The 15 Best Face Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin, According to a Dermatologist

• Why dermatologists like it: For its hydrating factor
• Key ingredients: Aloe Bioferment, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Aloe Water, Auto-replenishing Technology
• How to apply: Apply a slightly thicker layer on to skin, leave it on for a few minutes and then massage gently

Clinique's Moisture Surge is highly regarded by dermatologists for its ability to lock in moisture and last for 100 hours. The moisturizer contains Aloe Bioferment, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and more, and literally locks in moisture to give you a dewy glow. If dry/sensitive skin is something you struggle with, then you should definitely consider making the $46 investment as it has all of the ingredients necessary to combat skin dehydration from weather, pollution, blue light, time spent in the sun, wearing a mask, traveling, air conditioning, and heating.

• Why dermatologists like it: Free of irritants
• Key ingredients: Adrenalinum, Berberisvulgaris, Argentum Nitricum, Petroleum
• How to apply: Apply a small amount onto the fingertips and massage it gently into the skin.

If your sensitive skin means that you also suffer from dry, flaking, and peeling skin, then Eucerin's Skin Calming Cream is the perfect moisturizer for you. A calming cream that provides 24 hour moisture and contains oatmeal, the Calming Cream contains rich emollients that help moisturize and protect skin, and is safe for sensitive skin, fragrance and dye free, and is non-comedogenic. Everything necessary to keep your skin fresh and flake-free.

• Why dermatologists like it: Its ability to revive damaged skin
• Key ingredients: Adrenalinum, Berberisvulgaris, Argentum Nitricum, Petroleum
• How to apply: Water, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Cone Flower

Dermasport's Facial Moisturizer is a unique one because it specifically targets dry and sun-damaged skin with its ultra-hydrating lightweight formula. Blending together botanicals such as aloe, green tea, and coneflower, and hyaluronic acid that also helps with calming chlorine rash while reversing the visible signs of photo-aging. Dermasport is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin as it's fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, gluten-free, and vegan.

• Why dermatologists like it: Its ability to revive damaged skin
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
• How to apply: Apply evenly to face and neck area after cleansing

Another great moisturizer for sensitive skin is Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel which contains Hyaluronic Acid which according to Neutrogena "instantly quenches skin and locks in hydration for 24 hours for non-stop hydration that lasts all day." The moisturizer contains a unique water gel formula that's designed to absorb into the skin like a gel, but still has the moisturizing power of a cream, which makes it awesome product for sensitive skin.

• Why dermatologists like it: For its double-repair properties
• Key ingredients: Ceramide, Niacinamide 
• How to apply: Apply to face and neck after cleansing in circular motions. Repeat process in the morning and/or evening

La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is also one to consider as it's formulated specifically for sensitive skin types with Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide and Glycerin. The application instructions are quite easy as all you have to do is apply to your face and neck after cleansing in the morning and/or evening. What you get in return is 48-hr hydration that doesn't clog your pores, and helps with your skin's barrier after one hour.

• Why dermatologists like it: The fact that it is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, Vitamin E
• How to apply: Apply after cleansing

Loaded with Vitamin C and Vitamin E, Cetaphil's Rich Hydrating Night Cream is clinically tested for sensitive skin as it is both fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Dermatologists also recommend this cream for sensitive skin due to the fact that it contains hyaluronic acid to help with boosting hydration, absorbs quickly, and doesn't clog your pores. With this being a night cream, you'll only need to apply this right before you go to bed.

• Why dermatologists like it: It hydrates and protects the skin
• Key ingredients: Vitamin E, B3, Aloe
• How to apply: Apply after cleansing skin

Aloe's Daily Face Moisturizer Vitamin E, B3, aloe, and zinc oxide, all of which helps with providing day-long moisture. Additionally, the moisturizer also has UVA/UVB protection to help with protecting your skin from those dangerous sun beams, and is also lightweight, non-greasy, oil-free, and has Aloe's SolaSheer Sensitive Technology to assist with skin hydration.

• Why dermatologists like it: Doesn't have properties that irritate the skin
• Key ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
• How to apply: Apply after cleansing

Vanicream's Daily Facial Moisturizer is without common irritants for those with sensitive skin, which means this is likely to be a home run should you choose to make the $12.97 purchase. The forumula contains Hyaluronic Acid along with Ceramides, which provide lightweight and effect moisturization for either the day or night depending on your preference of when to apply. The moisturizer is also pH-balanced to assist with hydration and locking in skin moisture.

• Why dermatologists like it: Its soothing properties
• Key ingredients: Silver Needle Tea
• How to apply: Gently massage into your skin in a circular motion after cleansing

You'll have to spend more money on Chanel's La Solution 10 De Chanel than some of the other recommendations we have on this list, but everyone who has made the splurge has considered this specific moisturizer well worth their coins. The solution contains ten carefully selected ingredients, the base of which is silver needle tea, and it specifically targets sensitive skin that gets aggravated by the likes of pollution, climate conditions, and stress. Additionally La Solution 10 is dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, anti-pollution, and alcohol-free.

• Why dermatologists like it: It smooths wrinkles and restores moisture to dull skin
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides
• How to apply: Apply after cleansing

If your sensitive skin comes in the form of Ezcema, Rosacea, itchiness, redness, flakes, and more, Paula' Choice might be your best best formula wise as it is built specifically to target everything we just mentioned above. Complete with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, the formula is nourishing cream that delivers instant and lasting hydration, and helps with smoothing wrinkles and returning radiance to dry and dull skin.

• Why dermatologists like it: Its fast absorption properties
• Key ingredients: Prebiotic Oat, Feverfew
• How to apply: Massage the gel moisturizer directly onto face using an upward and outward motion

Containing Prebiotic Oat and Feverfew amongst other ingredients, Aveeno's  Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer is made for sensitive skin with the goal of instantly soothing and replenishing the skin's moisture barrier. In addition to its fast absorption and healing properties, the Gel Facial Moisturizer is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, dye-free, and alcohol-free, meaning the risk of irritation is quite low.

• Why dermatologists like it: Helps with very sensitive skin
• Key ingredients: D-Sensinose
• How to apply: Apply with your fingertips, massage gently

If your sensitive skin results in tingling, burning, numbness, or anything else beyond just "normal skin irritation," then you should definitely consider purchasing the Avène Tolerance Control Recovery Cream. With the primary ingredient of D-Sensinose, the moisturizer helps to immediately calm all sensations of skin discomfort aka abnormal response, and is dermatologist-recommended and approved by the National Eczema Association.

• Why dermatologists like it: Helps sensitive skin conditions
• Key ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal
• How to apply: Apply after cleansing

On the topic of distressed/abnormal skin responses, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is another moisturizer that works if you are having skin reactions such as tingling, numbness, and burning. Meant for both your face and body, the formula is deemed as an "intense hydration" used to help with hydrating dry parched skin, while temporarily relieving minor irritation and itching due to Eczema and other skin conditions. The reviews say that this works very well.

• Why dermatologists like it: Helps with skin balance
• Key ingredients: Seaweed Extract, Vitamin C, Mango Seed Butter
• How to apply: Scoop out a small amount and lightly rub onto face or neck in the morning or evening

Blu Atlas' Face Moisturizer is simple yet effective solution to moisturizing sensitive skin as it contains key ingredients along the lines of Seaweed Extract, Vitamin C, and Mango Seed Butter. The instructions are actually quite simple for using. All you have to do is scoop out a small amount on your fingertips (after you've cleansed of course), and lightly rub the product onto your face and neck in either the morning or evening. After that, you're all done!

• Why dermatologists like it: Helps with skin soothing and irritation
• Key ingredients: Hyaluron, Aloe Barbendensis
• How to apply: Apply one small drop after cleansing in the morning and the evening

The Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel is another simple formula with another simple regimen. Containing Hyaluron and Aloe Barbendensis, the moisturizer is a care formula that leanse and nourish the skin without destroying the natural acid protection mantle. As for the regimen, that's a simple process as well—all you have to do is apply one small drop and smooth around the face in both the morning and the evening, and you're all set for the day and night as you rest.