Skincare for Sensitive Skin – What to Avoid and What to Embrace
By Rebecca Martin, Founder of Conscious Skincare
Sensitive skin is more common than ever. Whether it’s due to stress, pollution, hormones, or overexposure to harsh ingredients, millions are struggling with skin that reacts to everything. Redness, itching, dryness, and stinging are all signs of sensitive skin – but that doesn’t mean you need to settle for discomfort.
The NHS – Contact Dermatitis: Causes & Tips confirms that ingredients such as synthetic fragrances and harsh surfactants are common triggers. The first step to effective skincare is understanding these sensitivities.
This guide will walk you through what to avoid, which gentle ingredients to look for, and the best skincare for sensitive skin that’s both kind to your skin and the planet.
What is Sensitive Skin?
Sensitive skin isn’t a medical diagnosis – it’s a condition where the skin reacts more than usual to triggers like weather, cosmetics, or diet. Symptoms include:
- Redness or inflammation
- Dry or flaky patches
- Burning, itching, or stinging sensations
- Breakouts after using new products
According to Healthline, as many as 60% of women and 40% of men experience some form of skin sensitivity. So if you’ve ever felt your skin react unpredictably – you’re not alone.
Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Your first step? Ditch the irritants. At Conscious Skincare, we’ve compiled a full list of chemicals to avoid in skincare, especially for sensitive skin. Here are the main culprits:
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Synthetic Fragrance: One of the top causes of allergic skin reactions. Found in most mainstream skincare products.
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Alcohol (denatured): Often used as a drying agent, but it can damage your skin’s barrier.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent in cleansers and shampoos that strips natural oils. Derived from palm oil which destroys the habitat of urangutans and other animals.
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Essential oils in high concentrations: While natural, some can be potent irritants if overused.
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Artificial dyes, parabens, fragrance, parfum: Synthetic ingredients can cause long-term irritation so always check the label. Look out for parfum - many synthetic preservatives and fragrances can be hid under this name in a list of ingredients.
Gentle, Soothing Alternatives that Work
Instead of harsh chemicals, look for skin-kind ingredients that hydrate, calm, and protect:
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Aloe Vera: Hydrating and soothing, perfect for calming inflamed skin
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Chamomile: A natural anti-inflammatory, ideal for reducing redness
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Rose Water: Gently tones without stripping
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Organic Oils: Such as Rosehip Oil and Evening Primrose – rich in skin-repairing nutrients
We avoid all synthetic fragrance, SLS, parabens, and alcohol in our ranges – so everything is suitable for even the most delicate skin types.
Recommended Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
Step 1: Gentle Cleanser
Gentle Organic Face Cleanser is a mild, non-drying cleanser made with organic Calendula and Chamomile essential oils – it removes impurities without stripping the skin.
Step 2: Soothing Toner
Organic Chamomile Toner (from our Gentle Collection) tones and cools with zero irritation. Prefer an alternative? Try our Lavender Alcohol-Free Toner
Step 3: Targeted Serum
Gentle Face Serum contains skin-calming Organic Jojoba and Avocado oils. A perfect choice for dry, reactive skin needing a boost of hydration and barrier repair.
Step 4: Moisturiser
Choose Gentle Day Moisturiser for day-to-day hydration or our Gentle Night Moisturiser for sensitive skin night time repair.
Step 5: Body Care
Why Choose Conscious Skincare for Sensitive Skin?
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Handmade in Wales in small batches to ensure freshness and care
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Certified Organic and approved by The Vegetarian Society and PETA
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Zero Waste Options: Aluminium bottles and 250ml refills reduce plastic waste
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Fragrance-Free and Essential Oil-Free product lines designed for ultra-sensitive users
What Our Customers Say
“Lovely gentle product - As I say I have ‘dodgy skin’. Very dry and can be incredibly sensitive but having tried the sample products with no issue I have bought the full size products of gentle face wash and gentle day cream. Both are lovely. Very happy no flare ups have occurred so far.” – Louise (verified review of Gentle Face Wash)
FAQs: Sensitive Skin & Skincare
What is the best skincare for sensitive skin?
Look for fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and natural products designed to support hydration and barrier repair.
Can fragrance-free skincare still smell nice?
Yes. Fragrance-free means no synthetic or essential oil scent – but the natural ingredients like aloe or rose water may have a subtle scent of their own.
Should I exfoliate if I have sensitive skin?
Use very gentle exfoliation – like our almond shell-based Gentle Face Scrub – once a week to avoid irritation.
What natural ingredients help calm skin?
Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Calendula, and Evening Primrose Oil are all calming and hydrating options.
Can my skin become sensitive over time?
Yes. Age, hormone changes, medication, and product overload can all contribute to developing sensitive skin later in life. One of the main causes of increased skin allergies are the cheap synthetic ingredients and fragrances widely used by mainstream skincare brands.
Explore the Full Gentle and Fragrance-Free Ranges
Every formula in our Gentle Collection is designed with sensitive skin in mind – and our Fragrance-Free Body Range extends that care to your entire body.
Ready to calm your skin, naturally? Browse our full collections and find what works for you!
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