# Skincare and make-up for sensitive skin

> Source: https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skin/sensitive-skin — brand claims checked 2026-10-01

## What suits sensitive skin?

People with sensitive skin may feel burning or itching after applying products and may develop a rash, the British Skin Foundation says. It suggests avoiding harsh products, choosing fragrance-free formulas and trying anything new on the forearm for a few days first. Below are products whose brands say they suit sensitive skin.

## What to look for

- **Fragrance-free formulas.** The British Skin Foundation suggests fragrance-free options for sensitive skin.
- **“Sensitive skin” on the label.** If you have sensitive skin, the American Academy of Dermatology says you want to see the words “sensitive skin” on the label. That is the brand’s claim, so still patch test.
- **Mineral sunscreen filters.** The British Skin Foundation mentions mineral sunscreen filters as an option for sensitive skin when needed. [Sunscreen filters, explained](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/sunscreen-filters)
- **A gentle exfoliant, if any.** People with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer just a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. [AHA and BHA acids, explained](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/exfoliating-acids)

## What to avoid, and when to patch test

- **Skipping the patch test.** The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized spot on the underside of the arm or the bend of the elbow twice a day for seven to ten days, and using it only if there is no redness, itching or swelling.
- **Trusting “hypoallergenic” alone.** There is no official standard for a hypoallergenic product in the UK, the British Association of Dermatologists notes; research presented at its 2023 meeting found 38% of products marketed that way contained common allergens. If you know your allergens, check the ingredient list.
- **Strong acids and advanced retinoids.** The Ordinary does not recommend its Glycolic Acid 7% toner on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin, and says advanced retinoids may cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. [Retinol and retinal, explained](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ingredients/retinoids)
- **Ignoring repeat reactions.** Cosmetics, skincare, fragrances and sunscreen are among the common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, the British Skin Foundation says; finding and avoiding the cause is the main approach, and specialist patch testing is done in a dermatology department. Speak to a pharmacist or GP if reactions keep happening.

## Products whose brands say they suit sensitive skin

Listed only where the brand's own product page (or an authorised UK retailer listing carrying the brand's copy) names this skin type or concern. Suitability is the brand's claim, not a guarantee.

- [COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/cosrx-low-ph-good-morning-gel-cleanser) — "Great for sensitive skin" ([COSRX](https://www.cosrx.com/products/low-ph-good-morning-gel-cleanser))
- [Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/anua-heartleaf-77-soothing-toner) — "to help soothe stressed, sensitive-feeling skin" ([Anua](https://anua.com/products/heartleaf-77-soothing-toner))
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/cosrx-advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence) — "Suitable for all skin types including sensitive & barrier-weakened skin" ([COSRX](https://www.cosrx.com/products/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence))
- [The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (with Ceramides)](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/the-ordinary-hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-ceramides) — "ideal for sensitive skin types. However, we recommend doing a patch test first." ([The Ordinary UK](https://theordinary.com/en-gb/hyaluronic-acid-2-b5-serum-with-ceramides-769915233506.html))
- [Medik8 C-Tetra](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/medik8-c-tetra) — "The perfect option for those who are new to vitamin C, or those with sensitive skin." ([Medik8](https://www.medik8.com/products/c-tetra))
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skinceuticals-c-e-ferulic) — "Ideal for normal, dry and sensitive skin types" ([LOOKFANTASTIC UK (authorised retailer)](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/skinceuticals-c-e-ferulic-antioxidant-vitamin-c-serum-for-normal-and-dry-skin-30ml/11705727/))
- [La Roche-Posay 0.3% Retinol + Vitamin B3 Serum](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/la-roche-posay-retinol-b3-serum) — "Specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind" ([LOOKFANTASTIC UK (authorised retailer)](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/la-roche-posay-retinol-b3-anti-wrinkle-anti-ageing-serum-with-retinol-and-vitamin-b3-suitable-for-sensitive-skin-30ml/12382710/))
- [Medik8 Crystal Retinal](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/medik8-crystal-retinal) — "Crystal Retinal 1 (0.01% retinaldehyde): For those with sensitive skin" ([Medik8](https://www.medik8.com/products/crystal-retinal))
- [Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/biodance-bio-collagen-real-deep-mask) — "It is completely safe for sensitive skin." ([Biodance](https://biodance.com/products/biodance-bio-collagen-real-deep-mask))
- [Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/tower-28-sos-daily-rescue-facial-spray) — "Sensitive Skin Safe" ([Tower 28 Beauty](https://www.tower28beauty.com/products/sos-daily-facial-rescue-spray))
- [La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-spf50) — "A lightweight daily sunscreen with SPF50+ specifically formulated for sensitive skin types." ([LOOKFANTASTIC UK (authorised retailer)](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-non-perfumed-suncream-spf50-50ml/13494906/))
- [ILIA Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ilia-sun-serum-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50) — "safe for sensitive skin" ([ILIA Beauty](https://iliabeauty.com/products/sun-serum-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50))
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/skin1004-madagascar-centella-hyalu-cica-water-fit-sun-serum) — "Skin Type: Sensitive, Normal, Dry" ([SKIN1004](https://www.skin1004.com/products/hyalu-cica-water-fit-sun-serum-spf50-pa?country=GB))
- [ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/ilia-super-serum-skin-tint-spf-40) — "Makeup + skincare + SPF—made with sensitive skin in mind." ([ILIA Beauty (US product page)](https://iliabeauty.com/products/super-serum-skin-tint-spf-40-tinted-moisturizer))
- [Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Blurred Matte Oil Free SPF 30](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/laura-mercier-tinted-moisturiser-blurred-matte-oil-free) — "Safe for Sensitive Skin: Gentle formula won’t irritate sensitive skin, clog pores or cause acne." ([Laura Mercier UK](https://www.lauramercier.co.uk/products/tinted-moisturizer-blurred-matte-broad-spectrum-spf-30))
- [NARS Light Reflecting Foundation](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/nars-light-reflecting-foundation) — "Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin" ([NARS UK](https://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/en/light-reflecting%E2%84%A2-foundation/999NAC0000141.html))
- [Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Natural Matte Foundation](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/fenty-beauty-pro-filtr-fluid-flex-foundation) — "Pro Filt’r Fluid Flex Foundation is suitable for sensitive skin." ([Fenty Beauty UK](https://fentybeauty.co.uk/products/pro-filtr-fluid-flex-natural-matte-longwear-foundation-386w))
- [TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/tirtir-mask-fit-red-cushion) — "Breathable, non-cakey texture suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin." ([TIRTIR](https://tirtir.global/products/mask-fit-red-cushion))
- [Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Concealer](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/milk-makeup-hydro-grip-gel-concealer) — "Safe for sensitive skin" ([Milk Makeup](https://milkmakeup.com/products/hydro-grip-gel-concealer))
- [Merit Flush Balm](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/merit-flush-balm) — "Safe for sensitive skin" ([Merit Beauty](https://www.meritbeauty.com/products/flush-balm))
- [Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush](https://thecastindex.com/beauty/rare-beauty-soft-pinch-liquid-blush) — "Suitable for Sensitive Skin" ([Rare Beauty](https://www.rarebeauty.com/products/soft-pinch-liquid-blush))

## Questions

### What does “suitable for sensitive skin” mean?

It is the brand’s own claim, not a guarantee for every skin. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests looking for “sensitive skin” on the label, and the British Skin Foundation suggests testing a new product on the forearm for a few days first.

### How do I patch test a new skincare product?

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying it to a quarter-sized spot on the underside of the arm or the bend of the elbow twice a day for seven to ten days. If there is no redness, itching or swelling, go ahead.

### Can sensitive skin use retinol?

Some brands say so: Medik8 describes Crystal Retinal 1 as “for those with sensitive skin”, and La Roche-Posay’s Retinol B3 serum is sold as formulated with sensitive skin in mind. The Ordinary warns that advanced retinoids may irritate sensitive skin. Start slowly and patch test.

### Is hypoallergenic make-up safe for sensitive skin?

Not automatically. The British Association of Dermatologists notes there is no official UK standard for “hypoallergenic”, and research presented at its 2023 meeting found 38% of products marketed that way contained common allergens.

## Sources

- [British Skin Foundation — Identifying your skin type (Dr Jonathan Kentley, 2026)](https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/resources/identifying-your-skin-type-a-guide-by-dr-jonathan-kentley)
- [American Academy of Dermatology — How to select anti-aging skin care products](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/selecting-anti-aging-products)
- [American Academy of Dermatology — How to test skin care products](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products)
- [British Association of Dermatologists — More than a third of “hypoallergenic” products feature common allergens (2023)](https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/warning-to-consumers-as-more-than-a-third-of-hypoallergenic-products-feature-common-allergens/)
- [British Skin Foundation — Contact dermatitis](https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis)
- [American Academy of Dermatology — How to safely exfoliate at home](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home)

General information, not medical advice.