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Whether it’s the food we’re eating, or the pollutants that we’re exposed to every day, we’ve all noticed an alarming increase of eczema and cases of sensitive skin in people nowadays. Whatever it’s caused by, sensitive skin can be a very prickly issue to get around, especially if you love your skincare and makeup products, because you never know what ingredient may cause a flare-up, breakout or allergic reaction.

There are some good guidelines available on the Internet when it comes to picking out skincare and makeup products that are suitable for sensitive skin, but it still can be a daunting task.

We hear you, and have compiled a complete list of skincare and base makeup products, covering your entire beauty regimen from start to finish, that have been well-reviewed by fellow users on the Internet with sensitive skin as well.

In This Article
  1. Skincare
  2. Makeup

Skincare

1. Makeup remover: Bioderma Sensibio H2O

sensitive skin skincare makeup bioderma sensibio h2o

According to their official website, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is the first and only micellar water that uses ingredients that mimic the fatty acids and other components found naturally in our skin layers.

The skin therefore does not recognise the ingredients as inherently foreign or “harsh”, which means that it is able to clean impurities or makeup off the skin without irritating it.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O retails for SGD 41.90 (500ml) at Watsons, Guardian, and selected supermarkets.

2. Facial cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

sensitive skin skincare makeup cetaphil gentle skin cleanser

This cleanser has been around for decades and decades, and the ingredients haven’t changed one bit since it was first formulated by a pharmacist in America.

The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has since become the holy grail for those with eczema and sensitive skin. The cleanser is suitable for both face and body, so you can use it as a body gel as well.

However, note that the cleanser does not soap up like other cleansing products, as it does not contain soap and surfactants which may further irritate the skin.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser retails for SGD 21.90 (500ml) at Watsons, Guardian, and selected supermarkets.

3. Exfoliant: Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Mask

sensitive skin skincare makeup Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Mask

It can be tricky finding an exfoliant for those with sensitive skin, as both physical and chemical exfoliation can easily be too harsh. Luckily, the Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Mask presents a good balance, and is able to cleanse the face thoroughly without irritating the skin.

The mask uses plant-based ingredients such as bamboo and olive as its exfoliants, which are gentler on the skin than synthetic ones. This reviewer has raved about how it does not dry out her sensitive skin, or cause any adverse reactions.

Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Mask retails for SGD 55 at Sephora and Fresh stores.

4. Body lotion: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

sensitive skin skincare makeup Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno is a well-loved brand from America, which has quite recently reached our local shores and we can see why there’s such a hype around it. Their moisturisers are hydrating without being overly greasy. They’re also very affordable!

Many reviewers have said that this is a good choice for ultra-sensitive skin types, and that it works well to leave skin simply feeling plump and healthy without all the frills.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion retails for SGD 19.90 at Watsons and selected supermarkets. It is also available on Lazada.

5. Toner: Lancome Tonique Confort

sensitive skin skincare makeup Lancome Tonique Confort

If you have sensitive skin, you absolutely need to stay away from all kinds of alcohol in your toner as it’s not only harsh on the skin, but it will also dry it out and cause inflammatory reactions and itchiness.

Imagine how much more luxuriant the Lancome Tonique Confort would feel for sensitive skin, when we read reviewers say that its texture is more like a “moisturising serum” than a toner. Many of them have also said that the toner feels comforting and soothing for sensitive skin types, whether it’s acne-prone or dry.

Lancome Tonique Confort retails for SGD 46.90 (200ml) and SGD 78 (400ml) at Tangs and Lancome counters.

6. Moisturiser: Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme

sensitive skin skincare makeup Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme 1

Eucerin is probably not the first brand you’d think of when you think of moisturisers for sensitive skin, but it has gotten stellar reviews across the board on Makeupalley and Influenster, many of which are from users with sensitive skin.

The cream features a rich texture without crossing the line of being greasy. The texture provides an intense boost of hydration to your skin, which will, in time, provide some fortification against the development of wrinkles.

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme retails for SGD 16 on iHerb. It also retails on Lazada.

7. Serum: Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum

sensitive skin skincare makeup Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum

Because sensitive skin types may not react well to rich skincare products, it can sometimes be a challenge to find a suitable hydrating face serum that can do the job without breaking you out.

Reviewers have said that they can see a visible difference in the reduction of redness on their skin, and spider veins are also less visible. However, some have commented that the serum really does smell distinctly of mushrooms!

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum retails for SGD 112 (30ml) at Sephora and Origins counters.

8. Night cream: Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer

sensitive skin skincare makeup Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer 1

Featuring super-charged antioxidants, the Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer is said to be able to neutralise urban pollutants while also hydrating your skin – all while you’re getting your beauty sleep.

Those with sensitive skin have said that they wake up with “glowing smooth skin” and that it would leave their skin feeling and looking noticeably better after a few uses.

Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer retails for SGD 146 (50ml) at Robinsons The Heeren, BHG Jurong, Sephora stores, Body Contour Premier Spa Centres, and Passage New York Spa.

9. Sunscreen: Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50

sensitive skin skincare makeup Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50

We all know how essential sunscreens are to our daily skincare routine and for the prevention of almost every skincare concern as we age. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge for those with sensitive skin to find a sunscreen that works well for their skin.

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 is the star product of the American brand that just recently launched in Sephora here in June. It features an oil-free formula that is also lightweight on the skin, and best of all? It leaves no white cast on the skin, absorbing cleanly without a greasy after-feel.

Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50 retails for SGD 28 to SGD 69 at Sephora.

Makeup

10. Primer: Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30

sensitive skin skincare makeup Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30

This multitasking gem from Tarte does three things in one: it’s a sunscreen, it’s a BB cream, and it’s also a primer. This is one of the most well-known and raved-about Tarte products, and for good reason.

Those with sensitive skin have reviewed the product and said that the ingredients don’t irritate their skin or make them break out. Some have also taken to wearing this alone by itself on days when they don’t want to put on too much makeup, but want a bit of coverage.

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30 retails for SGD 56 at Sephora.

11. Liquid foundation: Sisley Phyto Teint Eclat Oil-Free Foundation

sensitive skin skincare makeup Sisley Phyto Teint Eclat Oil-Free Foundation

This one may be a bit of a stretch for the wallet, but there is no denying the great reviews that the Sisley Phyto Teint Eclat Oil-Free Foundation has garnered for those with sensitive skin.

The texture is said to be a happy middle: not too creamy but not too dry. This has become the holy grail foundation for so, so many reviewers we can’t even keep count.

Sisley Phyto Teint Eclat Oil-Free Foundation retails for SGD 96.80 onwards at Qoo10, and is also available at Sisley counters.

12. Powder foundation: Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder

sensitive skin skincare makeup Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder

We were just as surprised as you might be to discover that the Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder actually is one of the best-reviewed powder foundations for sensitive skin.

Reviewers have reported a good wear time where the foundation stays matte throughout, it has not caused clogged pores or breakouts, and is not overly drying that it would make you look “old”.

Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Foundation Face Powder retails for SGD 29 at Sephora.

13. Concealer: Cle de Peau Concealer SPF 25

sensitive skin skincare makeup Cle de Peau Concealer SPF 25

This may be on the expensive side of things, but this stick concealer by Cle de Peau will last you for a long, long time.

It is gentle on sensitive skin while still doing a great job of covering flaws and under-eye darkness, although some reviewers have mentioned that it might be better for oily to normal skin types. If your under-eye skin is dry, they have suggested using an eye cream underneath.

Cle de Peau Concealer SPF 25 retails for SGD 105 and is available at Cle de Peau counters.

14. Setting spray: Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Setting Spray

sensitive skin skincare makeup Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Setting Spray

Aside from being quite a favourite with some of our local makeup artists, the Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Setting Spray is also a huge favourite with reviewers with sensitive skin.

This has become the holy grail for many, with some even saying that it kept their makeup looking freshly applied for more than 12 hours, and even through yoga classes!

Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Setting Spray retails for SGD 22 (30ml) at Sephora and MUFE stores.

15. Setting powder: Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder

sensitive skin skincare makeup Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder

Another higher end product, but at least you’re paying for a seemingly inexhaustible volume of product. It is a satiny, finely-milled powder which gives you a smooth, airbrushed finish with just a small touch of product.

It seems to work very well for reviewers with sensitive skin, though some have said that they found the best results when using smaller amounts.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder retails for SGD 82.50 at Chanel counters.