Sensitive skin reacts more quickly to stimuli than normal skin. The key to care is avoiding known irritants and choosing products with a short, transparent ingredient list.
What is sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin is not a medical diagnosis, but a description of skin that reacts faster to external stimuli. Characteristics may include:
- —Redness after contact with certain products
- —Itching or burning sensation
- —Dryness or flaking
- —Rapid reaction to temperature changes
Sensitivity can be innate, but can also develop through excessive use of aggressive products, skin conditions, or external factors.
Ingredients to avoid
With sensitive skin, it is advisable to avoid certain ingredients that are known to be potentially irritating:
Sulfaten (SLS, SLES)
Aggressive cleansing agents that can damage the skin barrier. Read more in Why no SLS?
Synthetic fragrances (Parfum/Fragrance)
An umbrella term that can contain dozens of substances. A common source of irritation. Read more in Why no synthetic fragrance?
Certain preservatives
Isothiazolinones (MIT, MCIT) are known for their irritation potential. Formaldehyde donors can also cause reactions.
Alcohol (denatured)
Alcohol Denat. or SD Alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin. Note: not all alcohols are problematic. cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, not irritating alcohols.
What should you look for?
Short ingredient list
The fewer ingredients, the smaller the chance of a reaction. Products with 5-10 ingredients are easier to assess than products with 30+.
Transparent INCI list
Avoid products that only list "Parfum" or "Fragrance" without specification. Choose products that fully name all ingredients.
Test first
Apply a new product first to a small area of skin (for example, the inside of your wrist) and wait 24 hours before using it on larger areas.
Important: "Hypoallergenic" and "for sensitive skin" are not regulated terms. Always check the ingredient list yourself rather than relying on marketing claims.
Essential oils and sensitive skin
Essential oils are natural, but that doesn't automatically mean they're suitable for sensitive skin. Some essential oils can be irritating:
- —Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot) can cause photosensitivity
- —Peppermint and eucalyptus can feel tingly or burning
- —Cinnamon and clove are known as potentially irritating
Milder options include lavender, chamomile and sandalwood, but even here: always test first.
The role of the skin barrier
A healthy skin barrier protects against irritation. With sensitive skin, this barrier is often weakened. Ingredients that support the barrier:
- —Glycerine · humectant
- —Plant oils · such as olive oil, coconut oil
- —Plant butters · shea butter, cocoa butte
- —Ceramides · build up the barrier
When to see a dermatologist?
Consult a specialist when:
- —Skin reactions persist despite adjusting products
- —You suspect an underlying skin condition (eczema, rosacea, psoriasis)
- —Reactions are severe (swelling, blisters, intense itching)
Last updated: 2026-02-03