Reviewers like Aveeno and Clinique for those with sensitivities
Those with dry, sensitive skin must use prudence when choosing a facial moisturizer. Reading product labels might not provide enough help, because they can be deceiving. Experts at Shape magazine, for example, say the term "hypoallergenic" means only that there are fewer potential irritants and not that the product is entirely free of them. Experts say emollient ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, mineral oil and glyceryl stearates are good options for dry skin, and fragrance should be avoided, especially by those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. The American Academy of Dermatology says fragrance is the most common cause of irritant-contact dermatitis.
Reviews point to Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (*Est. $13 for 16 oz.) as a gentle, soothing option for dry, easily irritated skin. The formula is fairly basic, but it doesn't contain any irritating ingredients and is loaded with soothing hydrators like petrolatum, glycerin, dimethicone and glyceryl stearate. A scientific study documented in The Journal of Dermatologic Treatment shows that Cetaphil's cream, which is suitable for the face and body, is especially beneficial for those who are suffering from rosacea. (Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that is characterized by flushing and very sensitive skin.) Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream helps to restore the skin's barrier and reduces dryness, roughness and sensitivity. Paula Begoun says that it's an excellent option for "dry to very dry skin that is sensitive." She praises the formula for being fragrance-free, but she says she wishes that it had more antioxidants -- it only contains a small amount of vitamin E. Hundreds of users at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com are enthusiastic about the moisturizer. Many say that it's especially soothing on eczema and skin that is impaired because of various medications. Users say that results can be seen in a matter of days. It doesn't contain sunscreen, however, and an additional SPF product is needed for daytime use.
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (*Est. $16 for 2.5 oz.) is another option for sensitive skin. It contains feverfew, which, according to Aveeno, helps reduce redness and soothe irritation. It also uses avobenzone sunscreen to provide broad-spectrum protection, but one expert says titanium dioxide 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 relieves "even the most sensitive skin types, even those with eczema and rosacea." Reviewers at MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions. Although many say the facial moisturizer goes on smoothly and reduces redness, several say it caused further irritation and has an unpleasant medicinal scent.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (*Est. $16 for 16 oz.) is a basic but gentle facial moisturizer that 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 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 5-star rating because it soothes their dry, sensitive skin and improves skin texture over time. Several say the moisturizer is good for those with eczema. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be used on the face and body.
