01 / IRRITANTSIngredients sensitive skin should avoid.
Sensitive skin isn't one condition — it's a spectrum. But these ingredients are consistently the biggest triggers across eczema, rosacea, contact dermatitis, and general reactive skin.
IngredientVerdictWhy it triggers
Fragrance / ParfumListed as 'fragrance', 'parfum', or fragrance compounds (linalool, limonene, geraniol)
BAD
The most common sensitiser in skincare. A single 'fragrance' listing can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are known allergens.
Alcohol denat. / SD AlcoholDenatured alcohol, SD Alcohol 40, isopropyl alcohol
BAD
Drying and barrier-disrupting at high concentrations. Strips the skin's natural oils and can cause sensitisation over time.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)SLS, SLES, ammonium lauryl sulfate
BAD
Harsh surfactant that strips the skin barrier. Common in foaming cleansers and shampoos. SLES is milder but still irritating for sensitive skin.
Synthetic dyesFD&C Red 40, CI 16035, Blue 1, Yellow 5, D&C colours
POOR
No benefit to the skin. A documented cause of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis in patch-testing studies.
ParabensMethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben
POOR
Can cause contact allergies in some people. While most tolerate them, reactive skin benefits from paraben-free formulas.
Chemical exfoliants (high %)Glycolic acid >10%, lactic acid >10%, mandelic acid
POOR
AHAs at high concentrations can cause burning, redness, and barrier damage. Low percentages are usually tolerated.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservativesDMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15
BAD
Release small amounts of formaldehyde over time — a known allergen and sensitiser.
Essential oilsLavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus oils, tea tree
POOR
Despite being 'natural', many essential oils are potent allergens. Citrus oils can also cause photosensitivity.
02 / GENTLEIngredients that work with sensitive skin.
These have well-established safety profiles in dermatology literature and are specifically recommended for reactive or compromised skin. Focus on barrier repair first — everything else is secondary.
IngredientVerdictWhy it works
CeramidesMoisturisers, barrier repair creams
BEST
Skin barrier repairers that mimic the skin's own lipids. One of the best ingredients for sensitive skin.
Centella asiatica (Cica)Serums, sensitive skin moisturisers
BEST
Calming and healing. Widely used in sensitive skin formulations for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5)Serums, moisturisers, toners
BEST
Soothing, hydrating, and helps barrier repair. Very well tolerated even on reactive skin.
Colloidal oatmealSoothing creams, eczema treatments
BEST
FDA-approved skin protectant with clinically proven anti-itch and soothing properties.
Aloe vera (fragrance-free)Soothing gels, after-sun
GOOD
Cooling and calming. Fragrance-free aloe is generally very well tolerated.
SqualaneFace oils, lightweight moisturisers
GOOD
Lightweight emollient that closely mimics skin sebum. Very low irritation potential.
Niacinamide (2–5%)Serums, moisturisers
GOOD
Anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening. Use 2–5% for sensitive skin; higher percentages can cause flushing.
03 / VERDICTThe bottom line.
Fragrance-Free FirstSketchy Labels take
One rule covers most of it: fragrance-free.
Most sensitive skin flare-ups trace back to fragrance. After that: no denatured alcohol high on the list, no SLS in cleansers, no DMDM hydantoin. Beyond those three, keep the routine simple — fewer products, fewer ingredients, give the barrier time to recover.