Safety guide

Which ingredients are best for sensitive skin?

Understand which ingredients are most likely to trigger reactions in sensitive skin, and which are well-tolerated. Evidence-backed ingredient profiles with concern scores and regulatory context.

Focus

Sensitive skin

Guide type

Evidence-backed

Common questions

What ingredients should sensitive skin avoid?

Fragrance (parfum), alcohol denat, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and chemical exfoliants at high concentrations are common triggers for sensitive skin. Patch testing is always recommended.

Is niacinamide good for sensitive skin?

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin and can help strengthen the skin barrier. At concentrations above 10%, some users report flushing. Start lower and build up.

What does fragrance-free mean on a product label?

Fragrance-free means no fragrance compounds have been added. "Unscented" products may still contain masking fragrances. Look for fragrance-free if you have contact dermatitis or reactive skin.

Related ingredients

Fragrance

High concern

Composite fragrance terms reduce transparency and may hide sensitizers.

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BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

High concern

2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol is restricted in cosmetic products under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.

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ALCOHOL

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 16385 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Construction and building materials, Furniture and furnishings.

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Niacinamide

Minor concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 2264 composition records across product categories including Food and drug, Laboratory supplies, Personal care.

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PHENOXYETHANOL

Minor concern

2-Phenoxyethanol is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (preservatives allowed in cosmetic products).

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