Skincare — Sensitive skin
Skincare for sensitive skin
Fewer products, fewer ingredients, more patience — the golden rules of sensitive skin.
6 minute read
Written and reviewed by Beauty World Editorial · Last reviewed October 2026
Signs
Do you have sensitive skin?
Stinging or burning
Products often sting on application.
Redness
Skin flushes easily with heat, wind or new products.
Reactions
Bumps or itching after trying something new.
Routine
A minimal routine
Morning
Rinse or gentle cream cleanser, fragrance-free moisturiser, mineral SPF.
Evening
Gentle cleanser, the same moisturiser. That's enough.
Add slowly
Introduce one new product at a time, two weeks apart.
Moisturiser
Best moisturiser for sensitive skin
Look for
Fragrance-free, with ceramides, glycerin, panthenol, centella or colloidal oatmeal.
Short ingredient list
Fewer ingredients means fewer possible triggers.
Avoid
Fragrance, essential oils, denatured alcohol and menthol.
Patch test
How to patch test
Where
Apply a little behind the ear or on the inner arm.
How long
Once a day for 3–7 days.
Then
Try on a small area of the jaw before using all over.
Doctor
When to see a GP
Persistent redness
Could be rosacea.
Itchy, scaly patches
Could be eczema or contact dermatitis.
Swelling
Stop the product and seek advice promptly.
