Having a go-to balm or lotion for sensitive skin is essential if you have eczema, rosacea, or allergy-prone skin. Soothing ingredients are vital for minimising flare-ups, rebalancing your skin and getting it back to normal as soon as possible.
While no two skin types are the same, there are some holy grail products to consider trying if you need a soothing daily face moisturiser. We explore our top recommendations and the best skin-calming ingredients to include in your routine.
Discover the most appropriate formula for you and how to maximise the skin-soothing benefits of our curated skincare collection.Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- Which Moisturisers are the Most Soothing?
- Soothing Moisturisers with SPF
- Best Soothing Creams by La Roche Posay
- Soothing Creams for Acne-Prone Skin
- Best Soothing Anti-Ageing Cream
- Best Natural Moisturisers for Irritated Skin
- Key Ingredients to Look For in a Soothing Moisturiser
- Are there any Brands to Look For When Choosing a Calming Moisturiser
- Can Soothing Moisturisers Help with Eczema or Rosacea?
- Which is More Soothing, Gel or Moisturiser?
- How Important is a Fragrance-Free Formula for Sensitive Skin?
Which Moisturisers are the Most Soothing?
Soothing Moisturisers with SPF
1. Bioderma Cicabio Ultra Repairing Soothing Cream SPF50+
Bioderma Soothing Cream with SPF50+ is a multi-action cream designed to repair, soothe, and protect sensitive and damaged skin. This cream combines active ingredients to accelerate skin recovery while offering high sun protection, making it ideal for post-procedure or reactive skin.
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2. Avene Antirougeurs Soothing Day Cream SPF30
Avene Soothing Day Cream is specifically formulated to reduce redness and soothe sensitive skin. Enriched with Avene Thermal Spring Water and a unique blend of ingredients, this cream not only reduces visible redness but also provides daily sun protection with SPF30, making it ideal for those with rosacea or redness-prone skin.
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The Best Soothing Creams by La-Roche Posay
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream 40ml
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream is a minimalist, soothing cream specially formulated for highly sensitive or allergy-prone skin. With a unique combination of shea butter, glycerin squalane and prebiotics, this barrier restore cream strengthens and helps reduce sensitivity over time, while providing immediate relief from dryness and discomfort.
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4. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is a multi-purpose balm that provides intensive soothing care for irritated, damaged, or post-procedure skin. Enriched with panthenol and madecassoside, this balm accelerates skin repair, calms irritation, and provides a protective barrier against external aggressors. Suitable for use on both face and body, it is a versatile product for all sensitive skin types.
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Soothing Cream for Acne-Prone Skin
5. Bioderma Sebium Sensitive Soothing Cream 30ml
Bioderma Sebium Sensitive Soothing Cream is a targeted treatment for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. This cream helps to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and prevent breakouts while maintaining optimal hydration levels.
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The Best Soothing Anti-Ageing Cream
6. Rosalique Soothing Night Cream 50ml
Rosalique Soothing Night Cream is a nourishing night treatment designed to calm and repair sensitive skin while you sleep. Formulated with a blend of calming ingredients, this cream helps to reduce redness, hydrate deeply, and enhance the skin’s natural barrier function. Wake up to skin that feels soft, comfortable, and balanced.
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The Best Natural Moisturisers for Irritated Skin
7. Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream 60ml
Trilogy Very Gentle Moisturising Cream is a calming and nourishing cream designed specifically for ultra-sensitive skin. This fragrance-free formula is enriched with pure, plant-based ingredients that work harmoniously to hydrate and soothe without causing irritation. Ideal for those with easily reactive skin, this moisturiser provides a protective barrier while helping to restore and maintain the skin’s natural balance, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable.
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8. Moogoo Magnesium Moisturiser
Moogoo Magnesium Moisturiser is a gentle, nourishing cream designed specifically for sensitive and irritable skin. Infused with the calming properties of magnesium, this moisturiser works to soothe and hydrate, making it ideal for those with skin prone to redness and irritation. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, providing lasting comfort and protection throughout the day.
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Key Ingredients to Look for in a Soothing Moisturiser
Sensitive skin can be difficult to shop for because every complexion responds differently to skincare ingredients. The following lists some of the best naturally-derived skin-soothing components which are popular in sensitive skincare.
- Aloe vera
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Bisabolol
- Chamomile
- Centella
- Calendula
- Honey
- Thermal Spring Water
- Liquorice root extract
- Green tea extract
- Shea butter
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
You may want to avoid botanical extracts if you have allergy-prone or reactive skin as some of these ingredients aren’t hypoallergenic. La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume Ap+M is a minimalist and hypoallergenic cream for sensitive skin.
Are there any brands to look for when choosing a calming moisturiser?
The best bet for sensitive skin is to stick to brands that you tolerate well. However, if you need a new sensitive skin brand, here are our favourites.
- La Roche Posay: This brand is a sensitive skin favourite. They ensure all their products are suitable for reactive complexions and their Toleriane range specifically targets skin irritation for all types. Explore La Roche Posay Moisturisers, or La Roche Posay Serums for Sensitive Skin. Skin experts and dermatologists recommend this brand for reactive skin.
- Avene: this brand offers excellent sun protection for sensitive skin and has a range of moisturisers, serums and creams to nourish dry and sensitive skin conditions, including rosacea.
- Dermalogica: This brand prioritises rebuilding the skin barrier, treating dry and sensitive skin conditions and soothing irritation. They have a range of product types but they are a go-to if you have troublesome skin.
- Trilogy: If you prefer natural skincare, try Trilogy. The active ingredients in their skincare are mostly naturally-derived from plant extracts which can be better tolerated by sensitive skin. Those with super sensitive skin should opt for their ‘very gentle’ product range.
Can Soothing Moisturisers help with eczema or rosacea?
Eczema and rosacea flare-ups can be distressing especially on the face. Some skincare products work to reduce redness, inflammation, sensitivity, dryness or flaking. Here is our favourite calming day cream to support rosacea and eczema.
Bioderma Cicabio Ultra Repairing Soothing Cream with SPF50+
This cream directly targets itching, irritation and hypersensitivity and the moisturiser with SPF offers high protection against further damage/aggravation from harmful UV rays. It contains hydrating factors including hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid for all-day hydration and improved skin texture.
Which is More Soothing, Gel or Moisturiser?
Gels, gel creams and moisturising creams all have their places in a sensitive skincare routine. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you may prefer lightweight gels or gel creams. These often contain water-soluble soothing agents such as niacinamide or green tea extract. Skincare gels also provide a cooling effect.
If you have normal, combination or dry skin, you might prefer a lightweight moisturiser or a gel cream. These easily absorb into the skin without leaving a heavy or greasy finish. These formulations are ideal for a range of soothing agents whether they’re water- or oil-based.
Moisturising creams are usually more nourishing to drier complexions, helping to fight flaking skin or eczema. These are best paired with ceramides, shea butter, and colloidal oatmeal as these soothing agents feel rich and soothing when applied to the skin.
How important is a fragrance-free formula for sensitive skin?
Artificial fragrances and essential oils are known irritants which means they should be avoided if you have extremely sensitive skin. Common added fragrances include the following:
- Citral
- Linalool
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Essential oils
Some skincare products add botanical extracts for their skin benefits. However, potent plant extracts are potential irritants and add a strong fragrance, despite not being categorised as such. If you have very sensitive skin, consider avoiding potent botanical extracts or perform a patch test before applying a new product to your entire face.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I apply a moisturiser to irritated skin?
Always apply a moisturiser after cleansing or showering and apply it morning and night for the best results. Apply a moisturising cream as needed throughout the day if you have very dry or sensitive skin. Night creams should be used once before bed.
Are there any common irritants to avoid in a moisturiser?
If you have sensitive skin, avoid fragrances, colourants, alcohol, parabens, petroleum and sulfates in your skincare routine. Also, if you’re using acne or anti-ageing treatments, pay attention to exfoliating acids such as salicylic acid, retinol serums, pure vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide as these can be drying and irritating.
How can I tell if a moisturiser is working on my irritated skin?
A soothing moisturiser usually delivers immediate relief for dry, itchy, or overheated skin. It can take several minutes to an hour for a calming cream to reduce redness. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation from acne or other skin conditions, it could take several weeks to months to see results from a sensitive resurfacing treatment.
Are there any differences between day and night formulations for sensitive skin
Morning skincare is usually more lightweight and creates a weightless base for makeup or sunscreen. Any moisturiser with SPF is for daytime use only. PM skincare tends to be richer, delivering fat-soluble ingredients to deeper layers of skin while you sleep. You’ll want to avoid wearing a night cream during the day if you have oily skin, as these can leave a greasy residue.
