Sensitive Skin? Here Are 6 Skincare Ingredients You Should Avoid at All Costs

If you have ever wondered why your skin stings or turns red after using certain products, you are not alone. Sensitive skin is said to affect nearly 71% of adults, which is a 55% increase in the last two decades.

There is no shortage of products claiming to offer perfect skincare. However, for those with sensitive skin, selecting the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. What typically works for your friends may not necessarily provide you with the same results. 

Sensitive skin can react to many ingredients commonly found in skincare products. But if you know which ingredients to steer clear of, you can avoid these triggers and keep your skin happy.

What is Sensitive Skin?

Before we jump into ingredients to avoid, let's talk about what sensitive skin is. Sensitive skin is a condition where your skin is more prone to react to external factors such as skin care products, weather changes, hormonal changes, or environmental pollution. Symptoms often include redness, itching, burning, and dryness. 

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you know the struggle of finding products that don’t leave your face feeling tight, itchy, or red. So, what are the ingredients you should avoid? 

Let’s break down these top offenders:

1. Alcohol (The Drying Kind)

Alcohols are found in almost every skincare product, but not all of them are created equal. While fatty alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohol are hydrating and safe for sensitive skin, drying alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol are a no-go. 

• Why Avoid: Drying alcohols can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to irritation. They can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness, and a stinging sensation.
• How to Spot It: Check the ingredients on the product’s label for terms like alcohol denat or isopropyl alcohol. If you see these listed as ingredients, switch to another product.

2. Fragrances (Natural or Synthetic)

That lovely floral scent in your moisturizer? It might not be so gentle on your skin. Fragrances, whether synthetic or derived from natural oils, are a leading cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• Why Avoid: Fragrance molecules can penetrate your skin and trigger inflammation, especially in sensitive individuals. This can lead to redness and irritation. Avoid using fragrances in your skincare routine if you want a healthy complexion.
• How to Spot It: Look for “fragrance,” “perfume,” or essential oils like lavender and citrus on the ingredient list. Products labeled “fragrance-free” or “unscented” are your safest bet.

3. Harsh Exfoliants (Physical and Chemical)

Exfoliation is a critical step in your year-round skincare routine. However, scrubs with large, jagged particles (like apricot kernels) can cause micro-tears in your skin. Similarly, high concentrations of chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid can be too intense for sensitive skin.

• Why Avoid: Over-exfoliation can weaken your skin barrier, leading to redness, peeling, and discomfort.
• How to Spot It: Stay away from scrubs with gritty textures or acids listed in high concentrations (look for percentages on the label). Instead, opt for gentle exfoliants like Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

4. Sulfates

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are foaming agents commonly found in cleansers and shampoos. While they give you that satisfying lather, these products are often harsh on sensitive skin.

• Why Avoid: Sulfates strip away your skin’s natural moisture, leaving it dry and prone to irritation.
• How to Spot It: Look for “sodium lauryl sulfate” or “sodium laureth sulfate” on the label. Switch to sulfate-free cleansers to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.

5. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives typically used to extend the shelf life of many cosmetic products, including cleansers, moisturizers, anti-ageing serums, and hair care products. However, they can disrupt your skin’s natural microbiome. For those with sensitive skin, parabens may lead to redness and irritation.

• Why Avoid: Some studies suggest parabens can penetrate the skin and may have links to hormonal disruption, though this is still debated.
• How to Spot It: Avoid products with ingredients ending in “-paraben,” like methylparaben or propylparaben.

Artificial Colors and Dyes

That vibrant hue in your face wash or moisturizer might also be a red flag. Synthetic dyes serve no real purpose other than making the products look attractive, and they can trigger skin sensitivities.

• Why Avoid: Dyes can irritate your skin and, in some cases, lead to allergic reactions. 
• How to Spot It: When shopping for moisturizers and cleaners, look for terms like “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a color and number (e.g., FD&C Red No. 40). Stick to naturally tinted or dye-free products.

Sensitive Skin’s Best Friends

While avoiding these ingredients, there are a few soothing fixes you can include in your skincare routine. Here are a few ingredients that can help:

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a go-to ingredient for calming redness and inflammation. This plant-based ingredient is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that nourish your skin. It has cooling properties that instantly soothe irritation, making it ideal for sunburns, allergic reactions, or general redness.
• Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids (fats) that naturally occur in the skin and form over 50% of the skin barrier. For sensitive skin, ceramides are essential to maintaining a healthy, resilient barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a hydrating powerhouse. This molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent choice for plumping and moisturizing your skin.
• Shea Butter: Shea butter is a rich, nourishing ingredient extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Despite its thick texture, it’s incredibly gentle and works wonders for sensitive skin.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that offers a range of benefits for sensitive skin. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s perfect for calming redness and irritation while supporting overall skin health, including reducing pores and acne.

Final Thoughts 

Taking care of sensitive skin doesn’t have to be a guessing game. If you know which ingredients to avoid and why, you can make smarter choices for your skincare routine. Additionally, you can use ingredients that support your sensitive skin. This will help you maintain a healthy, happy complexion around the year. 

Totality Skincare can help strengthen your skincare routine with products free from harmful chemicals and ingredients. Explore our bestsellers now and support your sensitive skin!