The 15 Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, Vetted by a Dermatologist

If you have sensitive skin, chances are you know all about the never-ending struggle to find products that not only (1.) leave your skin irritation-free but (2.) actually work. Good news is, we’re not going to let you and your delicate complexion settle for mediocre moisturizers—because “gentle” doesn’t have to mean “ineffective.”

Since we know you’ve likely already searched the Internet high and low for answers, we called in an expert—one whose Harvard education, board certification and celebrity dermatology background most certainly rivals Google—giving you instant access to the 15 best moisturizers for sensitive skin (starting at just $10).

Dr. Kim Nichols is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, SkinLab by NicholsMD and NicholsMD of Fairfield. After graduating cum laude from Harvard University), she attended New York University School of Medicine, then completed her dermatology residency at King-Drew/Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. When she’s not in the office, she trains other derms and plastic surgeons across the United States in advanced injectable techniques.

According to Dr. Nichols, sensitive skin-havers should seek a moisturizer that’s rich in ultra-hydrating, gentle and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and niacinamide. On the other hand, you’ll probably want to steer clear of common AHAs and BHAs like salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids, which tend to irritate sensitive skin.

Using Dr. Nichols’ expertise as our North Star, we searched extensively for moisturizers formulated with gentle and nourishing ingredients. Then, we vetted the ratings to ensure each one had overwhelmingly positive reviews to back the product’s claims. And, since the proof is in the pudding, if they had clinical results or before and after pictures, we checked those out, too.

Now that we’ve got that covered, read on for our top moisturizer picks for sensitive skin, starting with two of Dr. Nichols’ personal recommendations.