The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, According to the Pros

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Everyone has different skin, so naturally, everyone should have a different grooming regimen. Some people need to account for oily skin, some for dry skin, and some, sensitive skin.

For those with sensitive skin, anything subpar just simply won’t cut it. “A mediocre or standard moisturizer will try to cover the skin with a hydrator without regard to other factors, such as spreadability, absorption, and tolerability,” explains Dr. James Y. Wang, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, and founder of Metropolis Dermatology. “Sensitive skin can be inflamed at baseline and prevent the absorption of the moisturizer. In addition, retinol, AHA/BHA, and fragrances can inflame sensitive skin, and should be avoided.”

“In general, ointments are best for the driest, cracked skin, while light lotions are sufficient for overall healthy, hydrated skin,” adds Dr. Wang.

All good moisturizers should hydrate, absorb, spread evenly, and safeguard from free radicals and pollution. For most dermatologists, the key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the epidermis and locks in moisture, and ceramides. “It is essentially the mortar between the bricks that we call skin cells,” says Dr. Muneeb Shah, dermatology resident at Campbell University in North Carolina, who has become a TikTok star with over 10 million followers.

Basically, if you have sensitive skin, look for labels with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and steer clear of anything scented or that has exfoliants. And if you, too, are going through the same scenario, we asked the Dr. Yang, Dr. Shah, and Dr. Joel Lamm, a board-certified dermatologist and Ever/Body’s supervising physician, to relay their recommendations on the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, and added our editors' go-to sensitive skin moisturizers alongside them.

Facial Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

"This is perfect for the most sensitive skin that wants only pure hydration without extra ingredients," says Dr. Wang. "It lacks preservatives and fragrances that can irritate skin."

Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream

Along with being fragrance-free, Dr. Shah recommends this Skinfix face cream because it contains glycerin, a lipid complex, and shea butter.

Advanced Renewal Moisturizer

Lightweight but hydrating, this moisturizer is free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and animal products—perfect for sensitive skin.

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

"This is an oil-free face moisturizer containing a high concentration of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide," says Dr. Wang, who adds that it's "one of the longest-lasting moisturizers" out there.

Moisturizing Lotion

"Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a simple moisturizer that does not contain any irritating ingredients such as parabens or fragrance," says Dr. Lamm.

Replenishing Moisturizer

From Paula's Choice comes a moisturizer that soothes and hydrates, with plant oils and antioxidants that won't dry out your skin.

Cold Cream Intense Moisturizer

"For sensitive skin, this cream feels like heaven," Dr. Wang. "It is gentle and the thermal spring water base soothes irritated skin."

Daily Moisture

"Skinceuticals Daily Moisture is a lightweight moisturizer for normal to oily skin that contains vitamin E, which can help soothe sensitive skin," says Dr. Lamm.

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Dr. Lamm also likes SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore treatment, which "contains cellular lipids that nourish dry skin while also providing anti-aging benefits."

La Solution 10 De Chanel

Formulated specifically for sensitive skin, this luxe, nourishing cream is ultra-soothing and gentle, with a delicate formula that has antioxidant properties.

Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

According to Dr. Lamm, this facial cleanser "is a lightweight moisturizer that is allergy tested and does not contain any irritating ingredients."

Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

"This is a feel-good, daily-use moisturizer that is effective without feeling heavy," says Dr. Wang. "It spreads easily, absorbs fast, and minimizes the amount of unnecessary ingredients."

Calm + Restore Skin Therapy Balm

Aveeno is a staple in the world of skincare, and this formula is ideal for sensitive skin types specifically, with a vegan formula and clean ingredients that won't irritate or inflame.

Ultra Facial Cream

The glycerin, squalane oil, and hydroxylpalmitoyl sphinganine in Kiehl's fragrance-free face cream is why it is recommended by Dr. Shah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are best for sensitive skin?

Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are generally safe, gentle hydrators for sensitive skin types. Other natural ingredients, including green tea, chamomile, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal, can have benefits including hydration and restoration of elasticity that don't cause irritation.

What ingredients should sensitive skin types avoid?

As a general rule, avoid products that have exfoliants, both physical and chemical. These can cause irritation and burning, and are especially harsh.

Parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and oils can also irritate sensitive skin. Most formulas these days are without sulfates and parabens, but double check to make sure your moisturizer isn't scented!

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our grooming and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to sensitive skin moisturizers, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting picks that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these options are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of testing different products, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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