7 Products to Calm, Soothe and Strengthen Sensitive Skin This Season
Sadaf Razi is Adore Beauty's Senior Beauty Editor.
She's a former fashion editor (who worked at various glossy mags) and stylist-turned digital beauty and lifestyle writer. She has been in the lifestyle/media industry for over 10 years and her work has also been featured on international covers like Elle France and Vanity Fair Mexico.
Some of her fave Adore Beauty products include Cicaplast B5, CeraVe Cleansing Oil and Lancôme Renergie Triple Serum.
As we move into the cooler months, those with sensitive skin tend to feel its effects first, as this is often when flare-ups start to creep in.
In this Beauty IQ article, resident dermal clinician Yadira Cauchi breaks down exactly which ingredients to look for, depending on your skin type, so you can navigate the season with a little more confidence.
For sensitive skin, she suggests the following:
- Aloe Vera: Soothing, hydrating, anti-inflammatory.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Reduces irritation and redness.
- Centella Asiatica (Cica): Calms inflammation, promotes healing.
- Ceramides: Rebuild barrier to protect from external irritants.
Not sure where to start?
Below, we’ve rounded up seven products to help your skin prepare for what’s ahead - think barrier-strengthening, calming and deeply nourishing formulas.
From gentle cleansers to an under-$100 serum with over 700 five-star reviews...
1. asap super B complex, $93.75
ked up over 700 five-star reviews on the Adore Beauty website alone and the added bonus? It’s an under $100 serum.
Powered by niacinamide, this hardworking serum helps keep sensitive skin balanced while boosting radiance and hydration. Supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid ensure skin feels comfortably hydrated, making it a reliable go-to for calm, happy skins.
It also helps reduce dehydration in skin as well as boosting collagen. Plus the AHAs help smooth and refresh for a more refined-looking complexion.
asap super B complex reviews:
"This has been a go-to for my skincare – calms down my redness. Highly recommend." - Wk
"This serum is amazing for soothing and strengthening my skin barrier. My redness has reduced and my complexion looks healthier and more even. It absorbs quickly and works beautifully under moisturiser and makeup. Such a great everyday serum, especially for sensitive or stressed skin." Fatma.
2. Boring Without You Make Me Wet™ Hydrating Milk Serum, $44.99
Founded by cosmetic scientist Davey Rooney, this brand is already so loved amongst skinfluencers and beauty editors thanks to its excellent formulas and affordable price range.
The hydrating milk serum leaves skin softer and more nourished while also keeping it calm.
It offers an intense hydration boost with 10% USP-grade glycerin and multi-weight humectants to keep skin plump and firm while the Aquaporin technology supports the skin’s natural moisture retention for a smoother, more soothed and calm complexion.
Boring Without You Make Me Wet Hydrating Milk Serum reviews:
"This product is a godsend. I have sensitive combo skin, and this is the best hydrating serum I have ever used; I have been purchasing it for a year now. One bottle will last me about 1 - 2 months." - TC.
"I didn't expect this serum to calm my redness so quickly. It sinks in fast and makes my skin feel less irritated almost instantly." - Tina
3. Aspect Probiotic Mask, $69
One of my all-time favourite beauty products (and I don’t even have sensitive skin)
This barrier-supporting mask feels super comforting. It instantly soothes, nourishes and hugs my skin especially during the cooler months when my skin tends to feel more sensitive and tight.
While I don’t experience a lot of redness, I do notice increased sensitivity in winter and this is always my go-to as an overnight moisturising mask. I wake up with skin that feels soft, settled and visibly more balanced.
Crafted with probiotic technology + Vitamin B5 it can hel[ calm irritation and support repair plus nourishes and softens thanks to shea butter and a blend of olive, argan and sunflower oils.
Aspect Probiotic Mask reviews:
"Feels so nice on your skin. Great for combination or sensitive skin types. A little goes a long way, so great longevity too." - Chantelle.
"I love this product. I was recommended this by my facialist to use as a daily moisturiser for when I'm at work (I work in healthcare where it's very drying). This has honestly saved my skin." - Lucya
4. Dermalogica PreCleanse, $85
At this point, we should all be double cleansing our skin especially if we’re wearing make-up every day. Starting with a first cleanse, like an oil or balm, is key to breaking down makeup, SPF and daily buildup (you can dive deeper into double cleansing here).
One of the original cleansing oils of its kind, this one from Dermalogica gently melts away makeup, oil and impurities, leaving skin clean, soft and perfectly prepped for the rest of your routine.
Dermalogica PreCleanse reviews:
"Would not switch from this oil. Use every night to wash off makeup and makes my skin feel fresh. Light- you only need a small amount." - Jane
"I have extremely dry and sensitive skin. I use this to take off my makeup and love it. It does not strip your skin." - Cherry
5. Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum, $253
If you know you know, and if you don't, you’re seriously missing out.
While this does lean on the more “it’s an investment” side of things, it’s definitely worth it. Vouched for by the experts, this high-performance cosmeceutical brand, praised by the experts, is often slept on.
Their cult-favourite Rescue Serum has become a go-to for calming sensitive skin while helping to restore a healthier, more radiant complexion.
AB Staffer Sarah used it as part of wedding day skin prep (see more here).
It also helps improve the appearance of age spots; it’s hydrating and it strengthens the barrier.
Osmosis Skincare Rescue Epidermal Repair Serum reviews:
"I have been using this product for almost 3 years. I suffered from perioral dermatitis and breakouts and this product has completely transformed my skin. My pores are less visible and my skin feels less sensitive. I also find it helps resolve redness from the occasional breakout quicker." - Florence
"When my dermal therapist recommended this, I assumed I was getting absolutely ripped off but it is ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT. My skin was breakout central, plus was red, sensitive and irritated because I was smashing it with active products like prescription retinoids to try and counteract my post-pill acne. My skin barrier was beyond impaired, and it stung to use moisturiser. This genuinely saved my skin; within three weeks my skin barrier is so healthy." - Chloe
6. INNISFREE Green Tea Ceramide Cream, $43
This under-$50 K-beauty cream from Innisfree is a quiet overachiever delivering long-lasting hydration while helping to strengthen the skin barrier (something sensitive skin types know can be a constant work in progress).
Infused with Jeju green tea extract and skin-loving ceramides, it offers soothing, everyday care, leaving skin feeling soft, balanced and comfortably resilient from morning through to night.
7. asap SPF 50+ Ultimate Defence, $58
The lightweight, non-greasy texture of this SPF makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin types.
It delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while helping to guard against premature ageing without feeling heavy or irritating on the skin.
Enriched with antioxidants, it also helps defend against free radical damage, leaving your complexion protected, nourished and comfortably hydrated throughout the day.
This is also a sunscreen of choice to wear under makeup.
Catch up on more of our skincare advice below:
