Our Best Serums for Sensitive Skin

A reactive mechanism, your skin is not only sensitive to what you put on it but a variety of internal and external factors. No matter what skin type you have, you can experience some sensitivity and allergic reactions. How happy and healthy your skin barrier function is will determine your skin condition and how comfortable your skin feels.  

What is sensitive skin? 

Changes to your hormones, using too-hot water, hot and cold weather, or even what topical products you use can all trigger skin reactions and signs of skin sensitivity such as itchy, flaky skin, discomfort and skin redness. 

Every day, healthy skin faces a number of potential irritants and threats, from UV rays to allergens and pollutants. The outermost layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, is your skin barrier – the first line of defence and protective barrier from external threats. It prevents environmental factors from readily penetrating your skin while also trapping in the good stuff – moisture. 

When your skin barrier function is compromised or weakened, you may experience skin sensitivity, patches of skin redness, irritated skin or even atopic dermatitis. As the face is the area of your skin that is most exposed, and facial skin has a more delicate epidermis to the rest of your body, it is where you will probably see symptoms first. Common symptoms can also include skin feeling sensitive to touch, tight and uncomfortable, dry skin (especially during the winter months), blotchiness and your skin can flush easily – especially after spicy food, a hot shower or alcohol. A skincare routine designed to strengthen your skin barrier function can help to decrease skin sensitivity and keep skin irritation to a minimum though. 

What is a serum? 

If you want to make one small change to your skincare routine that delivers big results, use a serum daily. These lightweight but potent formulas can penetrate deep into the skin to deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients to help target specific skin concerns. If you want to replenish and strengthen your skin barrier function, look for a sensitive skin serum focused on hydration. 

How to apply serum 

Keeping your skin clear from dirt, oil and impurities should be an essential first step in every skincare routine. Look for gentle cleansers that aren’t packed with harsh ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin further. Choose chemical exfoliants that dissolve dead skin cells instead of physical alternatives that involve scrubbing or rubbing the skin and can encourage barrier disruption, too. 

Now your skin is prepped and primed for your serum, look for ingredients that draw and seal in moisture such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide is a nourishing multitasker that also helps to reduce redness and inflammation that can be caused by sensitivity, while strengthening your skin's natural barrier and reducing the impact of environmental aggressors. Massaging a hydrating serum into the skin on your face and neck, especially at night when your skin works to reverse the damage caused during the day, is a great way to plump your skin with moisture and repair your skin barrier function – all while you sleep. 

Follow with a nourishing day or night facial cream to help trap in moisture and finish your morning routine with a layer of high-factor, broad-spectrum SPF. The sun’s rays can disrupt your skin barrier, making it more susceptible to sun damage, without the right and regular protection. 

Our best serums for sensitive skin