Finding the best serums for sensitive skin can be quite the challenge. Serums work well because they have potent formulations and ingredients that work to improve specific skin woes. But this can also often mean that they’re not as gentle as someone with sensitive skin would hope to be.
The good news is there are lots to choose from now! You just have to know what to look for.
Best serum ingredients for sensitive skin
You’re gonna want to look for ingredients that do double-duty but aren’t at all harsh. For instance, something that not only hydrates but also brightens or something that soothes while keeping pimples at bay.
Soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica and arnica have been proven to be gentle for sensitive skin. Hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are also great. For skin-strengthening and damage-busting, there’s peptides and beta glucans.
What to avoid
You’re also gonna want to avoid some ingredients that may wreak havoc on your skin. While alphahydroxy and betahydroxy acids are tolerable for most people, those with sensitive skin may want to check out first if these ingredients can be handled by their skin. Retinol and vitamin C may be too strong for some people too.
But keep in mind that this is just a general note to be cautious! Your skin may not react negatively to these. The best way is to do a patch-test before committing to including any serum with these ingredients in your routine.
Best serums for sensitive skin
Céleteque® DermoScience™ Hydration Ultra Moisturizing Essence
Celeteque is a local brand that’s been quite known for its products’ effectiveness yet gentleness on the skin. This essence, in particular, has a ‘HydraLock Complex’ that helps keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule
This K-beauty ampoule is packed with panthenol or vitamin B5 that moisturizes and regenerates the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe and calm sensitized and sensitive skin.
Dr. Sensitive Niacinamide 5% + Salicylic Acid Serum
This one is made especially for sensitive skin. (All of the brand’s products claim to be kind to the skin.) It has niacinamide that not only hydrates but also brightens the skin. Plus, it has salicylic acid which is great for those who are prone to getting acne.
Face Republic Calming Blemish Madecassoside Serum
Soothe your sensitive skin with the help of the Madecassoside, a great anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredient, in this product. It also has tea tree oil that’s great for acne-prone skin.
Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum
If you’re looking for serums for sensitive skin that target hyperpigmentation or dark marks/spots, this one from Garnier may just be what you need. It promises to fade dark spots and acne in just three days — while being gentle to your skin. No peeling here!
Lana DNA Repair Elixir
Hydrate, soothe and plump up your skin with the help of this serum that’s boosted with collagen, centella asiatica and sodium hyaluronate.
OLAY White Radiance Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum
Get the brightening benefits of niacinamide and vitamin C in one package through this serum by Olay. This non-greasy serum promises to penetrate deeply into your skin to help reveal its natural radiance.
QUICKFX Ceraboost Rescue Serum
This serum for sensitive skin focuses on strengthening the skin barrier (which means you’ll be less prone to damage). It does so with the help of ceramides that reinforces the skin’s natural barrier. It also contains hibiscus flower that brightens the skin.
The Ordinary Niacinamide Serum 10%
This water-based serum is great for brightening dark spots and improving the skin’s texture. It also promises to strengthen your skin barrier with continued use.
You may also want to check out these cleansers for sensitive skin.