Sensitive Skin Type
Identify your type and build a routine it can tolerate
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 20 Aug 2026
How to Identify Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is characterised by heightened reactivity to products, environmental factors, or even touch. It can manifest as redness, stinging, burning, dryness, or breakouts. Sensitivity often indicates a compromised skin barrier, though it can also be genetic or related to conditions like rosacea or eczema.
Genetic tendency; often linked to rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Requires gentle, minimal routines.
Triggered by sun, pollution, wind, or temperature changes. Focus on protection and barrier support.
Over-exfoliation or harsh products damaged the barrier. Reversible with proper care.
Reacts to specific ingredients (fragrance, preservatives). Requires ingredient awareness.
Common Triggers
Product Ingredients
Fragrance, alcohol, essential oils, sulphates, and certain preservatives are common irritants.
Over-Exfoliation
Too many acids, retinoids, or physical scrubs strip the barrier and cause sensitisation.
Environmental Factors
UV exposure, pollution, extreme temperatures, wind, and dry air all stress sensitive skin.
Internal Factors
Stress, hormones, lack of sleep, diet, and certain medications can trigger flare-ups.
Best Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
Centella Asiatica
Calms inflammation, promotes healing, strengthens skin
Azelaic Acid
Gentle anti-inflammatory; reduces redness; safe for rosacea
Niacinamide
Builds barrier, reduces inflammation, generally well-tolerated
Aloe Vera
Natural anti-inflammatory with cooling, hydrating properties
Recommended Routine
Morning
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser (or water)
- Soothing serum (centella or niacinamide)
- Barrier-repair moisturiser with ceramides
- Mineral SPF 30+ (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
Evening
- Gentle oil or micellar cleanser
- Mild cream cleanser (if needed)
- Calming serum or treatment
- Rich, barrier-supporting night cream
Managing Sensitive Skin
Explore Sensitive Skin in Depth
- How to build a sensitive skin routine
- Sensitive vs Reactive Skin and Rosacea: How to Tell the Difference
- Ingredients to Avoid and Soothing Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
- The Best Gentle Cleanser and Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin
Shop for Sensitive Skin
Soothe and support the barrier with our redness & sensitive range, the gentle AlumierMD SensiCalm cleanser, calming Calm-R serum and HydraCalm moisturiser.
Reacting more than usual right now, rather than always? Sensitivity can be a temporary, sensitised state triggered by weather, stress or a harsh product, not just your underlying type. See what's behind it, common triggers and how to calm it on our sensitive skin → page.
In this guide
Short, practical reads on Sensitive Skin Type — tap any topic for the full guide.
Sensitive vs Reactive Skin and Rosacea: How to Tell the Difference
Sensitive, reactive and rosacea look alike but need different care. How to tell them apart, and when it's worth seeing a professional.
Read the guide
Sensitive Skin: How to Build the Right Routine (UK Guide)
How to build a gentle routine for sensitive skin: barrier support, soothing actives like niacinamide and azelaic acid, plus daily mineral SPF.
Read the guide
Ingredients to Avoid and Soothing Ingredients for Sensitive Skin
The ingredients most likely to provoke sensitive skin — and the soothing ones that calm stinging, redness and tightness. A practical guide.
Read the guide
The Best Gentle Cleanser and Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin
What 'gentle' really means for sensitive skin, plus the best cleanser and moisturiser to cleanse and hydrate without stripping your barrier.
Read the guideNot sure where to start?
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