Winter and sensitive skin aren’t exactly a match made in heaven. Of course, easily irritated complexions can be problematic during any season, however, icy winds and indoor heating have proven to be conducive to a flare-up. And while slapping on a layer of fake tan and jumping on the next flight to the Bahamas seems like a sound solution, there’s something a little more affordable to try first: a moisturiser for sensitive skin.
Unlike some face creams, these gentle formulations have been enriched with hydrating ingredients that work to protect skin from environmental elements, soothe irritation and eliminate sensitivities.
The best moisturisers for sensitive skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
We say: We don’t normally pick favourites, but once the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream enters the chat, it’s almost impossible not to. This lightweight, non-greasy cream will comfortably combat irritated skin and shield your complexion from harsh weather conditions. Ideal for use morning, night and every moment in between.
You say: “My skin feels balanced, nourished, hydrated after applying this. It feels non-greasy and not heavy so I think it could be great for all skin types. It’s not scented – there’s not even a hint of a scent. So it would be great for those sensitive to scents. It makes my skin look and feel healthy.” – crystalclearwater
Want to know more? Read Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream reviews here…
$58 at Adore Beauty
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
We say: With ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and menthol, this formula helps to soothe and protect dry, itchy and sensitive skin, while providing up to 24 hours of hydration.
You say: “Being non-sticky, it works well as a hand cream. My husband suffers from irritated skin on his hands but this works every time to sooth and calm things down. Compared to Aveeno’s Daily Moisturising Lotion, this is slightly thicker and richer but still not heavy or greasy.” – jupiter
Want to know more? Read Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion reviews here…
$33.50 at Chemist Warehouse
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
We say: Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested for use on sensitive skin, do your complexion a favour with this drugstore winner.
You say: “This product leaves my skin feeling hydrated for the whole day without feeling greasy or sticky. It’s not too thick to use in summer, yet still sufficient during winter. A small amount goes a long way for this one.” – Joy03
Want to know more? Read CeraVe Moisturising Lotion reviews here…
$16.99 at Adore Beauty
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream
We say: Formulated to mimic the skin’s natural composition, Avène’s signature thermal water hydrates and soothes with anti-irritant technology.
You say: “This is a wonderful creme. I have almost all cremes from Avene, all the ones in the tubes. They are all gorgeous. This creme is a little different as it is part of the Hydrance Riche range which is all about maximum hydration without compromising the texture.” – GigiandBobbi
Want to know more? Read Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream reviews here…
$57.99 at Adore Beauty
Minenssey Hydrating Quenching Aqua Cream
We say: For dry, dehydrated and irritated skin that’s giving you grief, Minenssey’s cooling water-based gel will intensely hydrate and gently soothe. Enriched with a blend of probiotics and antioxidants, lock in moisture as you calm irritation. The results? Happy skin.
You say: “No false claims here guys. This is exactly what I anticipated upon opening the box. A gel based kind of watery jelly consistency facial moisturiser. I have used a fair few of these in my time and they are my favourite, especially in the warmer weather. I just feel it absorbs better and leaves my skin less greasy and more glowy! I like that you only need a little bit of it and it spreads really easily and you can feel it sink in.” – Edenemm
Want to know more? Read Minenssey Hydrating Quenching Aqua Cream reviews here…
$69 at Adore Beauty
La Mav® Hyaluronan Daily Moisture Crème
We say: Gentle, effective and will keep your complexion looking fresh. La Mav’s daily moisturiser has been enriched with hyaluronic acid and acai berry oil to maximise the skin’s hydration and radiance.
Have you tried La Mav’s Hyaluronan Daily Moisture Crème? Leave a review and let us know what you think…
$39.95 at Amazon
LYCON Soothing Cream
We say: Formulated to condition and protect dry, thirsty skin thanks to LYCON’s soothing blend of shea butter, chamomile and vitamin E. Ideal for use after waxing or as a gentle everyday moisturiser.
You say: “This moisturiser is great for my often sensitive skin as it contains some moisturising and calming ingredients such as rose, chamomile, jasmine, shea butter and vitamin E. This is a luxuriously thick lotion and yet it is quickly absorbed into my dry skin. It keeps my skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated all day long.” – Chickybabe1
Want to know more? Read LYCON Soothing Cream reviews here…
$19.95 at Le Beauty
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Creme Hydrating Moisturiser
We say: La Roche-Posay anything just feels like an obvious choice when dealing with sensitive skin. However, if we had to choose just one product to rid flare-ups once and for all, it would be this minimalist daily moisturiser.
You say: “This moisturiser has become one of my favourite face products to use on a daily basis. I have oily skin and have thus struggled to find a moisturiser that doesn’t cause me to break out the next day, however, I have had no such issues with this La Roche Posay product. The formula is smooth and sensitive on the skin, leaving my face feeling hydrated and fresh.” – Kate Giddy
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Creme Hydrating Moisturiser reviews here…
Alya Skin Moisturiser
We say: Packed with soothing ingredients such as sweet almond oil, macadamia oil and shea butter, as well as a unique combination of Australian super berries and antioxidants, this moisturiser is completely natural and perfect for all skin types (including sensitive)
You say: “The texture is creamy but it has the perfect consistency; not too thick and not too thin! Being someone with sensitive skin I was anxious about the fragrance and how strong it will be, but I am surprised in a good way. The scent is subtle and not too strong and does not irritate my skin at all.” – Shali_Nialler
Want to know more? Read Alya Skin Moisturiser reviews here…
$24.99 at Priceline
etat pur Rich Moisturising Cream
We say: This dermatologically-tested (and approved) lightweight cream is enriched with nourishing mango butter and a trio of skin-soothing oils. But the real sensitive-skin, game-changing aspect is the Biomimetic formulation that works to mimic your skin’s microbiome, giving it just what it needs. Oh, and it’s totally pH balanced. What’d we say? Total game-changer.
Want to know more? Read etat pur Rich Moisturising Cream Reviews here…
$35 at Look Fantastic
Main image credit: @kiehls.au
Do you have sensitive skin? What moisturiser do you use?
I’d like to try the CeraVe and Alya Skin range sound really good
Same here!
The cera ve moisturiser is great because it sinks into the skin straight away and doesnt leave and weird sticky residue
Some of these I tried before. I recommend you try them.
I love using Avene as it is not dear and good for your skin.
I should try all of these!
I am currently using Aveeno skin relief moisturising lotion but only for my body.
I haven’t tried many of these. Lots to try.
Oooh yeh the Kiehl’s one is good!
Quite a range of prices. Wouldn’t mind any of them.
I feel the same
Both Avene and La-Roche Posay moisturisers work well on my sensitive skin.
Yes the Cerave is my fave at the moment! I tried the Alya Skin one but my senstive skin didn’t like it. Kiels one is really good too!
I do like Kiehl’s and it is at Mecca too so you can get your points up.
Loccitane divine atm and summer fridays jet lag mask as a night moisturizer too. Both sooo soothing!
My skin can get sensitive during the colder months
Cerave is great to use especially in colder months.
I’ve never tried a CeraVe product. I will give their moisturizer a go when my current product runs out.
I would try any/all of these . I do have a sensitive skin but more affected by weather extremes
Luckily I don’t have particularly sensitive skin but I have tried some of these and they were all quite nice, especially the Kiehls.
I have been thinking about trying that Cerave cream. I’ve heard so many great things about that brand
I’m lucky my skin is not sensitive, just blemish-prone. Vitamin E is a trigger, so I avoid it.
I have tried the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion and I love it.
It’s soo good!!
I love the first two products on this list but haven’t tried the rest
Are all of these moisturisers for the face? Including the Aveeno one?
I’m love the Kiehl’s and Aveeno.
I’m loving the Embryolisse moisturiser for autumn/winter
Good recommendations in this list. Minenssey cream is a little bit fragranced though.
I do like this Aveeno moisturiser. I want to try CeraVe next because I’ve read good things about it.
good to see not $1000 moisterisers on here like some products
i have used some of these before, good quality
really good for dry skin too
ceraVe moisteriser is my ride or die
I do have sensitive skin and fantastic products here, the Kiehl’s one looks really lovely.
cerave is my go to
Yes, I have sensitive skin. I am really enjoying products, especially face creams from Avene.
Keep the recommendations coming!
This is so helpful! So many to try!!!
I dont have a favorite, i always like trying different moisturizers
Luckily, I don’t have sensitive skin.
I don’t think my skin is generally sensitive but it can react to certain ingredients such as fragrances. I’d like to try the Avene and LRP out of the range. I don’t like the CeraVe lotion as it too light and doesn’t work on my dry skin.
Very nice creams
Kiehl’s products are great, but sadly they still test on animals.
Some really great products some I have never tried before 😊
I really want to try the Kiehl’s cream. Sounds great.
I would love to try Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Rich Hydrating Cream.
“Just tried this Facial Moisturiser and my skin feels amazing! 😊 Any other must-have beauty recommendations out there?”