Top 18 Hypoallergenic Skincare Picks for Sensitive Skin
For those who struggle with sensitive skin, the search for non-irritating skincare can be exhausting. With countless products on the market, each boasting miraculous results, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. So, what exactly does hypoallergenic mean, and how can you be sure you're choosing products that won’t wreak havoc on your skin?
To demystify hypoallergenic skincare, we turned to Skin and Aesthetics expert, Nina Prisk, founder of Update Aesthetics Clinics. Prisk explains, “Hypoallergenic products are those that contain fewer allergy-inducing substances, or allergens. However, because there is no legal definition of what a ‘hypoallergenic’ product actually contains, or doesn’t contain, it can be difficult for consumers to identify exactly what products these are.” This lack of regulation means that simply seeing the words "hypoallergenic" isn't enough—we need to dig deeper.
The first step in finding truly hypoallergenic products is becoming a savvy label reader. Many products labelled as hypoallergenic eliminate well-known allergens such as fragrances, dyes, and certain preservatives. Prisk advises that if you have skin that reacts to specific allergens, it's useful to know which ingredients cause you issues. “That way, you can make an informed choice about which products to buy,” she notes.
So, why should you choose hypoallergenic skincare in the first place? According to Prisk, “The primary benefit of this type of skincare product is that they are likely to contain fewer allergens, and therefore are less likely to cause irritation to the skin.” For anyone with sensitive skin, this can make a huge difference in avoiding redness, itching, and inflammation.
But even with hypoallergenic products, it's important to be careful. Prisk recommends, “No matter what your skin type, it’s always important to try any new skincare product before using it properly on your skin. This means doing a small patch test first and observing the impact it has on the skin. Look for any signs of irritation such as itching, redness, inflammation, etc.”
To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best hypoallergenic skincare products available today. From serums to moisturisers, check out our top picks below.
Egyptian Magic | All-Purpose Skin Cream
Egyptian Magic All-Purpose Cream is a multi-functional skincare product made with a blend of natural ingredients such as olive oil, beeswax, honey, and royal jelly. These components are known for their soothing, hydrating, and healing properties, making the cream suitable for use on the face, body, and hair.
It is ideal for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin and helps to nourish and restore the skin's natural barrier.
Available at Boots.
Lumene Nordic Sensitive Range | Sensitive Skin Staples
Lumene's Nordic Sensitive Range is designed to nourish and protect sensitive skin with its gentle, natural formulas. Key ingredients in this range include pure Arctic spring water, antioxidant-rich berries, and soothing plant extracts.
These products are designed to strengthen the skin's barrier while providing deep hydration and calming benefits.
Available at Lumene.
Emma Hardie | Lotus Flower Treatment Serum
The Emma Hardie Lotus Flower Treatment Serum is formulated with lotus flower extract and a blend of natural botanicals to hydrate, balance, and rejuvenate the skin. This lightweight serum absorbs quickly, delivering an instant glow while working to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture.
It is designed to be suitable for sensitive skin due to its calming and non-irritating ingredients. The absence of harsh chemicals and fragrances ensures that even delicate skin types can enjoy its benefits.
Available at Emma Hardie.
MZ Skin | The Calming Rescue Serum
MZ Skin's The Calming Rescue Serum contains a blend of anti-inflammatory ingredients, including antioxidants and soothing plant extracts. It is designed to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.
The formula is free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and artificial fragrances, which supports its hypoallergenic properties. This serum is perfect for those with conditions like rosacea or eczema, helping to calm and protect the skin.
Available at MZ Skin.
Thayers | pH Balancing Daily Cleanser with Aloe Vera
Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser is a gentle yet effective cleanser formulated with aloe vera and witch hazel. These ingredients are known for their soothing and hydrating properties, making this cleanser ideal for sensitive skin.
The formula is alcohol-free, ensuring it doesn’t dry out the skin while effectively removing dirt and impurities, making it safe for daily use on sensitive skin.
Available at Boots.
La Roche-Posay | Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid is a sunscreen offering advanced protection against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50+. The formula is enriched with soothing La Roche-Posay thermal water, which is known for its calming and antioxidant properties. This sunscreen is free from parabens and is designed for sensitive skin, making it suitable for those prone to irritation or allergic reactions.
Available at Face The Future.
First Aid Beauty | Sensitive Skin Starter Kit
The First Aid Beauty Sensitive Skin Starter Kit includes a set of gentle skincare products that help soothe, hydrate, and protect sensitive skin. The kit features a face cleanser, moisturiser, and treatment serum, all formulated with ingredients that are known for their calming properties, such as aloe and colloidal oatmeal.
These products are free from fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin and helping to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Available at First Aid Beauty.
anatomé | Illuminating Face Oil
anatomé's Illuminating Face Oil is a luxurious blend of essential oils and botanical extracts designed to promote healthy, radiant skin. Formulated with ingredients like jojoba oil, tea tree oil, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E, this oil provides deep nourishment and sebum regulation while being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Brendan Murdock, Founder of anatomé, emphasises, "We believe in the transformative power of nature, and research supports our commitment that essential oils and botanical extracts serve as effective alternatives to chemical-based creams, promoting healthy, radiant skin. […] It's not just about reducing premature ageing, but also about keeping the skin feeling nurtured. The natural world holds the solutions to many of our issues.”
Available at Anatomé.
Antipodes | Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream
Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream is a lightweight moisturiser designed to hydrate and support skin recovery overnight. Probiotic ingredients, combined with natural botanicals, help to balance the skin's microbiome and strengthen its barrier.
Its formula helps soothe and replenish skin while you sleep, ensuring a refreshed complexion by morning.
Available at Lookfantastic.
Perricone MD | Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Firming & Brightening Eye Cream
Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Clean Correction Firming & Brightening Eye Cream targets dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines around the eyes.
This eye cream contains anti-aging ingredients like peptides and vitamin C to brighten and firm the delicate skin. It is hypoallergenic due to its fragrance-free and non-irritating formula, which makes it safe for sensitive skin types. The gentle formula helps minimise puffiness and reduce the appearance of fine lines without causing irritation.
Available at Perricone MD.
Green People | Scent Free Cleanser & Make Up Remover
Green People's Scent Free Cleanser & Make Up Remover is a gentle, fragrance-free formula designed for sensitive skin. It removes makeup and impurities without irritating the skin, thanks to soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile.
The cleanser is free from artificial fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals, ensuring it is safe for the most sensitive skin types.
Available at Green People.
JoonByrd | Sunday Sofa Body Butter
Sunday Sofa Body Butter is a luxurious moisturiser designed to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. Infused with butters, botanical oils, and rambutan leaf (a natural retinol alternative) this body butter provides long-lasting moisture and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Its rich texture makes it perfect for dry skin and for use all year round.
456 Skin | Max Glow Getter Firming & Radiance Serum
The Max Glow Getter Firming & Radiance Serum is designed to enhance skin radiance and firmness. The formula includes ingredients that help stimulate collagen production and brighten the complexion.
Its gentle, non-irritating formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin, supporting hydration and smoothness without causing redness or irritation. The hypoallergenic nature of the serum ensures a soothing experience, even for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Available at 456Skin or Harvey Nichols.
Charlotte Tilbury | Magic Water Cream
Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Water Cream is a lightweight moisturiser designed to hydrate, energise, and refresh the skin. Infused with natural ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, it boosts skin hydration and plumps the complexion. This “magical” cream creates a glowing complexion with continued use.
Available at Charlotte Tilbury.
Ipsum | Best Skin Enzyme Micropolish
Ipsum Best Skin Enzyme Micropolish gently exfoliates the skin with a combination of natural enzymes and mild exfoliants. It helps remove dead skin cells and promotes a smoother, brighter complexion without irritation. The formula is free from synthetic fragrances and harsh abrasives, making it ideal for sensitive skin that needs a gentle touch.
Available at Ipsum.
PCA Skin | Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin
PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin is a gentle retinol-based serum that helps improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity.
The formula includes calming ingredients like antioxidants and hydrating agents to minimise the irritation typically associated with retinol. This product is specially designed for sensitive skin and is free from fragrances, parabens, and harsh chemicals, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for those with reactive skin.
Available at PCA Skin.
Cellcosmet | Ultra Vital
Cellcosmet Ultra Vital is an intensive revitalising cellular cream that helps to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. Enriched with CytoPep™ Cellular Extracts (CI 5) and the Postbiotics Complex, this cream supports the skin’s natural regeneration process and improves elasticity.
It is designed to combat signs of aging and provide a youthful, radiant complexion.
BIOEFFECT | Hydrating Cream
BIOEFFECT Hydrating Cream is a rich moisturiser designed to deeply hydrate and renew the skin. Its formulation includes plant-based EGF (epidermal growth factor) and glycerin, which promote moisture retention and skin rejuvenation.
The cream is free from fragrances, parabens, and synthetic chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Available at BIOEFFECT.
Seabody | Aquasurge Day Serum
Seabody Aquasurge Day Serum is a hydrating serum designed to provide all-day moisture while enhancing the skin's glow.
Infused with marine ingredients, this serum helps to replenish and protect the skin, especially for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
Available at Seabody.
HydroPeptide | Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
HydroPeptide's Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a multi-action cleanser designed to refine and polish the skin. It features a blend of microdermabrasion crystals and peptides, which help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a smoother complexion. This cleanser also includes soothing ingredients like chamomile and green tea extracts to calm the skin and reduce redness.
Available at HydroPeptide.
