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

BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

High concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 7055 composition records across product categories including Cleaning products and household care, Home maintenance, Specialty occupational products.

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GLYCERIN

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 35327 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Cleaning products and household care, Construction and building materials.

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Water

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 70443 composition records across product categories including Cleaning and safety, Personal care, Cleaning products and household care.

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HYALURONIC ACID

Moderate concern

Fetched 1 ClinicalTrials.gov references for HYALURONIC ACID.

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