There are always so many exciting new skin care products coming out, from jelly masks and beauty packs to pimple patches and zit sticks. Yet for those of us with sensitive skin, trying new products always comes with the risk of a breakout or irritation. Caring for sensitive skin includes finding the right balance: it should be tough enough to address your skin issues, yet gentle enough to avoid an adverse reaction.
Products labeled as "hypoallergenic" could help. The FDA has no standard definition of the term but these products are often better for sensitive skin since they're made with fewer known allergens (such as fragrances). Here are a few hypoallergenic brands we've been loving lately.
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Avene
This French pharmacy favorite has over 270 years of experience in dermatology and hydrotherapy. It is perhaps best known for Avene Thermal Spring Water, $14, a soothing face mist that can reduce redness while moisturizing the skin. Other bestsellers include Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Face and Body, $12, a soap-free gel cleanser, and Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream, $28, a cream specially made to help recover damaged skin or soothe dry patches.
VMV Hypoallergenics
Just as the name implies, the company specializes in hypoallergenic skin care products. Apart from the absence of potential irritants like fragrances and parabens, its products have undergone extensive clinical tests to ensure they're sensitive skin safe. The brand even has its own grading system that rates a product's hypoallergenicity, which tells how many allergens are absent in the product. They also offer a customized skin care recommendation based on your specific allergic reactions. To start, check out the Superskin Starts-Here-Sets for Dry Skin, $30, Oily Skin, $30, and Combination Skin, $30.
Vanicream
This brand is manufactured by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. (PSI), a company that specializes in formulating skin care products that do not contain common irritants and sensitizing ingredients. Under the Vanicream brand, the Gentle Facial Cleanser, $9.20 and Moisturizing Skin Cream, $7.30, have received rave reviews from people with eczema and are also often recommended by dermatologists.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay's products are specially made for sensitive skin and are allergy tested to ensure safety. They use thermal spring water, an ingredient known for its soothing properties, in best sellers like Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream Cleanser, $23.99, a gentle cleanser for combination skin, Toleriane Ultra Moisturizer for Very Sensitive Skin, $29.99, and Toleriane Lipikar Balm AP+, $19.99, a moisturizer for dry skin.
