7 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Sensitive Skin

This Post Contains Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure for Full Information.

Sensitive skin is like that one friend who’s chill until the smallest thing sets them off. One wrong serum, and suddenly you’re red, inflamed, and spiraling in front of the mirror like, “why me??” 😭

Been there. Lived it. Fixed it.

If your skin throws a tantrum every time you try a new product, it’s not just about what you use — it’s about what you don’t use. These 7 common ingredients might be the reason your skin’s always stressed. Let’s call them out, shall we? 🫢💅

❌ 1. Fragrance (Synthetic or Natural)

Smells great? Sure. But for sensitive skin? Major drama. Both synthetic and even some essential oils can trigger irritation and breakouts.

✅ Instead: Go for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products.
👉 Fragrance-Free Moisturizer

❌ 2. Alcohol (Denatured/SD Alcohol)

Alcohol in toners or serums may feel lightweight, but it dries out and damages your barrier over time — aka your skin’s natural armor 🛡️

✅ Instead: Look for alcohol-free hydrating toners.
👉 Alcohol-Free Toner

Snag One of These Trending Outfits 🙋‍♀️

❌ 3. Harsh Physical Exfoliants

If your scrub feels like sandpaper, your skin barrier is silently crying for help. Sensitive skin ≠ “scrub me to death,” bestie.

✅ Instead: Use gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid.
👉 Gentle Exfoliant

❌ 4. Essential Oils (Like Lavender, Peppermint, Citrus)

They sound natural and dreamy, but they can trigger redness, itchiness, or even full-on allergic reactions for sensitive skin babes.

✅ Instead: Stick with calming ingredients like centella asiatica, aloe vera, or panthenol.
👉 Soothing Gel

Take A Look At These Trending Dresses 🙋‍♀️

❌ 5. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

This harsh foaming agent strips natural oils and leaves your skin tight, dry, and irritated. Like… why is this still a thing?

✅ Instead: Use sulfate-free cleansers that clean without the chaos.
👉 SLS-Free Cleanser

❌ 6. Benzoyl Peroxide (When Overused)

Yes, it fights acne — but it can also be hella harsh for sensitive skin, especially if your barrier isn’t strong.

✅ Instead: Try azelaic acid or salicylic acid in lower concentrations.
👉 Gentle Acne Treatment

❌ 7. Retinol (Used Too Soon or Too Fast)

It’s iconic, we love her, but retinol is not the girl for every skin type — especially without easing in properly. Redness, peeling, irritation? Not cute.

✅ Instead: Start with bakuchiol, a gentler plant-based alternative.
👉 Bakuchiol Serum

🧴 Bonus: Safe, Sensitive-Skin MVPs 💗

Here’s what your skin will love:

• Ceramides 👉 Ceramide Moisturizer
• Centella Asiatica 👉 Cica Cream
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5) 👉 Panthenol Serum

💫 Final Thoughts:

Sensitive skin isn’t the enemy — it just needs the right kind of love. And avoiding these common ingredients? That’s the first step to calmer, stronger, glowy AF skin 🌸

Go easy on yourself, go easy on your routine, and watch your skin thank you every single day.