THE TOP 11 BEST MOISTURISERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
From the blistering cold to overly heated offices and homes, redness, irritation, dryness and sometimes even stinging are the natural response from a complexion classed as sensitive. But with the constant battle to soothe this complexion concern, sourcing the best moisturisers for sensitive skin can often feel like looking for an oasis in the skincare desert.
But fear not! We’ve scoured out virtual shelves and found the best moisturisers for sensitive skin to make even the most reactive complexions feel comforted, glowy and bright... without any irritation in sight.
In This Article:
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
- Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
- Sisley Paris Sensitive Skin Soothing Care
- Caudalie VinoHydra Deep Hydration Moisturiser
- Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin
- Kiehl's Ultra Facial Meltdown Cream
- The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
- COSRX Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturiser
- Doré La Crème
- Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Milky Lotion
- Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
- THE BEST MOISTURISERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN FAQs
THE BEST MOISTURISERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
£19.90
A versatile skin saviour and a formula adored by dermatologists, La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm is the one-hit wonder for sensitive skin. Infused with the brand’s iconic Thermal Spring Water and a blend of 5% panthenol, vitamin B5, shea butter and cicaplasts, this replenishing formula is ideal for repairing broken skin or on areas of the face that need that extra TLC.
Dermalogica Calm Water Gel
£55.00
Crafted to quench skin, ease sensitivity and comfort reactive complexions, it’s no wonder Dermalogica’s Calm Water Gel has made it onto our list of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin. Calling on Dual Hyaluronic Technology, this refreshing concoction douses skin in hydration that works through your moisture barrier to lock in hydration. Plus, with its ability to form a protective barrier against environmental factors, it quells redness and irritation while banishing dehydration and dryness.
Sisley Paris Sensitive Skin Soothing Care
£165.00
Gentle and cocooning, Sisley Paris’ Sensitive Skin Soothing Care moisturiser is another contender for the best moisturiser for sensitive skin. Offering long-lasting relief, this carefully crafted lotion calls on golden seaweed extract, rhamnose polysaccharides and Japanese lilyturf to minimise the look of redness and reactivity while protecting your moisture barrier. But that’s not all, with the addition of shea butter and plum kernel oil it delivers long-lasting hydration for immediate and all-day comfort.
Caudalie VinoHydra Deep Hydration Moisturiser
£165.00
Packed with the power of grapes, Caudalie’s VinoHydra Deep Hydration Moisturiser is the intensely rich face cream dedicated to the most sensitive skin type. Infused with hero ingredient – organic grape water to soothe and increase water retention, plus and infusion of emollient rich borage oil rich in omega 6, this restorative day cream is high in antioxidants to shield skin against free radicals while amping up your moisture levels.
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin
£21.95
Another standout for the best moisturiser for sensitive skin is Avène’s Tolérance Soothing Skin Recovery Cream. Ultra gentle and offering 24-hours of hydration, this face cream nourishes the skin barrier while comforting and soothing dry and reactive complexions. Infused with the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water and its proprietary blend of D-Sensinose (a patented post-biotic active ingredient that targets sensory nerve responses involved in the feelings of tightness, tingling and discomfort), this moisturiser instantly helps with reducing the experience of reactive skin instantly and over time.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Meltdown Cream
£41.00
Deliver deep, sustainable nourishment to stressed and sensitive skin with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Meltdown Cream. Blending 1% colloidal oatmeal with skin strengthening niacinamide and beta-glucan, this featherlight formula melts into complexions while forming a breathable, protective shield that helps support barrier repair and skin resilience. Not only that, but because the clever formula mimics skin’s natural lipid function, this sensitive skin approved face cream promotes repair and deep, sustained hydration ideal for reactive complexion types.
The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
£44.00
Supercharged with the brand’s proprietary Hyaluroset Complex (a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid), The Outset’s Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer is the glow-giving face cream for anyone looking to level up on hydration. Packed with a soothing trio of superfood extracts (hops, edelweiss and red rice) plus olive-derived squalane, this daily-dose of dew restores your complexions natural protective barrier while amping up your radiance.
COSRX Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturiser
£21.99
Ideal for oilier skin types prone to sensitivity and breakouts, COSRX’s Collection Lightweight Soothing Moisturiser simultaneously purifies pores, moisturises and heals your skin. Powered by the brand's innovative CentellAC-Rx Complex infused with madecassic acid, asiaticoside and asitic acid, plus propolis extract, aloe vera and green tea water, this K-Beauty staple reduces redness and soothes irritation with its lightweight and non-sticky formula.
Doré La Crème
£33.00
For something that targets everything from sensitivity and brightness to uneven texture and fine lines, Doré's La Crème is the multi-tasking must-have that delivers a radiant, luminous finish. Enriched with white lily extract to shield skin from free radicals and marine algae to stimulate healthy skin’s metabolic function, this clever face cream synthesises hyaluronic acid and fights against the breakdown of collagen and elastin – helping skin look and feel plump and restored.
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Milky Lotion
£33.00
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, Dr.Jart+’s Ceramiding Milky Lotion is a featherlight formula ideal for skin more prone to shine. Infused with a host of skin-loving ingredients including ceramides, panthenol and glycerine, this lotion instantly boosts moisture levels and soothes sensitisation while also protecting your complexion from environmental stressors. And what’s even better? It works perfectly as a primer under makeup too.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser
£21.99
A favourite of MUAs, dermatologists and skincare obsessives for a reason, Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser is considered one of the best moisturisers for sensitive skin. Light in texture and absorbed quickly into skin, this multi-tasking must-have is powered by essential fatty acids and vitamins to soothe, hydrate and replenish. Often hailed as a secret weapon for your routine, you can use this as a makeup remover, moisturiser and a primer for a complexion that looks soft, dewy and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
THE BEST MOISTURISERS FOR SENSTIVE SKIN FAQs
What is the best moisturiser for sensitive skin according to a dermatologist?
Based on dermatologist recommendations, the best moisturisers for sensitive skin are usually formulas that avoid fragrances, alcohol and irritants while being enriched me ceramides, glycerine and barrier-boostingingredients. Dermatologists’ top picks include CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Sensitive and or Avene’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.
£17.00
£23.00
£10.50
Is CeraVe moisturiser good for sensitive skin?
Yes, CeraVe’s moisturisers are generally considered a fantastic option for sensitive skin because they’re considered hypoallergenic, pH-balanced and fragrance free. Plus, with ingredients including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, glycerine and niacinamide, CeraVe moisturisers are focused on soothing irritation, strengthening the skin’s barrier and providing hydration without triggering a reaction.
Which skincare brand is best for sensitive skin?
The best brands for sensitive skin are typically those recommended by dermatologists, such as La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Avène, and Paula’s Choice. These brands often avoid fragrances and take a minimalist approach to their formulations, focusing on gentle, effective ingredients
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
