We Tested the Best Moisturizers That Soothed Our Sensitive Skin Without Irritation

To help find the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, I teamed up with three experts: Nicole Hayre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in McLean, Virginia, and founder of the anti-aging skin-care line Cutocin; Toral Vaidya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City; and Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California. Along with other Everyday Health editors and writers with truly reactive, eczema-prone, rosacea-prone, and acne-prone skin, I tried dozens of formulas to find the ones that hydrate, support the skin barrier, and don’t burn going on.

Ahead, you’ll find the 10 moisturizers that rose to the top when it comes to supporting sensitive skin, plus a few honorable mentions. We think these will help you build a routine your fragile skin can actually tolerate.

• Best for barrier repair: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Best lightweight formula for face: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
• Best for acne-prone skin: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
• Best drugstore option: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
• Best splurge: Laneige Perfect Renew 3x Cream Advanced
• Best for rosacea: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
• Best for eczema: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
• Best for mature skin: Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion
• Best fragrance-free: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance Free
• Best for minimalists: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Even though these formulas didn’t earn a spot in our top list, they still performed well for many of our writers and editors. They were just edged out by standouts that offered better absorption, gentler formulations, richer hydration, or more reliable results for sensitive skin.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer Martinet loved the gentle, oat-based formula and how quickly it absorbed, but she ultimately felt like the hydration didn’t last long enough, especially on days when her skin was reactive. Martinet, who has combination, acne-prone, sensitive skin, notes that while it soothed temporarily, she still needed a heavier cream to keep dryness and redness away. “It’s calming, but not quite enough for sensitive skin that’s also dry,” she says.

Burt’s Bees Calming Night Cream Ladaga appreciated the fragrance-free and nonirritating formula on her mature, eczema-prone skin, but she found the texture too thick and slow to absorb, describing it as “a little mask-like.” It moisturized well but left a tacky finish that wasn’t comfortable for nightly use. She prefers moisturizers that melt in more cleanly without leaving a film on pillowcases.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 Editor Ashley Ziegler loves CeraVe as a brand but says that the AM SPF formula left a noticeable white cast and didn’t layer well over her serums. She reported some pilling and says that the finish felt “a bit more like sunscreen than moisturizer.” It’s reliable, but it wasn’t quite as seamless or gentle as the top performers for Ziegler, who has dry, sensitive skin.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Editor Olivia Campbell found the texture “creamy and comforting,” but she says that the botanical extracts in the formula triggered mild sensitivity, something she doesn’t experience with fragrance-free, simpler creams. She also notes that it could get too oily for daytime wear, especially when layered with sunscreen. “Great hydration — just not ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin,” says Campbell, who does sometimes get rosacea.

Honest Beauty Daily Calm Lightweight Moisturizer Health writer Sarah Stankorb, who has combination and sensitive skin, liked the lightweight, silky feel of this moisturizer, but she found that it wasn’t hydrating enough on reactive days and didn’t help with redness or flakiness as much as thicker creams she tested. She says that she “needed two or three layers to feel fully moisturized,” which put it behind more barrier-supportive options that achieve results in one step.

To find the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, we gave more than 100 products to a diverse group of Everyday Health editors and writers with real skin concerns: eczema, rosacea, hormonal acne, mature skin, combination skin, and highly reactive or fragrance-sensitive complexions. Each tester used their assigned moisturizer for two to three weeks — long enough to notice changes in hydration, irritation, and barrier health — and evaluated how the product fit into their normal daily routines.

The testers paid close attention to the key factors that matter most for sensitive skin, including whether the product caused stinging, redness, breakouts, or flare-ups; how well it hydrated throughout the day or overnight; how the texture felt (“buttery,” “sticky,” “gel-like,” “too oily,” etc.); how quickly it absorbed; and whether it had any fragrance that triggered irritation.

Product reviewers also assessed how each formula layered with makeup, sunscreen, and serums, and whether ingredients like ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, or antioxidants actually made their skin feel calmer or look better. Products that earned top spots consistently delivered hydration without heaviness, absorbed cleanly, caused zero irritation, and improved dryness or redness over time. Those that fell short tended to be too light, too greasy, too fragrant, too slow to absorb, or not soothing enough for truly sensitive or compromised skin, according to our testers’ firsthand, thorough experiences.

Most people with sensitive skin can manage flare-ups at home with gentle products and a simplified routine. But there are some clear signs that it may be time to get professional help. “If you cannot find products to use without irritation, or have chronic irritation or inflammation, it is a good idea to see a board-certified dermatologist,” Dr. Hayre says. Persistent redness, burning, peeling, or reactions to even the mildest formulas shouldn’t be ignored.

So, how do you know if you truly have sensitive skin? According to Hayre, the biggest red flag is reactivity. “The main sign that someone has sensitive skin is that they react to certain skin-care products, detergents, or fragrances.” Some people simply have naturally sensitive skin, but it’s also commonly tied to conditions like eczema or rosacea, which can make the skin much more reactive.

It’s also important to understand the difference between dry skin and sensitive skin. These two terms often get mixed up. Hayre explains it this way: “In general, dry skin is more sensitive to irritants in the environment; however dry skin is different [from] sensitive skin. You can think of sensitive skin almost like an allergy to certain ingredients ... whereas dry skin can be rehydrated and, when conditioned, will no longer be sensitive to the environment.”

In other words, dry skin needs moisture; sensitive skin needs protection and avoidance of triggers. If you’re not sure which kind you have, or if every new product seems to backfire, a dermatologist can help you pinpoint the cause and build a routine that won’t send your skin into a spiral.

Shopping for a moisturizer when you have sensitive skin can feel like navigating a minefield. One wrong ingredient and you’re red, itchy, or flaking by the end of the day. The key is choosing formulas that support your skin barrier rather than challenge it.

Dr. Vaidya says to pay close attention to seasonal changes, because sensitivity tends to spike when the weather cools down. “As the colder season approaches, skin sensitivity and eczema are exacerbated. I recommend adjusting your skin-care routine to include creamier cleansers, richer moisturizers, and hydrating serums to combat the effects of dry, cool air,” she says.

When choosing a moisturizer, the ingredients matter, especially for reactive skin. “I recommend winter moisturizers and serums rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration,” Vaidya explains. These ingredients replenish lipids, boost moisture retention, and help your skin stay resilient when it’s stressed.

Fragrance is another major factor. “For those with sensitive skin, I also suggest choosing fragrance-free products to minimize irritation,” she says. Products that allow customization — such as formulas where fragrance can be omitted — give sensitive skin the best chance to stay calm.

And don’t forget the environment you’re in. Preventive steps matter just as much as the moisturizer itself. “Using a humidifier can make a significant difference,” Vaidya notes. She also emphasizes sticking to lukewarm water when cleansing or showering, since very hot water can strip moisture and worsen sensitivity.

Hayre explains it best: “Barrier dysfunction of the skin is when the normally tightly connected cells in the skin are a little separated from one another and are not blocking tiny particles from the environment from getting into the skin. When this happens, things that usually should not be in the skin can cause the body to react and become red, inflamed, and irritated.”

Over-exfoliation is a major culprit. When you scrub too often, use strong acids daily, or stack exfoliating products without realizing it, you can wear down a perfectly healthy barrier and end up with symptoms that mimic true sensitive skin. “There is a genetic component to this, but when people over-exfoliate they can damage their naturally good barrier,” Hayre says. “This can cause problems similar to those seen with naturally sensitive skin.”

Genetics also play a role. Some people naturally produce fewer lipids, have a thinner barrier, or are more prone to inflammatory responses. Environmental triggers (like cold weather, dry indoor heat, or pollution) and lifestyle factors (stress, over-cleansing, or using too many active ingredients at once) can also make things worse.

In short, sensitive skin often comes down to a barrier that’s either inherently delicate or one that’s been pushed too hard. The good news? With gentle care and fewer irritants, that barrier can bounce back.

Retinoids require even more caution. “It’s possible to experience redness, dryness, and peeling during the initial stages,” Vaidya explains, adding that retinol can make skin more reactive as it adjusts. To minimize irritation, introduce it gradually, avoid pairing it with other strong ingredients (such as vitamin C or exfoliating acids), and layer it with moisturizer. Her favorite technique for sensitive skin is the “sandwich method,” which consists of applying moisturizer, then retinol, then another layer of moisturizer to buffer the product and keep the barrier protected.

Retinol isn’t for everyone though. “For very sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea, retinol may be too irritating,” Vaidya says. In those cases, try a low-strength formula or a retinoid alternative. “Peptides, bakuchiol, and gentle chemical exfoliants are excellent alternatives to retinol,” she adds, noting that they can still help improve lines, texture, and tone, without the same risk of flare-ups.

Looking for guidance on layering, timing, or which actives to avoid together? See Everyday Health’s full explainer on safely using exfoliants and our list of the best retinoids for sensitive skin for a deeper breakdown.

Dr. Palm recommends looking for ceramides, glycerin, squalane, colloidal oatmeal, and defensins — proteins that “help stimulate new, healthy skin cells.” Just as important is avoiding irritants. “Fragrance, menthol, peppermint, witch hazel, and alcohol-based toners can all trigger more inflammation,” Palm says.

Above all, keep it simple. “With sensitive skin, less is more,” Palm notes. Gentle, restorative formulas and consistent moisturizing give your skin the best chance to recover and strengthen over time.

The most powerful thing you can do is moisturize consistently in the morning, at night, and anytime your skin feels tight or uncomfortable. Keep exfoliation minimal, introduce new products slowly, and focus on restoring rather than fixing. With the right routine and patience, your barrier can bounce back and become more resilient over time.