Dermatologists’ Favorite Drugstore Products for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, the skin-care aisle at the drugstore can feel like a danger zone. Will this cream cause my face to break out in a rash? Is this cleanser OK for dry skin? When you're dealing with an irritation-prone skin, you never know if adding a new item to your daily routine will cause a flare-up. Stinging and red spots can be one sign that the product you're using is too strong. But the goal is to avoid that altogether. That's why we turned to a panel of RealSelf dermatologists to find out which brands they recommend for their patients with psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and just plain finicky skin types. These cleansers and moisturizers are top picks because they are low on irritating ingredients (like parabens, sulfates, and fragrance). And they are all super affordable and accessible. Just stroll into your local drugstore to find each of these buys.
Related: 36 Drugstore Skincare Products That Really Work, According to the Skin Pros
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Courtesy of Target1Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, $7
“This is a good body wash because it doesn’t strip the skin and leave it dry like most body washes do,” says Michele Green, M.D. Sensitive skin often has trouble holding on to moisture. That's why it's so important to use hydrating products from head to toe.
Buy it: $7, target.com
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Courtesy of Ulta2Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, $11
Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., recommends this drugstore cleanser to remove dirt at the end of the day without risking irritation.
Buy it: $11, ulta.com
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Courtesy of Target4Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, $6
“Cleansers often contain surfactants that bind dirt and oil but also strip the skin of its natural lipids that aid in skin hydration,” says Terrence Keaney, M.D. “I recommend cleansers that balance skin.” And that's where Dove comes in. Both the bar and the body wash are hydrating. He also likes the Dove Men + Care line for male patients.
Buy it: $6, target.com
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Courtesy of Target5Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, $11
This gentle cleanser doesn’t foam too much, which is a sign that the product is low in sulfates. Sulfates are commonly used in cleansers (and shampoos) to create suds, but they can strip your skin of its natural oils. Sensitive skin needs all the protection it can get, and this product has ceramides to help rebuild the moisture barrier.
Buy it: $11, target.com
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Courtesy of Lovely Skin6Vanicream Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser, $9
“This liquid cleanser is soap-free, oil-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, preservative-free, and formaldehyde-free,” says Joel Schlessinger, M.D. Basically this Vanicream product is devoid of all the ingredients that might cause a flare-up.
Buy it: $9, lovelyskin.com
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Courtesy of Target7La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, $24
This French brand is known for treating sensitive skin, and the Toleriane line is a dermatologist favorite.
Buy it: $24, dermstore.com
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Courtesy of Ulta8Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, $5
Micellar water is a liquid cleanser and makeup remover that you can use without water. “The micellar molecules attract dirt and makeup with a cotton ball, and there’s no harsh rubbing on the skin,” says Dr. Schweiger. He recommends the Garnier formula for sensitive skin.
Buy it: $5, ulta.com
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Courtesy of Klorane9Klorane Floral Water Makeup Remover, $26
“The key ingredient in this makeup remover is cornflower, which has soothing, softening, and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Schlessinger. “This product is also free of parabens, alcohol, fragrance or colorants, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.”
Buy it: $26, kloraneusa.com
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Courtesy of Target10Simple Micellar Cleansing Water, $11
“Micellar waters have taken the beauty world by storm and for good reason,” says Dr. Green. “They’re less harsh than oils and do a great job of removing makeup. They’re often fragrance free which is often an irritant for sensitive skin.” She recommends this micellar formula from Simple.
Buy it: $11, amazon.com
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Courtesy of Ulta11Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes, $9
Makeup wipes are the perfect solution for those nights when the whole soap-and-water routine seems impossible. Heidi Waldorf, M.D., recommends this product to her patients who love makeup but have sensitive skin.
Buy it: $9, ulta.com
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Courtesy of Ulta12Almay Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $3
Dr. Waldorf also likes these makeup-removing pads from Almay. This formula won't require extra rubbing or tugging to get rid of mascara and eye shadow. Just hold the precut pads against your eye for a few seconds to let the ingredients dissolve makeup.
Buy it: $3, ulta.com
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Courtesy of Lovely Skin13Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, $17
"Vanicream lotions are ideal for those who have sensitive skin or want to refrain from using products containing fragrance or any other possible irritants," says Dr. Schweiger.
Buy it: $17, lovelyskin.com
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Courtesy of Target14Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme, $13
Eucerin is known as one of the most reliable brands for adults and children dealing with eczema, and it's dermatologist-approved.
Buy it: $13, target.com
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Courtesy of Walgreens15Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Fragrance Free, $4
For body, Dr. Zeichner likes this Vaseline product. "With triple-purified petrolatum, it forms a protective layer over the skin without leaving you feeling greasy or heavy. Plus, it is approved by the National Eczema Association."
Buy it: $4, walgreens.com
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Courtesy of Target17Skinfix Facial Hydrating Lotion, $15
"It's made with a variety of botanical oils, so it helps replace lipids that may be deficient from the skin," says Dr. Zeichner.
Buy it: $15, amazon.com
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Courtesy of Walmart18Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream, $14
This whipped gel formula helps to curb the dryness that comes along with having a sensitive skin type without making the skin look shiny or slick.
Buy it: $14, walmart.com
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Courtesy of La Roche-Posay19La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume 5, $15
"This balm is great for soothing dry and irritated skin," says Dr. Schweiger. "It contains shea butter and glycerin and is safe even for babies to use."
Buy it: $15, laroche-posay.us
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Courtesy of Amazon20Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, $10 for two
One product every person with sensitive skin should have stocked: hydrocortisone cream. Many of our derms recommended this product for flare-ups. "Apply to affected area for up to two weeks. If the rash is not improving, make sure to visit your dermatologist," says Dr. Zeichner.
Buy it: $10 for two, amazon.com
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Courtesy of Amazon21Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, $3
Dermatologists stand by classic Vaseline petrolatum jelly for any red or itchy patches that may pop up. Dr. Waldorf recommends using it on scaly areas, even on the face.
Buy it: $3, target.com
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
