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The best moisturisers for sensitive skin this winter, from just £4
Slather on these tried-and-tested lotions, without the fear of flare ups
Tested by Juliet HeatonBeauty Innovation Tester
If you suffer from a dry, sensitive complexion, it’s particularly important that you choose the right skincare for your skin type. Using the wrong moisturiser or serum can increase irritation and redness, just when you really need it to soothe and hydrate.
So, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts recruited a panel of over 350 people, all of whom told us they were prone to redness and sensitivity, to find the best moisturisers for sensitive skin – the ones that will leave your complexion replenished, not raw.
Best moisturisers for sensitive skin 2026
These are our Tried and Tested winners at a glance with our buying guide and full review below.
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Best gel moisturiser for sensitive skin
Dermalogica UltraCalming Calm Water Gel Moisturiser
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How we test moisturisers for sensitive skin
The Good Housekeeping Institute beauty experts recruited over 350 testers (all of whom described their skin as mildly to extremely sensitive) to trial 25 facial moisturisers for sensitive skin over a three-week period.
Testers were asked to rate the formulation, scent, texture and packaging, as well as performance. They reported back on how well each moisturiser improved key sensitive skin concerns, such as redness, irritation, itchiness, dryness and tightness.
In the lab, we measured any improvements in hydration using a Corneometer, a specialist machine that probes the skin’s surface to detect moisture. Hydration levels were measured both immediately and six hours after application.
These are our winners.
Score: 86/100
Testers praised this moisturiser for instantly hydrating their skin without feeling heavy or greasy. “It sinks in well and leaves my skin looking and feeling soft and well moisturised,” said one tester. The lightweight texture also worked well under makeup, with panellists reporting no greasiness or pilling; one said it was a welcome change from heavy sensitive skin-friendly creams that make foundation slide off throughout the day.
Those prone to redness saw benefits, too – most noticed a long-term improvement to their typically sore or flushed areas, and one tester with rosacea said they’d noticed less flare-ups since using it. However, not everyone saw a change in their sensitivity long-term, and some testers said the opaque bottle made it tricky to see when they were running low.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Hydrate sensitive skin and reduce the appearance of redness |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | Yes |
| Suitable for psoriasis | Yes |
| Suitable for rosacea | Yes, some testers with rosacea reported fewer flare-ups |
Dermalogica UltraCalming Calm Water Gel Moisturiser
Dermalogica UltraCalming Calm Water Gel Moisturiser
Score: 83/100
This weightless gel turns to liquid on your face for quick absorption. Packaged in an easy-to-use tube with a natural lavender scent that doesn't irritate, it left testers with non-sticky, non-greasy skin that felt smoother and more hydrated.
It scored highly for immediate hydration in the lab, and most testers enjoyed a long-lasting improvement in the condition of their skin. By the end of the trial, over half the panel said their complexion was less sensitive than before, with almost all testers agreeing that any irritation felt soothed. Though pricey, a little went a long way.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Dryness, irritation and stinging |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | No |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
Eucerin Hypersensitive Skin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care
Eucerin Hypersensitive Skin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care
Score: 83/100
Even those with ultra-sensitive skin should find solace in this mild, fragrance-free cream. The hygienic pump packaging made it easy to dispense without mess or wastage, and our testers found its soft, lightweight texture gentle to slather on.
No one experienced any adverse reaction and it curbed sensitivity for everybody, including more severe cases. It instantly calmed burning and tingling too and performed best for long-lasting hydration in the lab.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Dryness, irritation and stinging |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Score: 83/100
This was awarded full marks for consistency and ease of application. Not at all greasy or sticky, it scored highly overall with our panel, coming out on top for reducing redness, smoothing dry patches and providing relief from sensitivity – both immediately and long term.
It didn't perform quite as well in the lab, though, with only a third of testers seeing a reduction in their sensitivity classification level. However, reported improvements in the appearance of pores and wrinkles.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Dryness |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Intense Moisturising Cream
Caudalie Vinosource SOS Intense Moisturising Cream
Score: 82/100
If your skin feels tight and fragile, try using this moisturiser either daily or as a rescue treatment. It is fragranced (a subtle lemony, cucumber scent), but it offers immediate relief from irritation, sufficiently soothing and softening skin.
It has a velvety texture that sinks in quickly, providing a radiant, plumped complexion that instantly felt more hydrated — and it even helped with fine lines.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Dryness, tightness, irritation and stinging |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | No |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion
Score: 80/100
Those with normal-to-dry skin should consider using this serum-like lotion to keep sensitivity at bay. Our testers liked its silky formulation, featuring soothing and strengthening hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and its faff-free pump packaging.
It’s unscented and spreads easily, with the majority of our panel enjoying an immediate calming sensation. Despite its lightweight texture, it left skin softer, with more glowing complexions.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Maintain normal skin |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
Cetaphil PRO Moisturising Night Cream
Cetaphil PRO Moisturising Night Cream
Score: 80/100
This pump cream claims to visibly reduce redness overnight while also soothing discomfort for sensitive skin. Our testers appreciated how well it sunk in, without any trace of stickiness or greasiness.
They also loved the positive effect it had on their skin’s texture, with some noticing a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The hydrating results were long-lasting, with most testers saying it relieved the feeling of tightness, too.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Dryness, redness, tightness, irritation and stinging |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | Yes |
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
Score: 79/100
This high-end cream is packed with replenishing peptides and ceramides to strengthen the skin. Our testers found its packaging attractive but found the glass pot too heavy for travelling and wished there was a spatula for more hygienic dispensing.
That aside, they praised its soft, non-greasy texture, with the vast majority agreeing that it immediately improved the appearance of dry patches and redness. It left skin looking brighter and healthier overall, and several testers said they planned to use it as a primer for makeup, thanks to its smoothing, hydrating effect.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Redness, irritation and stinging |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
Simple Hemp Calming Facial Moisturiser
Simple Hemp Calming Facial Moisturiser
Score: 78/100
This fragrance-free moisturiser claims to instantly calm and rebalance stressed skin by harnessing the power of organic hemp seed oil. It raised eyebrows at first, with testers finding it difficult to dispense the cream from the bottle.
But, despite a watery consistency, our panel found it lightweight and refreshing to apply. It melted into their skin without leaving a sticky residue, making it a good choice for layering under other skincare products.
Several testers noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines around their eyes, while one commented on their smaller pores. It failed to nourish their driest areas deeply enough but left skin looking smooth and healthy overall.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Maintain normal skin |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | No |
| Suitable for psoriasis | No |
| Suitable for rosacea | No |
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+M Anti-Blemish Corrective Gel Moisturiser
Score: 72/100
French pharmacy skincare is famously effective and loved by beauty insiders. Brands like La Roche-Posay reign supreme over the mid-budget, sensitive-skin-friendly category, and the brand’s Effaclar Duo is a cult classic for its mattifying-yet-hydrating effect.
Combining a spot cream and a moisturiser, it’s perfect for blemish-prone skin that's on the sensitive side. This is a new and improved version, with the ‘+M’ in the name denoting a microbiome-balancing ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier.
One tester told us it was one of the best moisturisers they’d ever used, while others praised the smell and lack of greasiness, saying their skin looked healthier even after a few days. Almost everyone said it diminished the appearance of their breakouts, living up to La Roche’s trusted reputation.
Key specifications
| Use it to help | Balance blemish-prone skin |
|---|---|
| Synthetic fragrance free | Yes |
| Essential oil free | Yes |
| Suitable for eczema | Yes |
| Suitable for psoriasis | Yes |
| Suitable for rosacea | Yes |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over 100 years, and its beauty lab now reviews everything from the best LED face masks to the best shampoo for grey hair.
Our testers are experts in their fields, including skincare science and product development. They write rigorous protocols to review every product against fairly and ensure we're testing them against their claims. We also send them to our panel at home so we can get feedback on performance across skin types and concerns.
Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White, has been writing about beauty products for over five years, which includes trying them herself at home to see which claims can be substantiated, and which are just too good to be true.
What is sensitive skin and what causes it?
People with sensitive skin are more prone to irritation. As well as dryer complexions in general, they can experience “discomfort, redness, itching, burning, or stinging sensations,” when exposed to certain triggers, explains Dr Michael Detmar, MD and co-founder of IRÄYE.
Our skin can become sensitive when its outer layer — the one that traps and locks in moisture — is damaged. This leads to water loss and increased penetration from potential irritants.
Many factors can compromise the skin barrier, from underlying conditions such as rosacea or eczema, to damaging skincare habits (overwashing, harsh exfoliation) and environmental exposure (UV and pollution). Lack of sleep, ageing and loss of ceramides over time, hormonal changes, medication and stress can also play a role.
It's also common to experience sensitivity when using acne treatments containing retinoids, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. “While your skin barrier is compromised, it can be quite tricky to continue managing blemishes,” warns Dr Sonia Khorana, dermatology ambassador for HERO Cosmetics. Sometimes it’s better to pause and work to repair the skin barrier first.
What ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Always check the ingredients list for potential irritants before using a new product. However, it’s important to note that ingredients can affect people’s skin differently.
“I would advise taking it easy on fragrance – both natural from essential oils, and synthetic – as it can irritate the skin,” says Dr Khorana. “You may also want to stop using – or take it easy with – exfoliants and acids if you've overdone it with them.”
Sensitive skin sufferers should steer clear of alcohols, soaps and chemical sun blockers as well. Swap to mineral sunscreen where possible. If in doubt, leave it out. Ultimately, you know your skin best!
What is best for sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin needs regular moisturising to help strengthen its compromised barrier. For the best results, moisturise straight after cleansing while the skin is still damp. This will help lock in hydration.
Look for products with simple formulations. The fewer the ingredients, the less chance there is of further angering your already raging skin. Keep an eye out for terms such as “anti-redness” and “hypoallergenic” on the packaging, as well as soothing ingredients such as chamomile, green tea, aloe vera, jojoba oil and squalane. Occlusives such as petrolatum or shea butter are also good for sensitive skin as they will help seal gaps in your moisture barrier.
Always choose a moisturiser that’s been specially designed for sensitive skin. Note that “dermatologically tested” means the moisturiser has been tested on human skin, not by a dermatologist.
The verdict: Which sensitive skin moisturiser is for you?
SOS H2O stole the show in our testing, with our panel loving how well it sinks in and how soothing it was on their previously sore skin.
The Eucerin UltraSensitive Soothing Care day and night cream is affordable and offers long-lasting hydration, while the Dermalogica Calm Water Gel offers instant hydration and fast absorption.
For managing redness and rosacea, opt for the Cetaphil Pro-Moisturising Night Cream. And for more mature skin, look to Caudalie's VinoHydra S.O.S Deep Hydration Moisturiser.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Juliet has masters degrees in both chemistry and cosmetic science, and has worked in formulation development for both Dove and The Body Shop. She has an in-depth knowledge of ingredients and tests used in the beauty industry, as a result of working in research and development for five years.
She uses this all this experience and learning to test products against their claims in the GHI beauty lab. She loves working with our reader panel directly to hear about their experiences with the many products we test.
