smoother. This redness-reducing serum for sensitive skin also improves skin elasticity. The product offers ten individual types of serums and you can choose any as per your skin type.

Key Ingredients: Ginko leaf water and snow fungus

Pros

  • Mild fragrance
  • Hydrating formula
  • Improves skin tone
  • Clinically-proven

Cons

  • May cause dryness


Best Non-Greasy:Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4.3
Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum For Face & Eyes Image: Simplified Skin

The Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains green tea, jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamins E and C, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients provide hydration and brighten the skin and boost collagen production. Vitamin E helps fight against UV damage, while aloe vera reduces skin redness, itchiness, and inflammation.

The jojoba oil hydrates skin. Green tea reduces signs of premature aging. This serum for sun-damaged sensitive skin helps fade sunspots and dark circles. This is a non-greasy serum that boosts collagen, prevents breakouts, and improves cell turnover. It is suitable for both men and women alike. It is free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, and fragrances and does not test on animals.

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Dye-free
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • None

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 325 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.


Best Lightweight:Bioderma Hydrabio Serum

4.5
Bioderma - Hydrabio - Hydration Facial Serum - Skin Soothing and Moisturizing Image: Bioderma

The Hydrabio Serum by Bioderma is a hydrating serum for sensitive skin. Its patented biological complex activates the skin’s natural moisturizing capabilities. It nourishes the skin and makes it radiant. This repairing serum for sensitive skin is formulated with hyaluronic acid, xylitol, and glycerine and has proven to deliver visible results in moisturizing the skin deeply.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, xylitol, and glycerine

Pros

  • Instant hydration
  • Long-Lasting results
  • Mild fragrance
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Expensive


The 1000 Roses Natural serum by Andalou Naturals hydrates, soothes, nourishes, and moisturizes irritated skin. This facial serum is a scientifically formulated blend of bioactive stem cells from botanical ingredients like heirloom apples, grapes, Swiss alpine roses, argan trees, and hemp plants. Its pomegranate hydrates and uplifts the skin’s protective moisture barrier. The alpine rose stem cell hydrates and moistens sensitive skin. This plant-based serum for sensitive skin also contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that maximize results. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.

Key Ingredients: Heirloom apple, grape, Swiss alpine rose, argan tree, and hemp plant

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
    • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • May cause dryness


Formulated with 2.5% retinol, this skin brightening serum for acne scars from Yongchang moisturizes the skin, repairs signs of aging, and reduces damage caused by pollution and sun rays to give you smoother-looking skin. The active ingredient, vitamin C in this non-irritating serum for sensitive skin helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots to reveal radiant and youthful skin. In addition, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, improves its elasticity and boosts collagen production. Aloe vera in the formula helps calm redness and treat inflammation in sensitive skin types. This safe-to-use collagen serum is ideal for addressing skin concerns, such as acne scars, and is suitable for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid

Pros

  • Unisex
  • Fragrance-free
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-sticky

Cons

  • None


Want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles? Try the Retinol Face Serum by Kizenka. It is an anti-aging serum that rebuilds and repairs skin damage caused by pollutants, stress, and excess sunlight. This nourishing serum for sensitive skin is formulated to reduce wrinkles, fade dark spots, and brighten the skin. It contains aloe vera leaf extract, aqua, retinol, Hamaelis virginiana leaf, and Camellia chinesis.

This hydrating formula effectively reduces fine lines and repairs skin cells. The vitamin C balances the skin tone and lightens dark spots. It further improves skin elasticity and treats wrinkles. This calming serum for sensitive skin is free of parabens, fragrances, and alcohol. It also is cruelty-free.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf extract, aqua, retinol, Hamaelis virginiana leaf, and Camellia chinesis

Pros

  • Reduces acne blemishes
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • None


The Tree to Tub Ginseng Green Tea Night Power Serum is made from organic healing botanicals from the eco reserves of Taiwan. It nourishes the skin and maintains a perfect pH balance of 5.5. Its natural ingredients like chamomile and rosewater soothe sensitive skin. Its aloe vera and cucumber hydrate skin. This serum with potent antioxidants like vitamins A, B5, C, and E helps rebuild and repair damaged skin, promoting firmer skin texture.

The serum is also suitable for skin irregularities like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. This pH-balanced serum for sensitive skin contains retinol and alpha-arbutin that brighten the skin and lighten the blemishes. Its ginseng green tea complex protects the skin from free radicals, improves blood circulation, and brightens the skin tone. This serum is free of parabens, silicones, sulfates, gluten, and other toxins. It also is vegan and cruelty-free and has amassed thousands of positive reviews and a loyal customer base.

Key Ingredients: Ginseng green tea, retinol, and hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Toxin-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Provides skin rejuvenation

Cons

  • Expensive
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The Bottom Line

Irrespective of your skin type, incorporating a serum in your skincare routine is a must because it deeply hydrates your skin by getting absorbed quickly. Serums are great for smoothing your skin’s texture, increasing radiance, and giving you an even-toned complexion. For instance, the Eclat Vitamin C Serum offers antioxidant and brightening effects, while the La Roche-Posay Hyalu Serum has hydrating properties. Additionally, the Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum offers targeted care for the eye area. The best serum for sensitive skin has a non-greasy texture that will give you a youthful complexion. The serums mentioned above are free from synthetic chemicals and toxins that make them a safe choice for those who have sensitive skin. We recommend reading the product label thoroughly and looking for clinically verified formulas before purchasing a serum for sensitive skin. If you must use exfoliating serums such as salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, use them in lesser concentrations to avoid irritation. At last, don’t forget to layer the serum with a thin layer of moisturizer to lock in the benefits.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach who has a keen interest in various skin care products. She has reviewed products available online, gone through user feedback on trusted platforms, and assembled this list of the foremost serums for sensitive skin. They reduce the appearance of scars, detoxify the skin, and give you smooth and flawless skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can serums irritate sensitive skin?

Serums without any harmful chemicals rarely irritate sensitive skin.

Can vitamin C serum help sensitive skin?

Water-soluble vitamin C is safe for sensitive skin. Choose a product with a pH level ranging from 5 to 6.

Is an ordinary serum good for sensitive skin?

Yes, most ordinary serums are good for sensitive skin. However, ensure it does not contain chemicals.

Can I use a Vitamin C serum every day for sensitive skin?

Yes, Vitamin C can be used every day for sensitive skin. However, ensure your dose is regulated. Ideally, it should be used 1 to 2 times a day (2 to 3 drops each time).

What causes hypersensitivity of the skin?

Hypersensitivity can happen due to the following factors.
•  Sudden temperature changes
•  Excessive exposure to UV rays
•  Harsh chemical ingredients in skin care products
•  Fabric friction

Which serum is best for acne-prone skin?

The Tree to Tub Ginseng Green Tea Night Power Serum is a suitable product for acne-prone skin. It treats acne, lightens the blemishes, and protects the skin from free radical damage.

How many days a week should I use my serum on sensitive skin?

Include serum in your daily skin care routine in the morning and night.



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