The 9 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, Tested by Byrdie

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 8, 12, or 16 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

A true classic, there’s a good reason why people sing the praises of this cream over and over. This fragrance-free lotion touts three types of ceramides coupled with hydrating hyaluronic acid in a formula gentle enough to be accepted by the National Eczema Association. We love that it’s oil-free, yet really moisturizing and hydrating. Another added bonus is that it’s widely available at most drugstores nationwide. Dermatologists have recommended this pick for years for its gentle, no-fuss formula that’s easy on sensitive skin. It’s safe to use on your face and body, any time of the year. 

It’s worth noting that the texture is quite lightweight, so it may not provide long-lasting hydration throughout the day. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reapplying this lotion a few times a day. 

Cassie, tester with eczema: “My skin is often red and flaky, but the Cerave really helped prevent that. It left my skin looking way more glowy and less red than usual.”

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Vanicream is top-notch when it comes to creating products for sensitive skin. This moisturizer is a drugstore favorite that was specifically formulated for sensitive skin (but works for all skin types). It has a thicker texture that adds moisture and calms irritated complexions without feeling heavy—it can even be worn under SPF and makeup. Full of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides, it’ll make your skin feel soft and nourished.

The beauty of Vanicream skincare is that you don’t have to worry about any of their products irritating your face or body. The brand offers products that are bare-bones and free from ingredients that could cause sensitivity. Plus, all of their products are fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about that irritation, either. We love that it comes in a squeeze bottle for easy and hygienic application, and appreciate that it can be found at most drugstores, too.  

Chelsea, tester with rosacea: “I felt its moisturizing and hydrating abilities nourish the skin barrier day after day. I also noticed a quick difference in my rosacea thanks to this moisturizer.”

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

We recommend this gel pick for those who prefer lighter hydration. Despite its fast-absorbing texture, it still delivers plenty of moisture—and continues to moisturize for up to 24 hours. It’s free from parabens, fragrances, alcohol, and dyes. Also noteworthy is the addition of prebiotic oats, which are known to improve skin barrier function and calm dry or itchy skin. Board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD, FAAD, also likes this option, lauding it for the addition of feverfew, which can help reduce redness.

This moisturizer works wonders in calming inflamed skin—a necessity when you’re dealing with a sensitive complexion. The formula dries down to an almost matte finish, leaving your skin looking neither greasy nor shiny. If you prefer a moisturizer that leaves a subtle sheen on the skin, you should opt for something else.  

Ashley, tester with sensitive skin: “This gel moisturizer does exactly what it says it will—it calms, moistens, and leaves my sensitive skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.”

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin, FAB antioxidant booster | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 2, 6, 8, or 14 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your skin needs seriously intense moisture, this rich, ultra-thick cream is calling your name. Shea butter is the moisturizing hero, while allantoin and colloidal oats relieve both itch and irritation. (FYI, the latter is even FDA-designated as a skin protectant.) To that point, it earned rave reviews not only for how well it moisturizes but also for relieving issues like eczema and psoriasis.

The Ultra Repair Cream is another one of Dr. Rodney’s favorites. “It also contains both feverfew and licorice extracts, which are great at soothing irritated skin,” she notes. On top of all of that, it can be used from head to toe on pretty much everyone, including babies. Some people notice a bit of pilling under makeup or sunscreen with this pick, so it might be better suited for days when you want your skin to breathe without foundation or concealer. 

Adi Giesey, editor with dry/sensitive skin (not shown): “I’ve gone through countless jars of the Ultra Repair Cream because of how much my eczema-prone skin loves the formula—it soothes my irritated skin and helps calm stubborn redness. The formula is extremely hydrating yet still maintains a lightweight texture, making it my go-to prep before applying any complexion products. Keeping this cream in my daily routine has become a no-brainer.”

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, oxybenzone | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5 oz | SPF: Yes, 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

When it comes to streamlining and speeding up your A.M. routine, opting for a moisturizer with built-in SPF is the way to go. Unlike many formulas that cap it at SPF 15 (technically not enough for daily use, according to the American Academy of Dermatology), this one contains SPF 30. Plus, “Ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin help with hydration and skin repair, and the brand’s proprietary thermal water has antioxidant properties,” says Dr. Rodney.

This moisturizer has a lightweight texture, and we love that it’s non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t cause any breakouts. It looks great under makeup, and we appreciate that this pick doesn’t smell super strongly of sunscreen, either. Some folks might be sensitive to chemical sunscreen (rather than physical sunscreen), so that’s something to watch out for. 

Madison, tester with combination skin: “This product held up really well, absolutely no sign of white cast or streaking. My face feels soft and hydrated even in the cold weather.”

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, pomegranate sterols, Ganoderma, bifida extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 or 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested, this formula touts two unique soothers. One is a ferment derived from a rare mushroom; the other is a probiotic that also helps fight environmental aggressors. Combined with ceramides and pomegranate sterols that work to restore the skin barrier, this is ideal for calming irritation and has a lovely, cloud-like texture, to boot.

We like that this moisturizer hydrates skin for up to 24 hours. The gel-cream formula feels really light on the skin while thoroughly moisturizing your face without irritation. But beware that the formula isn’t ideal for under makeup, as it can pill a little bit. 

Mike, tester with combination skin: “You only need a small amount, and it spreads evenly on the skin. I felt the hydration from the get-go, and I look forward to using it more.”

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, Aqua Posae Filiformis post-biotic, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 6.7 or 13.5 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

For those who don’t just have sensitive skin but are also battling full-on eczema flares, this is a true skin-saver. Accepted by the National Eczema Association, it is tested by both dermatologists and pediatricians and can be used on babies as young as two weeks old. This moisturizer is also suitable for both face and body. Credit a combo of niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, and the brand’s prebiotic-rich thermal water. Dr. Rodney, who is also a fan, says these ingredients help hydrate and protect the skin.

One of the things we really love about this product is that, if you choose to use it only on your face, the bottle will last a really long time—it’s a full 13.52 ounces. If you feel an eczema flare-up coming on, be sure to apply this to the affected area before your eczema spreads. And even if you do have a full-on flare-up, this formula works great to calm your skin and protect it from the elements, too. The only downside is that it takes a while to absorb into the skin because it’s so thick. 

Mia, tester with dry skin: “It instantly hydrates and soothes after application. I used one pump, and it sufficiently hydrated my skin.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.6 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

This popular pick from Skinceuticals just may be the creamiest cream we’ve ever used. The name refers to the ratio of hydrating, anti-aging, sensitivity-preventing lipids it contains—2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids. Imparting mega moisture, the formula also claims to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and add back elasticity and fullness. The product also boasts antioxidants and vitamins. This moisturizer is pretty thick, which is great for dry and mature skin types, but it might not be ideal for anyone who has oily skin or is acne-prone.

Erica, tester with dry skin: “My skin instantly feels calm after application and looks plump and dewy. It has a lovely scent, too: a soothing mix of lavender, rosemary, and mint essential oils that smells therapeutic.”