Best for Sensitive Skin

Reviewers like Aveeno, Clinique

Those with dry, sensitive skin must also use a lot of prudence when choosing a facial moisturizer. Reading product labels might not be enough on its own, because they can be deceiving. Experts at Shape magazine, for example, explain that the term "hypoallergenic" only means that there are fewer potential irritants and not that the product is entirely free of them. Flare magazine states that emollient ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, mineral oil and glyceryl stearates are good options for dry skin. Fragrance should be avoided, especially by those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that fragrance is the most common cause of irritant-contact dermatitis.

Reviews point to Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 (*Est. $17 for 4 oz.) as an answer to red, irritated skin. It contains feverfew, which according to Aveeno helps to reduce redness and soothe irritation. It also uses avobenzone sunscreen to provide broad-spectrum protection, but one expert says titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide would have been better sunscreen ingredients for sensitive skin because they pose almost zero risk of irritation. Avobenzone, on the other hand, can potentially be more irritating. Other experts say that the ingredients in Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer are especially gentle. A dermatologist at InStyle magazine said that the moisturizer calms "redness and irritation on contact with the help of soothing ingredients like feverfew, oatmeal and moisturizing soy."

Although Clinique Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer (*Est. $42.50 for 1.7 oz.) is not reviewed as often, it is another viable option for dry, sensitive skin, even though it costs more than others. Clinique claims that its ingredients include eight antioxidants, both rapid and delayed release. One expert says that those antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help dry skin to heal itself. It is also available for dry/combination and oily skin types.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (*Est. $15 for 16 oz.) is a basic but gentle facial moisturizer that Paula Begoun says has "merit for sensitive skin". It contains glycerin, ceramides and cholesterol, all of which help restore and maintain the skin's barrier function, according to Begoun. Jen Adkins, skin-care guide at About.com, says that this light moisturizer lasts all day and is the only thing that helped heal dry, flaky skin caused by acne medication. Hundreds of users at Drugstore.com give CeraVe a perfect five-star rating because it soothes their dry, sensitive skin and improves skin texture over time. Several say the moisturizer is good for those suffering with eczema. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be used on the face and body.