THE AMERICA ONE NEWS
Feb 25, 2025 |
0
| Remer,MNSponsor: QWIKET AI
Sponsor: QWIKET AI
Sponsor: QWIKET AI: Sports Knowledge
Sponsor: QWIKET AI: Interactive Sports Knowledge.
Sponsor: QWIKET AI: Interactive Sports Knowledge and Reasoning Support.
topic
HuffPost
9h
Sephora, Amazon, Seen Beauty
Sometimes it feels like I have the most sensitive skin on the planet, thanks to several forms of eczema and extremely overactive allergies to fragrance and metals. For 33 years, I’ve had to mind everything that touches my skin for even a second — from earrings to laundry products to sunscreen to bug spray to makeup and beyond.
While it may seem majorly inconvenient (tween me who wanted the cute Bath & Body Works products my friends had would concur), I’ve grown to consider the hyper-sensitivities a superpower. I won’t blast them here, but this skin has called many brands’ bluff on their “hypoallergenic” and “sensitive skin” promises. As a result, studying ingredient labels and questioning everything on product packaging is a long-ingrained part of my lifestyle and consumer behavior.
After 33 years of trial and uncomfortable error, I’ve locked in the best products that I can actually use. While I do see a dermatologist for a triamcinolone acetonide cream prescription that quickly restores my skin if it ever breaks out, I’ve significantly reduced my dependency on the prescription down to nearly zero by sticking to the trusted products below. Though the lineup changes sometimes (products enter or leave the market, formulas change, my needs change, etc.), so many things have been tried and true.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
Robbie Ross from Robbie Ross / Canva, CeraVe
CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser
The hype about this fragrance-free cleanser is real! As most CeraVe products are, it's approved by the National Eczema Association and has been my main thing for years. Sometimes, eczema (or even just the weather or air!) can render my face extremely dry. I can cleanse with this twice daily without summoning the tight, parched feeling I hate. "It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin as well as ceramides [to] support and strengthen the skin barrier," Dr. Marisa Garshick told HuffPost in a previous report on all-purpose cleanser recommendations.
I keep a full-size bottle on my counter and a three-ounce bottle for travel (usually found the easiest and most affordable at Target) at all times.
I keep a full-size bottle on my counter and a three-ounce bottle for travel (usually found the easiest and most affordable at Target) at all times.
2
Robbie Ross from Robbie Ross Canva Pro, CeraVe
CeraVe acne foaming cream cleanser
I promise this isn't meant to be a CeraVe ad but I can't mention the hydrating cleanser without also noting my second-in-command: The acne foaming cream cleanser. I don't use it daily (despite the brand saying it's OK) but whenever I have a case of mild adult acne, this is the cleanser I lean on to clear it up right away and prevent additional outbreaks. Trying to address one skin issue without triggering another with my allergies is pretty much the story of my life and luckily, this product helps my successful balancing act.
Note: While this is a gentle, fragrance-free formula, it contains 4% benzoyl peroxide — an ingredient designed to kill acne-causing bacteria. Like most acne products, this means it can cause dryness (balancing act, remember?). That said, you can prevent it by following it with a good moisturizer and other hydrating products — and oh darling, do I have great recs for this. Scroll on!
Note: While this is a gentle, fragrance-free formula, it contains 4% benzoyl peroxide — an ingredient designed to kill acne-causing bacteria. Like most acne products, this means it can cause dryness (balancing act, remember?). That said, you can prevent it by following it with a good moisturizer and other hydrating products — and oh darling, do I have great recs for this. Scroll on!
3
Hero Cosmetics acne patches
At least once a month, I experience a bump or two and these acne patches help clear them up quickly. It may not be a big deal to some that I can wear these because they're so popular now, but as a kid, I couldn't even put fun stickers on my face because the adhesive would break me out for days afterward. I tried one anyway because at least it didn't have any added fragrance or other weird ingredients.
Not only does the patch minimize redness and the overall size of a pimple, but sometimes it completely clears a bump overnight — no itching or scarring involved. I use the Invisible+ ones because they're thinner and designed to wear discreetly in the daytime. At night or when I don't plan to leave the house, I wear the Original acne patches.
Not only does the patch minimize redness and the overall size of a pimple, but sometimes it completely clears a bump overnight — no itching or scarring involved. I use the Invisible+ ones because they're thinner and designed to wear discreetly in the daytime. At night or when I don't plan to leave the house, I wear the Original acne patches.
4
CeraVe acne control gel
Another item in my trusted CeraVe war chest is this fragrance-free acne control gel. It's a gentle formula that not only clears up bumps but helps prevent future breakouts and minimizes the look of pores. I especially love that it's non-drying because it's alcohol-free and designed to moisturize, too — a first for me where acne products for sensitive skin are concerned. Transparently, even though it's designed to be gentle, I still never lather it all over my face. I use it to spot correct only.
5
Heritage Store rosewater toner
In 2020, I had an extreme dry skin period with an unusual amount of acne breakouts. I learned from aestheticians and dermatologists that breakouts can happen due to your skin over-producing oil in response to dehydration. Down for something cheaper than a co-pay, I looked up this rosewater moisturizing essence after an aesthetician recommended it on Twitter. Of course, I dived into the ingredients first and to my surprise, the essence does contain fragrance! The reason I still tried it: It's all-natural, derived from real roses and not some synthetic fragrance made up in a lab. The toner itself restores the skin's pH balance while keeping it hydrated and supple thanks to hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA.
I used the hydrating toner with a mega-hydrating night cream and my face returned to normal in no time. I now use the night cream only as needed but I still use this toner daily — after cleansing but before moisturizing. Dryness, solved!
I used the hydrating toner with a mega-hydrating night cream and my face returned to normal in no time. I now use the night cream only as needed but I still use this toner daily — after cleansing but before moisturizing. Dryness, solved!
6
Amazon, Robbie Ross/Canva
Paula's Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant
I always skipped traditional exfoliators because they irritated me so badly — especially the ones with the abrasive beads. (By the way, many dermatologists and aestheticians warn against using those face scrubs because they're too harsh on anyone's skin, even if you don't feel it.)
This fragrance-free exfoliant from cult-favorite skin care brand Paula's Choice has been a godsend. Instead of beads, this exfoliant includes 2% beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently removes layers of dead skin without the abrasion. I use this two times a week and a little goes a LONG way so I only ever buy the smallest (and cheapest!) travel size, which lasts me six months or more.
This fragrance-free exfoliant from cult-favorite skin care brand Paula's Choice has been a godsend. Instead of beads, this exfoliant includes 2% beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently removes layers of dead skin without the abrasion. I use this two times a week and a little goes a LONG way so I only ever buy the smallest (and cheapest!) travel size, which lasts me six months or more.
7
Eucerin Intensive Repair body lotion
Although I do use CeraVe's lotion, too, the Eucerin Intensive Repair lotion reigns supreme for deep hydration if you have dry skin. It's fragrance-free and thick for times when I'm dealing with excessive dryness. I like to put this on immediately after hopping out of the shower to rehydrate my skin, soften it and give it a glow. The repair lotion comes in a range of thicknesses based on skin preferences and needs. Each Eucerin lotion bottle reflects the thickness in an easy-to-understand chart posted on the front of the label and the range includes light, mid-level and rich.
I use the richest on the meter primarily in the winter when my skin gets the driest or when I have a severe dry spell due to my eczema throughout the year. When I'm not going through any severe dryness and it's hot out, I prefer the lighter option; it's easier to spread and still hydrates well. I also keep the mini-size on hand in my purse to rehydrate my hands since I wash them so often. I never put it on my face because even the lightest one is too heavy for that.
I use the richest on the meter primarily in the winter when my skin gets the driest or when I have a severe dry spell due to my eczema throughout the year. When I'm not going through any severe dryness and it's hot out, I prefer the lighter option; it's easier to spread and still hydrates well. I also keep the mini-size on hand in my purse to rehydrate my hands since I wash them so often. I never put it on my face because even the lightest one is too heavy for that.
8
CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion
For my face, I keep this fragrance-free daily moisturizing lotion on hand. This one is rich enough to hydrate the full body thanks to the hyaluronic acid on the ingredients list, which can keep the body moisturized for up to 24 hours! It also has ceramides that restore and maintain the skin's barrier. Still, the lotion is light enough to use on the face without causing breakouts. I love to check this one in my suitcase when I travel so I can save space by using one product to moisturize my face and body.
9
CeraVe eye repair cream
The eye area tends to be the most sensitive part of most humans' faces and it's extra-sensitive for me. While many brands tout a "gentle" eye cream, I pray CeraVe never stops making this fragrance-free eye repair because it's the only one I can apply without waking up to lids twice their size. It has the three essential ceramides that repair and protect the skin barrier plus hyaluronic acid to keep the area from becoming dry and papery. The cream also helps minimize the look of puffiness and dark circles (ones that aren't associated with genetics). I also use it on my lips if I'm ever in a pinch and can't find my lip balm and, hey, it works.
Friendly heads up: This isn't the cream for addressing fine lines and wrinkles. The one you're looking for is CeraVe's Skin Renewing Eye Cream. I haven't tried that one but it does have thousands of 5-star ratings if you're interested. Both creams are recommended by dermatologists, per previous HuffPost reports.
Friendly heads up: This isn't the cream for addressing fine lines and wrinkles. The one you're looking for is CeraVe's Skin Renewing Eye Cream. I haven't tried that one but it does have thousands of 5-star ratings if you're interested. Both creams are recommended by dermatologists, per previous HuffPost reports.
10
Supergoop! Unseen sunscreen
This fragrance-free sunscreen is pricier than others but I declare it's worth every penny spent and I buy it on repeat. It's super lightweight on my face thanks to an oil-free formula and it offers SPF 40 sun protection.
Lastly and most important to me, it looks GREAT on my face. Most sunscreens on the market give me a white cast that I hate. As powerful as this one is, the product isn't visually detectable. Because a little goes a long way, I keep one mini-size for daily use and another in my toiletry bag for travel. The sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes and can even be worn under makeup.
Lastly and most important to me, it looks GREAT on my face. Most sunscreens on the market give me a white cast that I hate. As powerful as this one is, the product isn't visually detectable. Because a little goes a long way, I keep one mini-size for daily use and another in my toiletry bag for travel. The sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes and can even be worn under makeup.
11
Black Girl Sunscreen
I also adore Black Girl Sunscreen and keep several bottles on hand, especially during the summer. Although it's designed for the face and body, I only apply it to my body because I prefer the lighter, Supergoop! formula on my face.
That said, the brand did release a face-specific sunscreen after its initial launch that I tried later with positive results. Both formulas are fragrance-free and leave no white cast — making BGS and Supergoop! the only fragrance-free sun-protective products on the market that don't irritate my skin. For BGS, I also appreciate that it's designed with other important skin care properties like jojoba, cacao and avocado that nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.
That said, the brand did release a face-specific sunscreen after its initial launch that I tried later with positive results. Both formulas are fragrance-free and leave no white cast — making BGS and Supergoop! the only fragrance-free sun-protective products on the market that don't irritate my skin. For BGS, I also appreciate that it's designed with other important skin care properties like jojoba, cacao and avocado that nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.
12
Avatara Drink Up Thirst-Quenching Hydro face mask
I could never participate in the self-care masking fun I see so many people doing on social media until I found this hydrating Drink Up face mask. It's free of irritating ingredients like silicones, parabens and fragrances yet rich with yummy ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and licorice root.
The mask also has a cooling, soft and jelly-like texture, making it a soothing way to relax and treat yourself at the end of a hot, summer day. Get a pack of five from Amazon!
The mask also has a cooling, soft and jelly-like texture, making it a soothing way to relax and treat yourself at the end of a hot, summer day. Get a pack of five from Amazon!
13
Dove ultra-sensitive gel body wash
Dove has been my go-to brand for body wash and soaps for almost my entire life. In middle school, I used their fragrance-free bar soap. By high school, I was a body wash snob using their fragrance-free option. That product eventually phased out for a sensitive skin version that I don't love. This January, Dove released its ultra-sensitive body wash that's a dream, OK? It doesn't lather much but it cleanses without drying and most importantly, it doesn't irritate.
Note: Yes, items labeled "sensitive skin" versus "fragrance-free" are different. They mean different things about the ingredients list and subsequently, for how people with fragrance allergies may react to the products. For more info about the difference between the labeling, check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's cheat sheet about it. Short version: I go with fragrance-free products nearly every time.
And pro tip: I rarely ever find this in person anywhere except Target.
Note: Yes, items labeled "sensitive skin" versus "fragrance-free" are different. They mean different things about the ingredients list and subsequently, for how people with fragrance allergies may react to the products. For more info about the difference between the labeling, check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's cheat sheet about it. Short version: I go with fragrance-free products nearly every time.
And pro tip: I rarely ever find this in person anywhere except Target.
14
Eucerin body and face cleanser
When Dove took away my preferred fragrance-free body wash option, I had to make a quick pivot to either their bar soap or this gentle fragrance-free Eucerin wash. Since it's for the face and body, it's handy for travel to minimize the bottle count in your suitcase. If you're ever in a pinch and need to buy some in person, I rarely see this body wash in stores outside of Target. Walmart does carry an alternate Eucerin body wash but be warned: that one isn't for the face.
15
Sephora
Clinique Moisture Surge
Clinique is the OG skin care brand my mother and grandmother used and it's still a fine choice for high-end beauty finds that people with sensitive skin can indulge in. The brand's Moisture Surge hydrator has supported my skin since high school. First launched in 1988 and revamped with an improved formula in 2021, it remains a reliable workhorse of a product. The formula hydrates, helps brighten dark spots, smoothes and preps skin for makeup and can even be used as a 15-minute mask! (Before I found an actual face mask my skin could handle, I used this during my nighttime routine and it zapped the dryness away with ease.)
16
CeraVe skin renewing night cream
This fragrance-free night cream works really well to super-hydrate and restore the skin's protective barrier overnight. It's also packed with peptides that help smooth lines and wrinkles. Truthfully though, the cream isn't as hydrating as the Clinique Moisture Surge, but I do use it a lot and recommend it to others because it goes on sale more often. It's also more convenient to find and buy than Clinique's hydrator, even though they're both sold online. This one is an easier pick-up product at way more stores where you would be shopping for other things in person if you need it more immediately.
Pro tip: No shade to drugstores, but this cream is always a few dollars cheaper at the bigger retailers. Case in point, it's $20 at Walgreens and CVS right now. LOL why?
Pro tip: No shade to drugstores, but this cream is always a few dollars cheaper at the bigger retailers. Case in point, it's $20 at Walgreens and CVS right now. LOL why?
17
Fragrance-free baby wipes
As you likely know, wipes come in handy for all sorts of things, especially when you're on the go. Unfortunately, plenty of wipes described as "sensitive" and even "fragrance-free" still burned my face. I keep a pack of these fragrance-free baby wipes in my bag at all times because I never know when I need to wipe something on or around me. These I can use on my face, neck and hands with no trouble. They're available in travel and full sizes plus three quantity options. (If you're ever in-person, look for the smallest size on the aisle for travel-size toiletries.)
18
Summer's Eve fragrance-free daily gentle cloths
Speaking of wipes, these pH-balanced Summer's Eve wipes are fragrance-, dye- and paraben-free so you can wipe intimate areas on the go without risking irritation. Although I try my darndest to rarely use public restrooms, sometimes, I just gotta go. And sometimes? I accidentally go into the stall without checking if it has tissue first. When that happens, these wipes are always in my bag to save the day without causing more issues later.
But also, honestly? I originally bought these to keep on hand in case I had to wipe my pits down at an outdoor concert last year. Per the reviews, I'm not the only one who uses them all over. Get a pack of 16 on Amazon for under $5.
But also, honestly? I originally bought these to keep on hand in case I had to wipe my pits down at an outdoor concert last year. Per the reviews, I'm not the only one who uses them all over. Get a pack of 16 on Amazon for under $5.
19
Seen Restore scalp serum
Shocking revelation here: Scalp is skin. We don't often treat it like it is because we put things on our heads that we'd never allow on our faces. Still, our scalps can call for a little skin care-focused TLC. This lightweight Seen Restore scalp serum has been my holy grail. Is it expensive? Yes, but it's worth every penny. The serum is a fragrance-free, non-greasy formula perfect for hydrating my scalp when it gets dry but I don't have time (or it's too early) for a full wash day. The Seen brand itself is a skin care-focused hair care brand founded by a Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin.
I wouldn't dare apply many of the scalp serums on the market because they'd take me from one itchy situation to a worse one that requires medication — but this serum saves the day every time. I buy it at full price without blinking, but we're both in luck because it's 30% off right now.
I wouldn't dare apply many of the scalp serums on the market because they'd take me from one itchy situation to a worse one that requires medication — but this serum saves the day every time. I buy it at full price without blinking, but we're both in luck because it's 30% off right now.
20
Kristin Ess shampoo and conditioning set
Speaking of watching what I put on my head so I don't spite my scalp, this Kristin Ess shampoo and conditioner combo is also an affordable hair care system that's gentle on my skin. It's especially helpful because I cleanse my hair in the shower to kill two birds with one wash session. With this combo, I don't have to worry about irritating my scalp or any other part of my body while it runs down in the water. Of course, because it's still a hair care product, I also appreciate how well it works on my hair. It's designed for all hair types and I'm very pleased it works for my kinks and coils. The shampoo is cleansing without stripping and the conditioner softens and replenishes.
21
Purell hand sanitizer wipes
I wash my hands and sanitize them a ridiculous amount of times per day. Double that when I'm traveling. These fragrance-free Purell wipes ensure I can be as excessive with that practice as often as I please without triggering a reaction. They come in individual packets in a box of 100 and I have them tucked everywhere.
22
Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets
Yes, having sensitive skin requires me to also be mindful about what I wash my clothes with. As weird as it may be that something meant to cleanse my clothes could linger in fabric and make me itchy days later — that's definitely my experience if I don't use gentle laundry detergent. Fragrance-free Earth Breeze laundry detergent sheets are a mess-free option I love. They're also very lightweight and easy to slip into a carry-on or suitcase when I'm traveling.
23
100% pure jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is one of the only oils that mimic the skin's natural sebum, making it one of the most comfortable oils to lather on your skin without feeling greasy or sticky. When I need to rub my feet after a long day, I use it as long as it's 100% pure jojoba oil. I even take it with me for the massage therapists to use at the spa instead of their house oils, since those are often filled with fragrances that break me out. I usually grab the one from Cliganic on Amazon or if I need to buy it in person, I grab the Sky Organics one from Walmart.
24
Off! Clean Feel insect repellant
Off! Clean Feel insect repellant is the only bug spray I can wear. It's fragrance-free and does "feel good on skin" (as in not sticky) just as they market it on the bottle. I brought this with me on a trip to Aruba (along with bug-repellant bracelets) to survive mosquitos in the Caribbean and it worked superbly.
25
Cliganic mosquito repellent bracelets
Shocked to see repellent bracelets on a list of products for sensitive skin? Truly, if it touches the skin, it's something I have to think twice about before contact. In Aruba, a friend was surprised I could wear these (because I can't wear most jewelry). But ta-da, I can, they don't irritate and they did repel mosquitos. The bracelets are made with all-natural geranium, lemongrass and citronella to ward off mosquitos without making trouble for my wrist. They're available in packs of 10, 25 or 50.