13 Best Serums For Sensitive Skin Recommended By An Esthetician – 2024
Get flawless and glowy skin instantly without worrying about rashes or inflammation.
Raisa's passion for skin care and makeup began at a young age, inspired by her mother's experimentation with different products. While pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology in college, she realized her true calling and decided to change course during the pandemic.
Read full bio of Raisa Zarin
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A serum helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. The best serum for sensitive skin makes your skin appear youthful, removing all scars and combating against aging. Moreover, these serums can even out the skin and make the skin texture smooth. Serums absorb into the skin quickly without making the skin greasy.
There are countless serums available on the market specially designed for sensitive skin and finding the right serum can be challenging. Hence, in this article, we bring you the 13 best serums designed for sensitive skin, based on scientifically tested results and reviewer’s experience. Read on to find your ideal serum.
In This Article
13 Best Serums For Sensitive Skin That Really Work – 2024
Best Overall:Eclat Vitamin C Serum
The Organic Vitamin C serum by clinically backed skin care brand Eclat, has patented C-Boost Complex that reverses the seven signs of aging and combats sun damage, imparting healthy clean skin. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E that regenerate and revitalize the skin. It also has hyaluronic acid that restores moisture, ferulic acid that helps release the power of antioxidants, and witch hazel and MSM that detoxify the skin and reduce puffiness. Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory properties that repair the skin.
The blend of antioxidants in the serum boosts collagen production and keeps your skin hydrated. It also protects the skin against UV rays. It is free of parabens and silicones. It is also cruelty-free. This anti-inflammatory serum has garnered thousands of positive customer reviews and can be used by both men and women for long-lasting skin hydration.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin C, jojoba oil, hazelnut, MSM, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-approved
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- None
Quick tipBest Fragrance-Free:LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum
The Vitamin C Serum by LilyAna Naturals claims proven efficacy for all skin types including very dry and oily skin. It combats all signs of aging effectively. It is induced with jojoba oil, v, aloe vera leaf extract, MSM, wild geranium, horsetail, and dandelion extracts that reduce dark spots and promote collagen production. The serum also improves skin elasticity and firmness. Its hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help retain skin moisture. The serum is free of parabens, SLS, phthalates, petroleum, gluten, and artificial fragrances that do not trigger skin sensitivity. This gentle serum for sensitive skin is vegan and does not support animal testing. Know more about this product in this video.
Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E, aloe leaf juice, MSM, wild geranium, horsetail, dandelion extracts, jojoba oil, and botanical hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Artificial color-free
- Glute-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- SLS-free
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 11,859 rave reviews on Amazon.
Best For Dry Skin:Amara Beauty Vitamin C Serum
The Vitamin C Serum by Amara Beauty is best for dry and sensitive skin. This antioxidant serum contains aloe vera juice, vitamin C, witch hazel, glycerine, jojoba oil, and other organic ingredients that ensure well-hydrated skin. The potent blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamins E and C keeps your skin brighter, clearer, smoother, and firmer. It also minimizes the appearance of pores and scars and provides glowing skin. This antioxidant-rich serum for sensitive skin is free of parabens and dyes, so is less irritating for damaged and dehydrated skin. This fragrance-free formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera juice, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,568 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Best Vegan:SKINKISSED Face Serum
| Eclat Vitamin C Serum Best Overall | LilyAna Naturals Vitamin C Serum Best For Dry Skin | SKINKISSED Face Serum Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry | ||
| Dimensions | 1.38 x 1.42 x 4.29 inches | ||
| Weight | 2.89 Ounces | ||
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 64,021 | ||
| Price | $9.99 |
Get rid of dry, flaky skin with the hydrating face serum by SKINKISSED. It is an anti-aging serum for sensitive skin. Its effective formulation firms, hydrates, and revives the skin. Its hyaluronic acid moisturizes dry and dull skin, removes scars, and diminishes fine lines, offering smooth skin. The mild formula nourishes and leaves the skin rejuvenated. It is packed with vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits to the skin while fading fine lines and wrinkles, thus treating skin laxity. The serum penetrates the skin cortex and softens the scar tissue. This barrier repair serum for sensitive skin can be used by both men and women alike. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic.Further, this highly potent formula has amassed impressive social media acclaim with hundreds of happy reviewers. Learn more about this product in this video.
Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Expensive
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,255 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Best Non-Comedogenic:La Roche-Posay Hyalu Serum
The hyaluronic acid face serum from La Roche–Posay is an anti-aging product for sensitive skin. This powerful serum contains pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5 that plump your skin. This hypoallergenic serum for sensitive skin also restores skin moisture within 4 hours of application. Madecassoside is a booster ingredient that reduces fine lines and wrinkles and hydrates skin.
This brightening serum for sensitive skin also consists of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water that leaves skin feeling supple and hydrated. You only have to use 3-4 drops in the morning and evening. This dermatologically-approved product is tested for allergies and has an oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic formula.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, vitamin B5, and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
- Expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,255 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Best Moisturizing:Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum
The Vinchy Minerals 89 Eyes Serum works as an eye contour. It is suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. It is formulated with 89% Vichy Volcanic Water which is powered by 15 essential minerals and is clinically proven to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Its naturally derived hyaluronic acid moisturizes and hydrates the skin. Its caffeine reduces puffiness and gives a rested look to your eyes. This soothing serum for sensitive skin hydrates, brightens, and smoothens the fine lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. This video will provide you with added insights about the product.
Key Ingredients: Vichy Volcanic Water, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-sticky
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Expensive
Best Mild-Fragrance:It'S SKIN Power 10 Formula GF Effector
The soothing face serum by It’S Skin is best for sensitive and dry skin. It contains ginkgo leaf water and tremella mushrooms that restore skin moisture. The formula has shown a proven track record in clinical settings to provide 100-hour moisture maintenance. The product makes skin healthier, softer, and smoother. This redness-reducing serum for sensitive skin also improves skin elasticity. The product offers ten individual types of serums and you can choose any as per your skin type.
Key Ingredients: Ginko leaf water and snow fungus
Pros
- Mild fragrance
- Hydrating formula
- Improves skin tone
- Clinically-proven
Cons
- May cause dryness
Best Non-Greasy:Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
The Simplified Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum contains green tea, jojoba oil, aloe vera, vitamins E and C, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients provide hydration and brighten the skin and boost collagen production. Vitamin E helps fight against UV damage, while aloe vera reduces skin redness, itchiness, and inflammation.
The jojoba oil hydrates skin. Green tea reduces signs of premature aging. This serum for sun-damaged sensitive skin helps fade sunspots and dark circles. This is a non-greasy serum that boosts collagen, prevents breakouts, and improves cell turnover. It is suitable for both men and women alike. It is free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, and fragrances and does not test on animals.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Dye-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 325 great reviews on Amazon.
Best Lightweight:Bioderma Hydrabio Serum
The Hydrabio Serum by Bioderma is a hydrating serum for sensitive skin. Its patented biological complex activates the skin’s natural moisturizing capabilities. It nourishes the skin and makes it radiant. This repairing serum for sensitive skin is formulated with hyaluronic acid, xylitol, and glycerine and has proven to deliver visible results in moisturizing the skin deeply.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, xylitol, and glycerine
Pros
- Instant hydration
- Long-Lasting results
- Mild fragrance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
Best Gluten-Free:Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Absolute Serum
The 1000 Roses Natural serum by Andalou Naturals hydrates, soothes, nourishes, and moisturizes irritated skin. This facial serum is a scientifically formulated blend of bioactive stem cells from botanical ingredients like heirloom apples, grapes, Swiss alpine roses, argan trees, and hemp plants. Its pomegranate hydrates and uplifts the skin’s protective moisture barrier. The alpine rose stem cell hydrates and moistens sensitive skin. This plant-based serum for sensitive skin also contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera that maximize results. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Heirloom apple, grape, Swiss alpine rose, argan tree, and hemp plant
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May cause dryness
Formulated with 2.5% retinol, this skin brightening serum for acne scars from Yongchang moisturizes the skin, repairs signs of aging, and reduces damage caused by pollution and sun rays to give you smoother-looking skin. The active ingredient, vitamin C in this non-irritating serum for sensitive skin helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots to reveal radiant and youthful skin. In addition, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, improves its elasticity and boosts collagen production. Aloe vera in the formula helps calm redness and treat inflammation in sensitive skin types. This safe-to-use collagen serum is ideal for addressing skin concerns, such as acne scars, and is suitable for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Unisex
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
Cons
- None
Want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles? Try the Retinol Face Serum by Kizenka. It is an anti-aging serum that rebuilds and repairs skin damage caused by pollutants, stress, and excess sunlight. This nourishing serum for sensitive skin is formulated to reduce wrinkles, fade dark spots, and brighten the skin. It contains aloe vera leaf extract, aqua, retinol, Hamaelis virginiana leaf, and Camellia chinesis.
This hydrating formula effectively reduces fine lines and repairs skin cells. The vitamin C balances the skin tone and lightens dark spots. It further improves skin elasticity and treats wrinkles. This calming serum for sensitive skin is free of parabens, fragrances, and alcohol. It also is cruelty-free.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf extract, aqua, retinol, Hamaelis virginiana leaf, and Camellia chinesis
Pros
- Reduces acne blemishes
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Best For Eczema-Prone Skin:Tree to Tub Ginseng Green Tea Night Power Serum
The Tree to Tub Ginseng Green Tea Night Power Serum is made from organic healing botanicals from the eco reserves of Taiwan. It nourishes the skin and maintains a perfect pH balance of 5.5. Its natural ingredients like chamomile and rosewater soothe sensitive skin. Its aloe vera and cucumber hydrate skin. This serum with potent antioxidants like vitamins A, B5, C, and E helps rebuild and repair damaged skin, promoting firmer skin texture.
The serum is also suitable for skin irregularities like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. This pH-balanced serum for sensitive skin contains retinol and alpha-arbutin that brighten the skin and lighten the blemishes. Its ginseng green tea complex protects the skin from free radicals, improves blood circulation, and brightens the skin tone. This serum is free of parabens, silicones, sulfates, gluten, and other toxins. It also is vegan and cruelty-free and has amassed thousands of positive reviews and a loyal customer base.
Key Ingredients: Ginseng green tea, retinol, and hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Toxin-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Gluten-free
- Provides skin rejuvenation
Cons
- Expensive
The Bottom Line
Irrespective of your skin type, incorporating a serum in your skincare routine is a must because it deeply hydrates your skin by getting absorbed quickly. Serums are great for smoothing your skin’s texture, increasing radiance, and giving you an even-toned complexion. For instance, the Eclat Vitamin C Serum offers antioxidant and brightening effects, while the La Roche-Posay Hyalu Serum has hydrating properties. Additionally, the Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes Serum offers targeted care for the eye area. The best serum for sensitive skin has a non-greasy texture that will give you a youthful complexion. The serums mentioned above are free from synthetic chemicals and toxins that make them a safe choice for those who have sensitive skin. We recommend reading the product label thoroughly and looking for clinically verified formulas before purchasing a serum for sensitive skin. If you must use exfoliating serums such as salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells, use them in lesser concentrations to avoid irritation. At last, don’t forget to layer the serum with a thin layer of moisturizer to lock in the benefits.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach who has a keen interest in various skin care products. She has reviewed products available online, gone through user feedback on trusted platforms, and assembled this list of the foremost serums for sensitive skin. They reduce the appearance of scars, detoxify the skin, and give you smooth and flawless skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can serums irritate sensitive skin?
Serums without any harmful chemicals rarely irritate sensitive skin.
Can vitamin C serum help sensitive skin?
Water-soluble vitamin C is safe for sensitive skin. Choose a product with a pH level ranging from 5 to 6.
Is an ordinary serum good for sensitive skin?
Yes, most ordinary serums are good for sensitive skin. However, ensure it does not contain chemicals.
Can I use a Vitamin C serum every day for sensitive skin?
Yes, Vitamin C can be used every day for sensitive skin. However, ensure your dose is regulated. Ideally, it should be used 1 to 2 times a day (2 to 3 drops each time).
What causes hypersensitivity of the skin?
Hypersensitivity can happen due to the following factors.
• Sudden temperature changes
• Excessive exposure to UV rays
• Harsh chemical ingredients in skin care products
• Fabric friction
Which serum is best for acne-prone skin?
The Tree to Tub Ginseng Green Tea Night Power Serum is a suitable product for acne-prone skin. It treats acne, lightens the blemishes, and protects the skin from free radical damage.
How many days a week should I use my serum on sensitive skin?
Include serum in your daily skin care routine in the morning and night.
- Best Face Serums For Dry Skin
- Best Natural Face Serums To Buy Online
- Best Drugstore Face Serums to Try Out
- Hydrating Serums Worth Adding To Your Skincare Regime
Read full bio of Raisa Zarin
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.