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30 Skincare Products That Won't Irritate The Most Sensitive Skin
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. If your skincare routine needs a refresh almost as bad as your *actual* skin does, you've come to the right place. One day, you might wake up with a desire to start taking better care of your skin. If you suffer from sensitivities, it can feel very challenging to find products that won't cause breakouts, dryness, and other reactions. I come bearing good news: From fragrance-free products to affordable solutions for irritated skin, there are sooo many options out there. Whether you wanna revamp your entire routine or simply add a few products that'll be kinder to your sensitive skin, I've got you covered. Starting the day with a clean face is crucial and it lays the foundation for all the other skincare products in your routine. CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser is one of the gentlest, most effective options out there for those with sensitivities. It's wonderful for removing impurities without stripping your skin of moisture. It contains hyaluronic acid, essential ceramides, and glycerin to help hydrate skin. Did you know that ceramides make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier? Having these in your skincare product can help maintain your skin’s natural barrier. Sign me up! This has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance! Promising review: "I’ve been using the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for a while now, and it’s honestly become a staple in my routine. It’s super gentle yet effective, removing dirt and makeup without stripping my skin or leaving it tight. I love that it’s fragrance-free and includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which really help keep my skin hydrated and balanced. My skin feels soft, clean, and comfortable after every wash, and it’s suitable even for sensitive skin. Overall, it’s a reliable, no-fuss cleanser that does exactly what it promises! Would def suggest!" —Zavala If you keep up with all the latest beauty trends, I'm betting you've seen this product on your feed at some point. It's designed to give your skin a super DEEP clean by removing all traces of makeup while also dissolving stubborn sebum. Your skin will look and feel clearer and smoother after using it! The magic ingredient is heartleaf extract, which can help soothe the skin and maintain comfort after cleansing. BTW, a lot of reviewers say they use this as part of their double cleansing routine. As the name implies, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice: first with an oil-based cleanser, and again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the yucky stuff out of your pores. Promising reviews: "BEST OIL CLEANSER I SWEAR. I’ve gone through 3–4 bottles now and it continues to cleanse my skin AMAZING. It melts makeup, clears pores. Honestly a heaven-send. The first time I used it, it cleared a lot of my sebum and even now when I use it, it clears any dead skin and dirt I have, even when I don’t wear makeup. BUY IT, it's amazing." —rexichor "Got it because it was all over my TikTok and I wanted to try the double cleansing. And wow, I don't regret it, it's amazing!!!! Leaves my skin so soft and so hydrated. I use it before my water base cleanser and it has helped me reduce my breakouts. I love the texture, the smell is very subtle (you can barely smell it) and I just love it." —Linette González La Roche-Posay is one of the most recognizable names in the skincare world for a reason, y'all. This oil-free face cleanser is no exception — it'll help get rid of excess oil, makeup, and other impurities without causing further irritation to your temperamental skin. It has a milky, creamy consistency that's gentle on the face and won't leave a grimy residue behind. Bonus points: It uses niacinamide to soothe the skin, Ceramide-3 to reinforce the skin barrier, and glycerin to boost moisture. This cleanser is free from oil, fragrance, soap, parabens, and sulfates. Promising review: "For reference, I have oily (yet dehydrated), acne-prone, sensitive skin. I bought this after seeing so many beauty gurus recommend this, but I was still very apprehensive because I have extremely reactive skin. Thankfully, my skin LOVES this cleanser! I use it as my second step cleanser for the double cleanser method and it works beautifully. It gently cleanses the skin of dirt, oil, and grime without leaving you feel stripped. My skin looks so much healthier and supple after switching from a foaming cleanser. It has definitely helped me repair my moisture barrier!" —Amy Get it from Ulta for $9.99+ or Target for for $8.99+ (available in three sizes and as a refill pack). If soap is one of your skin's main irritants, you'll wanna choose a soap-free option such as this one from Vanicream! I've been using this cleanser for a LONG time, and it's the only thing that doesn't dry out my skin or cause it to break out. A little goes a long way, so the larger bottle with a pump dispenser will last you quite a while. I also love that it comes in a smaller size, which is TSA-friendly for travel. This gentle formula was designed with sensitive skin in mind, so it'll remove dirt, makeup, and oils so your skin feels squeaky-clean *without* being stripped or dried out. It's formulated without dyes, parabens, or fragrance. This has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance! Promising review: "I have bought countless bottles of this cleanser at this point and since I've tried it, I have never looked back. My skin is super sensitive, acne-prone, and clog-prone, and this cleanser cleanses just enough without stripping or leaving any residue so it doesn't break me out. It's super affordable and accessible. A perfect cleanser IMO." —Camille Get it from Ulta for $12.99 (available in two sizes) or Target for $9.99 (available in two sizes). The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner checks all the skincare boxes: It can help relieve clogged pores, minimize redness, and soften dry skin. With consistent use, it can also help improve the appearance of skin texture. The secret weapon here is Tasmanian pepperberry (a known anti-irritant) and calming aloe and ginseng. Plus, this multi-use formula can even be applied to the scalp to hydrate and rebalance dry scalp skin! It doesn't contain parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, or sulfates. Promising reviews: "My sisters were constantly raving about this toner, so I decided to try it. Since using it, I’ve realized why they love it so much! My skin went from bumpy and textured to smooth and glowy. My clogged pores have completely disappeared. I’ve already recommended this product to a bunch of my friends, and they love it too! I’ve been using this product for about two months, and it’s still doing wonders. Definitely worth buying!" —Noa May "This was the back acne answer I had been searching for for over almost 10 years now! I have struggled with back acne since I started playing sports in high school. I went to the dermatologist, different soaps, changed my shower routine and nothing worked, till this. Someone on TikTok said to put this in a spray bottle and spray in your back after every shower and it worked! This is now part of my daily routine!" —Nadia S. Get it from Sephora or Ulta for $13.50 (available in two sizes). These toner pads are super easy to use and come soaked in lactic and salicylic acid to help gently exfoliate your skin and reduce the visibility of those pores. This skincare product consistently *stays* at the top of Amazon's best facial toner list, so you know it's the good stuff. If your sensitive skin is prone to excess oil and clogged pores, these toner pads will round out your routine perfectly. Check out a TikTok of the Medicube toner pads in action. Promising reviews: "So this product is completely worth the money. The quality is amazing. I didn’t notice any smell after a few seconds of using it. My skin was smooth and bright but not sticky. It works like magic. I have sensitive skin, so I can’t use this product too close to my nose, but in the rest, it's amazing!" —Isabela L "What is this miracle in a jar?! The way my skin is so smooth right after the first use is [wild]. I will buy these for the rest of my life as long as I am breathing. This is now my FAVORITE skin product besides my sunscreen. Love, love, loooove" —Ryan M. Get a 70-pack from Amazon for $18.90 (available in six other styles). You might assume that having sensitive skin means you should avoid toner entirely when you really just need the *right* kind of toner. For instance, TirTir's Milk Skin Rice Toner delivers deeply soothing moisture to help combat dryness. Your face will feel smoother, softer, and suppler, after each use. This formula contains panthenol and Ceramide NP to help strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and protect your skin from external aggressors. It also uses rice bran extracts and chamomile flower to calm irritation. Bonus points for niacinamide, which helps brighten and reduce dark spots! Promising review: "For a toner, this is SO hydrating and just heavenly. It's perfect for makeup prep as it has just a tad of tackiness right after applying. Goes on under my serums and moisturizer perfectly, and I've noticed a huge difference in my skin. I saw it recommended by a YouTuber and tried it, and it's now a daily use for me, which is rare because I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I'm very picky about skincare. I can't recommend this enough, truly." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes and a lighter version). This essence can help improve your skin's overall health with gentle exfoliation and major hydration. Not only does it provide natural antioxidants that are rich in vitamins C and E, but it also uses fermented bean, barley, pomegranate, and Korean pear to smooth your skin's texture, even the skin tone, and add moisture. The best part? It does ALL this without irritating delicate skin types. Say hello to a glowy, luminous complexion without any sticky residue! For best results, use it 2–3 times per week after your cleansing routine. It's free from alcohol and artificial fragrance. Promising reviews: "I saw this all over TikTok/Instagram and decided to buy it because I have a lot of sebaceous filaments on my chin and nose. It's a little expensive but I took a gamble: it works! You can physically see the sebaceous filaments come out of your pores, it is not the product bunching up. My problem areas were so much smoother after using and are left with a moisturized glow. I then proceeded to have my boyfriend use this product to see if it worked this good on everyone on the first try and it worked on his nose as well. Amazing stuff. 🩷" —Losa "I have hyperpigmentation and oily skin. I feel this product regulates my oil production and it helps my makeup look so flawless. 10/10." —MissKayMae Get it from Amazon for $14.90 (available in three sizes). This highly concentrated formula contains 96.3% snail secretion filtrate, which helps repair damage while moisturizing your skin. Also, the snail mucin is obtained in a safe way, so no snails are harmed! Most importantly, this refreshing formula can be used on all skin types — even those with sensitivities! Reviewers love how well it helps heal acne, inflammation, peeling, fine lines, and more. In addition to snail mucin, it contains hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and allantoin to really pack in the moisture. My colleague Gabriela Manjarrez can vouch for it: "I've personally been using this for months now and it's amazing how it's improved aspects of my skin that I didn't even know needed improving. I didn't think my skin looked too dull before, but after seeing how this brightened and soothed my skin, I'm never going back. I spray my face with rose water, gently pat the essence into my skin while it's still damp, and let it absorb. Plus, it absorbs so quickly, it's like your skin is saying 'gimme gimme gimme!!'" Promising review: "I’ve been using this morning and night for about two weeks and I can say I understand the hype! My skin looks better than it has in so long. Firstly, the texture surprised me. When you think snail mucin, you think slimy and gross. This wasn’t sticky or slimy whatsoever. I was afraid it was gonna leave my skin feeling gross and slippery. Surprisingly, my skin drank it right up! No residue whatsoever and it’s a nice primer before makeup. I have oily skin and it’s helped with that as well. My skin is so soft, with a nice healthy glow. I’ve noticed my red spots from past acne are fading and my skin just overall looks great. Highly recommend!" —Sarah Downs Get it from Amazon for $25 (available in two sizes). Calming irritation is no easy feat, but there are products that can help achieve this goal, like Farmacy's Honey Milk Hydrating Essence. This lightweight, moisture-rich formula already provides a massive punch of hydration with honey milk, but it also soothes existing redness and irritation with Hawaiian white honey and chamomile. Plus, it's infused with ceramides to help strengthen your skin's moisture barrier! Promising review: "Love love love, leaves mt skin so hydrated and plump. My skin was feeling very dull and I have a hard time with red splotches on my face but this has helped it all! I have very sensitive skin and this works great for me. I have been getting a lot of compliments on my skin since I started to use this. It's a little pricey but I definitely recommend." —madalynngc Get it from Sephora or Farmacy (also available in a mini size) for $34. There's a reason why sooo many skincare products for those with sensitivities contain ceramides — it's all about locking in moisture *and* protecting your skin's natural barrier. If this ingredient has worked well for your skin in the past, look no further. This fabulous essence is *packed* with essential ceramides (five types, to be exact!) that offer excellent hydration while improving your skin's ability to maintain moisture and protecting the natural barrier. It's free from artificial fragrance, colorants, parabens, mineral oils, and isopropyl alcohol. Promising reviews: "This ceramide essence really helps calm my skin and reduces irritation. It leaves my skin feeling smoother and more comfortable. Great for restoring barrier and soothing sensitivity." —Knatka "Must have for sensitive skin. I use this every night! It’s a huge part in keeping my face reactive free from my Tretinoin. I definitely notice the difference if I miss a few days using it! It sinks right in, no stickiness." —MVB Worried about dark spots, dullness, and uneven skin tone? Vitamin C can help with that! It comes in various forms, so it's important to choose the right type for your skin. This one uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), which is highly stable but also gentle enough to treat sensitive, acne-prone skin. This formula also contains vitamins C and E, and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and brighten the skin. It's still recommended to patch test 24–48 hours before applying this all over your face to ensure it won't cause irritation. After that, apply three to five drops once daily and follow with a moisturizer (ideally one with SPF if you apply in the morning!). Check out our TruSkin Vitamin C Serum deep dive for more info! Promising reviews: "Been buying this product for a few years now. The dramatic change to the even tone and youthfulness of my skin is unmatched!! This serum works like magic. Love it!!" —Bria "Best $20 ever spent!!! The results are unbelievable. I was a bit skeptical because all the reviews were from Caucasian women, and I was slightly worried that my skin would not respond as well, but I was quite mistaken. With or without makeup, my skin is bright and smooth, and my spots are disappearing. One other result I am sure a number of people have not noticed is that your palms get softer too; I guess the residue on the palms makes it soft and supple." —Mayowa O Get it from Amazon for $38.99 (also available in a smaller size). Retinol can often lead to irritation for people with sensitive skin, especially if you don't ease your way into using it. Fortunately, retinal exists! It's basically a beginner-friendly version that's still highly effective for reducing the appearance of pores, minimizing redness, and helping to firm and tighten the skin. It also contains Centella asiatica to help soothe and calm sensitive skin. Reviewers also love the smooth, non-sticky formula that doesn't leave a residue behind! It's still important to go slow with this product and start with a patch-test to see how your skin reacts. If you don't experience any irritation, you can start incorporating it into your daily routine. Promising review: "Honestly, buy it. I was skeptical about this serum, especially since it’s such a large bottle for so cheap, plus this was a leap of faith for me since I do have sensitive skin. I’ve been using this religiously for over a week now, and even after the first day, I could see and feel the improvement in my skin. I went from having small red breakouts to clear, even skin almost overnight. I’m not even wearing makeup now because I love the look and glow to my skin. I don’t even do reviews, but this product deserves it 100%. I will be purchasing again. BUY IT!" —Boogs Dull patches and uneven skin tone are no match for niacinamide. This K-beauty serum also contains contains 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin to minimize the appearance of pores and visibly brighten dark spots. Get ready for soft-to-the-touch skin without any unwanted irritation. This serum soothes, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier. What more could you ask for? A nongreasy, lightweight formula that absorbs like a dream and layers well with other skincare products? You got it! Promising review: "I've had freckles my whole life, but in more recent years, I have been getting age spots and wanted something to help make them go away without any surgery or anything. I have been using this Anua serum for several weeks now, and it works! My biggest, darkest spot is taking longer than the others, but I apply it every day and have seen a huge improvement. The smaller ones have all disappeared already. Highly recommend." —Daniel Gaither Everything you need to know about this product is in the name. It's formulated with a calming blend of niacinamide, vitamin B12, and lipids to help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and leave your face with a gorgeous, hydrated glow. It's safe to say this magic potion will earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Centella asiatica is another key ingredient, which can help protect the skin from external aggressors. This formula is free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and sulfates. Promising review: "An absolute MUST for sensitive skin. A LIFESAVER and the price point makes it even better. I'm not lying when I say I have tried everything; including very expensive products. I do not usually write reviews but this product completely changed my life. I have EXTREMELY sensitive skin. Dermatitis on my face happens all the time with the use of one wrong product. I was suffering a bad outbreak of dermatitis after Christmas from some bad foundation and I was at a loss. I purchased this on a whim because I was desperate to try anything. In 4 days, it completely resolved all the irritation on my face! I use it in combination with The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum morning and night. My skin has NEVER felt better. I hated having to turn to a steroid from a doctor and with this, I doubt I will ever have to again. I am so thankful. If you have any sort of skin sensitivity, I would highly recommend this." —mkcoster This heavenly, nongreasy formula offers a whole heap of benefits. For starters, it helps reduce dark circles and puffiness with consistent use. It was developed with dermatologists and contains a blend of three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. It also uses hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and niacinamide for soothing the skin. You can use it in the morning and evening, and it can be worn alone OR under makeup! This has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance! Promising review: "Better than my $90 eye cream!! I cannot believe that I haven’t heard of this product sooner! Helped to reduce the appearance of my dark circles within a few weeks. It instantly smoothed fine lines and layers beautifully under my concealer. Hydration lasts all day. I know not all products work for everyone but this is worth a shot given the price is right. I’m just excited that I found a better, less expensive alternative to a pricey eye cream." —Maria If creams have given you trouble in the past, might I suggest an eye *gel* instead? This stuff is basically like rocket fuel for your under-eye area, which is great for minimizing the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and swelling. It uses caffeine and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate and energize while antioxidant-rich Yerba Mate helps protect and nourish the skin around your eyes. Read more about the skincare benefits of caffeine at the Cleveland Clinic. Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. Promising review: "This is the best eye treatment I’ve found and the price can’t be beat. My issue has always been puffiness more so than dark circles and this stuff really helps tone down that morning under-eye puffiness. The skin around my eyes feels so much softer and smoother and my crow’s feet are much less crepe-y." —MP Get it from Amazon for $5.97, Target for $5.99, or Ulta for $6. Some eye creams come packed with powerful ingredients to address multiple issues, like this one that hydrates dry areas, reduces dark circles, and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles. This moisturizing formula is made with provitamin A, vitamins C and E, and rosehip seed oil. Many reviewers say they noticed their skin looking much smoother after using this! This cruelty-free eye cream doesn't contain any artificial fragrances or colors. It's also free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, synthetic fragrances, and artificial coloring, LilyAna Naturals is a family-owned small business using natural ingredients to craft high-quality skincare products. Promising reviews: "This eye cream is a miracle in a good-sized jar! I have only had this product for a week, and I began noticing differences after one day. My under-eye is softer, and my lines are disappearing. My skin is very sensitive, and this product does not irritate me at all! HIGHLY recommend this product as well as their face cream!" —Nikole "I've been using this for a couple of months now and I really like it! Previously I've used Clinique or Origins...this works just as well or better. I wish I had found this sooner as it is a lot less expensive than other alternatives. I've seen other reviewers say they keep it in the fridge and while I don't find that necessary I may have to try because it sounds very refreshing!" —Cat SV Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and in packs of two). This mild yet effective moisturizer from Vanicream will be a dream come true for sensitive skin. It's a lightweight, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores!) formula that checks all the important boxes with five essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. Apply it as needed to the face every morning and evening for long-lasting moisture that your skin will drink right up! Reviewers love that it doesn't leave behind a residue or a heavy, greasy feeling. It's free from dyes, fragrance, lanolin, and parabens. This has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance! Promising reviews: "This is my fourth repurchase. This product is great for sensitive skin. Works well under makeup and hydrates the skin. I was told to try this when I went to a med spa and it’s really helped my skin stay hydrated even in the winter months!" —Tif "This is the only moisturizer I will put on my face. My dermatologist took all my 6-step skincare routine and products away and gave me the Vanicream cleanser and moisturizer. My skin looks amazing – never looked better! The moisturizer is great year-round, and never feels heavy. It's the perfect amount of moisture and leaves my face so soft and smooth." —AMc Get it from Target for $13.99 or Ulta for $18.99. When you're battling sensitive, acne-prone skin, you'll wanna have some healing relief at your fingertips. This cream is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients, including a blend of niacinamide and plant extracts to help fade dark spots and blemishes *and* improve uneven skin tone. Other key players include ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore dull skin and lock in moisture. That's not all! It also contains soothing ingredients, like tea tree leaf water and madecassoside to help calm redness and irritation. Reviewers agree it's 100% worth the money for how well it works *and* how much product you get. It's free from artificial coloring, fragrance, and parabens. Promising review (for photos above): "These photos were taken just FOUR days apart after using this product two times a day. I heard about this product on TikTok, and am SO happy I gave it a try. I am now on my second tube. It is soothing and lightweight, and I will continue to purchase this product again and again!" —Jenna Shaner Get it from Amazon for $21.60 (also available as a two-pack). Tired, dull skin needs some love, too, and you can provide it while you sleep! CeraVe's iconic Skin Renewing Night Cream is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivities. It works overnight to restore your skin's natural barrier using a unique peptide complex. It can also help minimize the look of wrinkles and fine lines while improving elasticity. Bonus points for hyaluronic acid, three ceramides, and niacinamide. Who knew you could accomplish so much while getting your beauty sleep? My colleague Maitland Quitmeyer loves this stuff and says: "This is my all-time fave, never-be-without night cream, and I'm wondering WHY did I just stock up for full price?!?!" Promising review: "I bought this after reading a ton of reviews. It does not disappoint! It has kept my skin from drying out this winter for the first time ever. It goes on easily and soaks in. Leaves my skin looking dewy, but not sticky or greasy. No overpowering scent. I use it morning and night! My skin is left feeling moisturized and supple, which makes makeup application so much easier." —Mlw679 Get it from Target for $15.49 or Ulta for $21.99. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a chill pill for your skin? Well, this is the next best thing. This super ~calming~ cream is not only shockingly affordable, but it works like a charm for soothing irritation on sensitive skin. It uses a soothing blend of cica and tea tree, which can be a huge help for anyone struggling with dryness, redness, and general irritation. Oh, and it's a fraction of the cost of similar, pricier versions, like those from Dr.Jart+ and Clinique. Read more about tea tree oil and acne at Mayo Clinic. Promising review: "Excellent for sensitive skin. Instantly helped with redness and hydration. Feels light putting it on and absorbs quickly, no feeling of residue. It has a scent, but it is pleasant and light, and it disappears quickly. I got Pyunkang Yul Calming Moisture Barrier Cream first, which is also excellent for sensitive skin, but now I will use it at night as it's not as light in comparison. Reminds me of Clinique's Moisture Surge line, which might feel similar, but theirs is not good for truly sensitive skin. I recommend it for overly sensitive, oily skin with redness due to past sun damage and or acne." —Anastasia I. Grinberg Choosing a sunscreen when you have sensitive skin can be quite the challenge, especially when you want something effective, non-irritating, and free of white cast. You're in luck — this broad-spectrum option defends against UVA/UVB rays and it's water-resistant up to 80 minutes! It comes in a super lightweight serum formula with vitamin E and it's perf for layering under other products and makeup OR it can be worn alone. There's no white cast or greasy feel to worry about *and* it comes in a travel-friendly size that you can toss in your bag as you head out the door. Promising review: "I’ve been using the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum for a few weeks now, and I absolutely love it! It provides great sun protection with SPF 60 while keeping my skin moisturized all day. The texture is light and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, and it doesn’t leave any white residue, which is a huge plus. I also love that it’s fragrance free, making it perfect for my sensitive skin. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable sunscreen that’s both moisturizing and effective." —lidiccia bracho This sunscreen comes in a tinted and untinted version depending on your preference! It absorbs into the skin quickly and won't leave behind any residue or white cast. The formula includes niacinamide, which can help reduce any existing redness or irritation you might be dealing with. The nongreasy feel and fast absorption also make this a great choice as a base before makeup. Nearly 1,000 reviewers with sensitive skin swear by this stuff, so don't sleep on it! It's free from fragrance, oil, and parabens. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Daniel Boan uses this SPF: "I burn super easily, which means sunscreen is an absolute must for me, but unfortunately, my skin detests most SPF products. Most facial sunscreens leave behind a greasy residue on my skin and eventually make me break out. I finally decided to give the EltaMD sunscreen a try, and though it's a bit pricier than other sunscreens, it's truly worth it. I typically apply this right after my fave moisturizer, and it absorbs super quickly with absolutely no residue. It actually feels more like a lightweight lotion than a thick sunscreen, so it layers nicely! I've experienced zero breakouts since using it, and it kept me completely sunburn-free during a recent vacay where I was outside most of the time! My skin wishes I found it sooner, but it's never too late to incorporate a good SPF into your routine." Promising review: "I wish I had found this SPF sooner, then I’d have been wearing sunscreen every day for a long time. I have acne-prone, combination skin and I hate that SPF usually makes your face greasy and feels heavy. Not this SPF! It goes on very smoothly, and it’s immediately absorbed and very lightweight. Awesome product. Highly recommend it to anyone who wants a lightweight, odorless SPF." —Amybcd Get it from Amazon for $45+ (available in tinted and untinted formulas, in three sizes, and as a two-pack). Tired of sunscreen that feels greasy, makes your eyes burn, and leads to breakouts? This creamy, lightweight formula from Tower 28 feels like a moisturizer on the skin while still providing you with sun protection. Plus, it won't pill or leave a white cast, so it layers beautifully under makeup! It's specifically made with non-nano zinc oxide and formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin. There's also a ceramide blend to maintain the skin's barrier function and protect from external stressors. To top it all off, allantoin and alpha bisabolol help calm and soothe the skin. Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients and are also vegan and cruelty free. Promising review: "I loooveeee all things Tower 28 and their new sunscreen has quickly become a daily staple of mine! The silky, serum-like texture spreads super easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves zero white cast — just a healthy, dewy finish. I have tried it with a full beat and it also doubles as the perfect makeup base. I love that it never pills and feels weightless all day! I have sensitive combination skin, which has stayed calm and clear thanks to the soothing, antioxidant ingredients. I feel nice and hydrated, while not having to worry if my skin is protected from the sun. If you want an SPF that feels like skincare and looks invisible, this is the one to beat!!" —SaritaMc Get it from Sephora or Tower 28 for $27.20 (originally $32). Don't forget that your lips need SPF too! This hydrating lip protectant is made with nourishing vitamins and shea butter, plus broad-spectrum SPF 30. It also offers plenty of moisture to prevent dry lips in cold, windy weather. It does not contain any fragrance, parabens, or dyes. Promising review: "This lip balm is the bomb! It's moisturizing and doesn't taste weird. I use it instead of lip gloss because it still gives me that shine that I want, especially since I like doing the lip liner and gloss combo. The amount in the container also goes a long way as I've had mine since around November and I still have a decent amount left! I'm definitely going to buy another." —Jaeann Carter Removing your makeup should be a pleasant experience — one that doesn't involve rubbing your skin raw. This oil cleanser immediately dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities It leaves zero residue behind, only skin that feels clean and refreshed! Ginger helps preserve elasticity, pineapple gently exfoliates dead skin cells, sunflower seed oil protects against dehydration, and grapeseed oil combats bacteria. Yep, these are the kind of ingredients your skin will thank you for. Peach & Lily is an Asian- and woman-owned small business that makes Korean skincare products using natural, toxin-free ingredients. This antioxidant cream, which is suited for all skin types, is also vegan and cruelty-free. Promising review: "Great for my very sensitive, acne-prone skin! I love how this gel cleanser easily takes off makeup and dirt from throughout the day without stripping my skin or causing any clogged pores or excess acne! It’s super gentle and doesn’t leave an oily feeling on my skin after rinsing. I tried the power, calm gel cleanser in the travel size when I bought a kit and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s a super gentle clean that doesn’t cause me any acne and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and not tight or dry at all! I’m someone with combination skin who really struggles with the appearance of pores and dark spots and this cleanser has been amazing since I started using it." —Felicia A. Get it from Peach & Lily for $35+ (available in two sizes) or Ulta for $14+ (available in three sizes). Sometimes you need a makeup remover that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. In that case, this Bioderma option is worth considering. It'll remove 99% of makeup and also help balance your skin's pH. Simply soak a cotton pad with it and use it to gently cleanse and/or remove makeup from your face and eyes. You don't even have to rinse after using it! This hydrating micellar water can also help soothe dryness, redness, and irritation. BuzzFeeder Hannah Dallas says: "I use this micellar water to remove makeup and to just generally cleanse my face, even if I wasn't wearing makeup that day. Even after wiping it on my eyes to remove mascara, my eyes do not sting or feel irritated, which I can't say about any other makeup remover or toner that I've tried. This is really so gentle and effective. And SO satisfying to see the dirty cotton round afterward." Promising review: "I absolutely love this micellar water. I have very sensitive skin and eyes, and a lot of makeup removers either irritate my skin or cause breakouts. This one does neither. It removes my makeup easily every night without any stinging or redness, and my skin feels clean and calm afterward. I also break out easily, and this has worked really well for me without causing any issues. If you have sensitive or breakout-prone skin and need a gentle makeup remover, this is a great one to keep in your routine." —Jenn Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three sizes and as a two-pack). Maybe you'd rather not mess with wipes or cotton pads when removing your makeup. Enter this glorious cleansing balm that gets the job done *without* irritating your skin or requiring disposable products. It contains a rich blend of vitamin E and pearl barley to get your skin feeling fresh and clean — no oily residue included. It may even help brighten and reduce the look of dark spots! Juno & Co. is a small business specializing in personal care and skincare products. Promising review: "I didn’t know a cleansing balm could be this dreamy until I met Juno. It melts away every trace of makeup and grime like magic, leaving my skin feeling soft, nourished, and never stripped. The texture is silky, not greasy, and the subtle scent is a gentle hug for my face. Perfect for my sensitive skin and busy mom life — it’s my go-to nightly ritual now. If you want clean skin without fuss, this balm is your new best friend. Highly recommend!" —Graceful Finds by Rose These highly absorbent face towels are working overtime to cover all the bases — one side is soft for everyday cleansing, and the other side is lightly textured for gentle exfoliation. You can use 'em wet or dry after cleansing or you can pair them with makeup remover, oils, or cleansing balms. They're made of plant-based materials that won't aggravate sensitive, blemish-prone skin. They're also 100% biodegradable! Promising review: "These face clothes are on repeat order for me! The size is perfect – larger than other brands, no smell at all, and I love how environmentally friendly they are! Since I switched over to the disposable clothes instead of a rag, my skincare routine has been upgraded to a whole new level and the effectiveness of them has decreased my breakouts! The quality and quantity for price is on point." —Daniel Get a pack of 60 from Amazon for $9.95. * Skincare Products With Results That’ll Have You Saying, “Feel How Soft My Skin Is” * Game-Changing Korean Skincare Tips You're Totally Missing Out On * Popular Skincare Products That Won’t Cost An Arm And A Leg * Skincare Products For Those Issues You Didn’t Even Know Had Legit Solutions * Products That Skincare Lovers Buy Again And Again, So Maybe You Should Too * Skincare Products That'll Give Your Dry Skin The Hydration It Craves * Here Are 33 Skincare Products If Your Budget Is $20 Per Item And That’s It * These 14 Sunscreens Were Made For Sensitive Skin Plus, K-beauty toners, oily skin must-haves, and finds from Amazon and Ulta. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Courtney Lynch has spent the last three years as a Shopping Writer at BuzzFeed covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to must-have Amazon products, personal care, home and organization, and more.
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