The Ultimate Guide to Sensitive Skin Care

Sensitive skin is commonly defined by heightened reactivity of the skin, such as burning, tingling, itching, and possibly pain. It often involves increased water loss of the epidermis, which leads to dehydration and a weakened skin barrier.

Conditions like eczema (particularly atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis, and rosacea all fall under the umbrella of sensitive skin. Managing these conditions requires not just care, but intention.

Many conventional products contain ingredients that can trigger flare-ups, including synthetic fragrances, essential oils, and drying alcohols. Choosing skincare for sensitive skin isn’t necessarily difficult—but it does require mindfulness. You want products that soothe rather than aggravate.

In this guide, we’ll explore gentle, non-toxic options like vegan skincare, plant-based solutions, and waterless skincare. Whether you’re searching for a hydrating serum, a gentle face wash, or a fragrance-free moisturizer, this guide is here to support your journey.

Explore our curated collection to discover skincare that meets sensitive skin with calm, not compromise.

Why Choose Non-Toxic, Plant Based Vegan Skincare?

Many conventional skincare products contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Choosing non-toxic skincare shifts the focus to plant-based, vegan alternatives. These formulas are often free from fragrance, harsh extracts, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. When opting for waterless skincare, products may also be free of preservatives, offering a simpler, more skin-compatible approach.

Skincare for Sensitive Skin

1.    Gentle Cleansing: Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Cleansing is the foundation of any sensitive skin care routine. A face wash for sensitive skin should be free from sulfates, denatured alcohol, and all fragrance (look for unscented). A gentle face wash for sensitive skin should cleanse without stripping natural oils.

• Ingredients to Look For: coco-glucoside, glycerin, niacinamide
• Avoid: sulfates, denatured alcohol, exfoliants, fragrance
• Tip: Fragrance has many names on an ingredient list: fragrance, masking fragrance, perfume, botanical extracts, essential oils etc. To simplify, look for “unscented,” these products will be free from all fragrance, perfume and extracts.

2. Hydration: Hydrating Serums for Dewy Skin

If your skin feels tight and dry, a hydrating serum can help restore its natural moisture balance. Hydrating serums are essential for sensitive skin as they provide deep moisture without clogging pores.

The best hydrating serum for sensitive skin contains:

• Ingredients to Look For: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, centella asiatica
• Avoid: Artificial dyes, fragrance
• Tip: Cleaner skincare brands like The Ordinary deliver rich serums devoid of unnecessary ingredients.

3. Moisturizing: Fragrance Free Moisturizer

Fragrance is one of the most common irritants for sensitive skin often leading to contact dermatitis. A fragrance-free moisturizer is essential for preventing hypersensitivity and reactive skin.

When choosing a facial moisturizer for sensitive skin, opt for:

• Ingredients to Look For: Ceramides, Squalane, and Shea butter
• Avoid: Essential oils, fragrance, and perfumes
• Tip: Try our ORI Bakuchiol Face Balm

4. Sun Protection: Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Sunscreen is imperative for minimizing UV damage and premature aging. The best sunscreen for sensitive skin is mineral-based, using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection. Mineral and chemical sunscreens are equally as effective, but mineral sunscreens may be gentler and less likely to irritate the skin.

The best sunscreen for sensitive skin should include:

• Ingredients to Look For: Zinc oxide, titanum dioxide, fragrance free
• Bonus: Hypoallergenic, lightweight, non-greasy
• Tip: When choosing an SPF, opt for SPF 30+

Vegan Skincare Products

Plant-based skincare and vegan skin care share some common ground in that they both avoid animal derived ingredients, some of which may be irritating to the skin.

Waterless skin care products are highly concentrated with nutrient rich ingredients, making them perfect for delicate skin. Without water, there is rarely a need for preservatives, reducing the risk of irritation.

Popular Waterless Skincare Products:

🌿Balms, butters and oils

🌿Powder cleansers

🌿Moisturizing bars

If you like sustainable, vegan skincare products that are mission driven, shop our Collection and Exhibits!

Final Thoughts: Building a Sensitive Skincare routine

Finding the right skincare for sensitive skin is not difficult, you just have to know what works for you and avoid anything that doesn’t. Avoid harsh ingredients that can trigger irritation and opt for gentle and natural solutions.

Simplicity is best when it comes to sensitive skin types.

Always Remember:

• Fragrance free and unscented are not the same thing!
• Cleansing at night is a must, cleansing in the morning is optional.
• Serums deliver potent actives i.e. hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, alpha arbutin etc.
• Moisturizers hydrate and support the skin barrier.
• Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays and you should apply it every day (reapplying every 2 hours)!

Following these simple yet effective habits and your skin will show its gratitude.

If you have a simplified skincare ritual of your own, feel free to share it in the comments below. We welcome thoughtful practices that inspire balance and care.