For sensitive skin, the key is using gentle, nourishing serums that effectively treat the skin without triggering aggravation. While it can be difficult to find the right serums for sensitive skin, we’re helping you break down the ingredients and formulas you’ll want to look out for – as well as the ones you’ll want to avoid. 

Characteristics of Sensitive Skin

Compared to other skin types, sensitive skin is more at risk of having a negative reaction to irritants. This can lead to skin that both looks and feels aggravated. To maintain comfortable skin, those with sensitive skin need to identify and avoid their triggers, and stick to a gentle skincare routine that calms and nourishes, rather than irritates. 

Keep in mind that you can have sensitive skin that is also a dry, oily, combination, or normal skin type. This means that, when looking for serums, you’ll want to find non-aggravating formulas that also address your skin’s other unique needs. 

Common Symptoms and Triggers

Certain triggers can cause sensitive skin to develop stinging, burning, itching, dryness, redness, or other signs of irritation. Everyone has different triggers, but there are some common culprits. Environmental factors like wind, extreme temperatures, and pollution can contribute to negative reactions. Skincare formulas and other topical products made with potential irritants (like artificial fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, or high levels of potent active ingredients) may also aggravate sensitive skin. 

Ingredients to Look for in Sensitive Skin Products

As you’re looking for new serums (and other skincare products), you’ll need to look out for ingredients that will support your skin type. Some of the best ingredients for sensitive skin include: 

Soothing Ingredients: Anti-inflammatory ingredients can help quell irritation for more comfortable skin. Some examples of highly effective soothing ingredients include aloe, licorice root extract, and coriander seed extract. 

Hydrators: Hydrating ingredients are great for sensitive skin, as they help plump the skin with water to counteract any dehydration you may experience. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are two powerful (yet super gentle) hydrators to keep an eye out for. 

Plant Oils: Plant oils are loaded with nutrients that can help strengthen, soothe, and moisturize the skin. Some of our favorite oils include marula, argan, cranberry, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils.  

Ingredients to Avoid in Sensitive Skin Products

There are certain ingredients that can be particularly problematic for sensitive skin. Some ingredients that you’ll want to avoid include: 

Artificial Fragrances: Sensitive skin types are often easily irritated by artificial fragrances. Seek out fragrance-free formulas, or those made with natural fragrances. 

Alcohol: Alcohol-based ingredients can both dehydrate and aggravate the skin, so it’s best to avoid them. 

Exfoliants (in High Concentrations): Many with sensitive skin can handle formulas made with low concentrations of chemical exfoliants (such as glycolic and salicylic acids). However, formulas made with potent concentrations of these ingredients can irritate the skin.  

Recommended Face Serums for Sensitive Skin

Are you ready to give your sensitive skin the proper care that it needs for a glowing, healthy, and comfortable complexion? Let’s talk through some of the best face serums for sensitive skin. 

For those seeking glowing skin, Gleaming Brightener is a must. Powered by licorice root extract, this serum is crafted to help even out skin tone and brighten the complexion. At the same time, it helps hydrate and soften while strengthening for smooth, youthful skin. With calming, hydrating, and nourishing ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, coriander seed extract, and glycerin, the clean formula is gentle enough for twice daily use. It’s also made without alcohol or artificial fragrances. 

Another high-performance serum that is perfectly suited for the unique needs of sensitive skin is Radiant Glow Face and Neck Serum. This anti-aging serum combines nourishing oils (including marula, argan, and sunflower seed oils) with a peptide delivery system that work in tandem to help soften fine lines and wrinkles and improve elasticity and barrier health. At the same time, the non-greasy formula helps deeply hydrate for soft, supple skin. Just like Gleaming Brightener, this gentle oil-based serum is also clean and free of alcohol, artificial fragrances, and other additives that can aggravate the skin. 

Tips for Using Face Serums on Sensitive Skin

One of the biggest sensitive skincare tips we have is to make sure you patch-test new formulas before adding them to your routine. Even if you find a serum that seems to be gentle enough for your skin, it’s still important to do a test – you never know how your skin may react. 

To test a product, choose an inconspicuous area of the skin, such as your inner arm. Apply the formula to clean, dry skin, and leave it undisturbed for 24 hours. If you don’t experience any adverse reactions, you can work it into your routine. 

Once you find a formula that works well with your skin, be sure to use it consistently. With serums, regular use is key to unlocking optimal results and achieving your best skin yet.