Skin sensitivity can manifest in many forms, including eczema, rosacea, redness and dry skin. If you’re looking to ramp up your skincare regime, check out these sensitive skin moisturisers, serums, cleansers and more, reviewed by EL editors and readers.
Kundal Derma C.P.R. Ampoule Facial Mask, $18
“I’m a frequent user of hydrating sheet masks, and these vegan-certified ones from Korean skincare brand Kundal Derma tick all the right boxes. One pack comes with seven individual masks, so you’re getting a bang for your buck.Formulated with centella asiatica extract (a plant known for its soothing purposes), each mask is packed with 30 grams of highly concentrated ampoule to moisturise and soothe dry and irritated skin. My skin goes through phases, and recently it has been rather sensitive.
Whenever I use this mask, I’m pleasantly surprised by how immediate the calming and hydrating benefits are. There’s an ample amount of serum, so I love using the excess on my neck. My only small gripe is that the fit of the mask could be better, but other than that, I really have no complaints. Definitely worth repurchasing!”
– Anthia Chng
Al’s Beauty Bundle Unveiling set, $110
“This duo consists of the 24K Gold Intensive Eye Serum and 24K Gold Peel-Off Mask. The eye serum is packed with ingredients such as coconut and olive fruit oils to plump up and hydrate the skin. It absorbed quickly into my skin and didn’t leave any sticky feeling. After using it for a month, I noticed that the skin around my eyes looked fresher and brighter. I don’t usually apply eye serums in the day but this was light enough to go under my sunscreen.
Peel-off masks can get really messy and the removal process can be painful. However, this mask was easy to apply. It didn’t drip, and it stayed runny long enough for me to spread an even layer on my face. After 25 minutes of feeling as if my skin was being tightened, the mask came away easily when I peeled it off my face. It left my skin feeling refreshed, and looking brighter and smoother. My sensitive nose picked up a strong alcohol scent, but it dissipated as the mask solidified. I’m adding this to my weekly skincare routine and sharing it with my friends too!”
– Patricea Chow
Suu Balm Rapid Itch Relief Moisturiser, $49.90
“I have psoriasis, which is an inflammatory condition. I get relapses when it’s worse than usual, and then it becomes extremely itchy. So far, no creams I’ve tried have helped me – and believe me, I have tried a lot of different prescribed creams that claim to work. Suu Balm has really helped me. This gentle, steroid-free moisturiser contains menthol to soothe and cool the skin, as well as ceramides to restore skin moisture. It doesn’t fully get rid of my skin condition, but it does help with the itching, which gives my skin time to rest and heal.”
– Elo Gothe
Nuxe Paris Very Rose range, price varies
“I really love this range of sensitive face cleansers from Nuxe Paris. They combine makeup removal with the gentle soothing properties of rose floral water to remove impurities from the skin, leaving it soft and fresh. All the products smell amazing too.
Firstly, the Delicate Cleansing Oil ($34.90) was lovely for removing all types of makeup in the shower as it foams up when it comes into contact with water. However, I felt like it left a little oil on my skin even when I rinsed it off fully, so this wasn’t my favourite pick. The 3-in-1 Micellar Water ($28.90) was light and easy to use: simply apply with a cotton pad using light strokes all over the skin. This cleansing water even took off my waterproof mascara easily! It left my skin feeling bright and soft. The Cleansing Foam ($28.90) was my favourite from this range. I felt it left my skin cleaner and fresher than the other two. The light rose fragrance is lovely and the range is great for sensitive skin. I’m definitely a big fan.”
– Jacqui Young
CNP Laboratory Sensitive Skincare Range, price varies
“The Aqua Soothing Gel Cream ($48.90) has a really lovely texture. It’s creamy but light, and feels slightly cool when applying. The gorgeous hue of the jar helps too – like green sea-glass! I can apply it generously and it sinks in without leaving any residue on the skin.
I also tried the 2-Step Quick Soothing SOS Mask ($6.80), which includes the ampoule to be applied first, followed by a sheer mask containing seven types of natural plant extracts to soothe, hydrate and protect the skin. The sheet mask, which felt thicker than the others I’ve tried, was quite easy to use as I didn’t have excess product running into my ears and hair.
The Propolis Ampule Face Mist ($23.80) is my favourite part of the process. The super-fine mist smells like honey and doesn’t wet the face. Instead, it gives my complexion a healthy glow. I apply it before and after makeup, as well as throughout the day.”
– Danielle Rossetti
Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum, $64
Glow Recipe is one of my favourite skincare brands at the moment, with its amazing products and pretty packaging that looks fab in your bathroom.
This vegan, cruelty-free and parabenfree serum works great when paired with other products from the brand’s green avocado range. Known for its healing and calming properties, the product is gentle on the skin and restores hydration with its plant-based avocado extract. It’s lightweight and absorbs into the skin well; the calming essence-like formula restores skin to its full glory. It can be used in the morning and evening, but I’ve been using it mainly at night as I find it works best after makeup removal.
If I feel tired in the morning, I mix one pump of this to calm and take the redness out of my skin, plus a pump of another one of Glow Recipe’s magic serums to hydrate or brighten. It’s great that the products can be mixed and matched; this serum provides a great base for all.
– Jacqui Young
Dermedics SOS Biomimetic Soothing Serum, $178
facialsingapore.sg/product-category/dermedics
“I blush easily, go bright red when I exercise, and often have skin irritations from beauty products formulated with strong ingredients. This product, dispensed from a pump bottle, is a creamy gel formula. It feels a little cooling to the touch when it goes on, so I use it when I come back from exercising. It does calm down the redness somewhat, and leaves my skin feeling soft and cool. It soaks right in and is non-greasy.
The product is fragrance-free, but there is a mild, natural smell, which is not lovely but also not as bad as I expected after I read that one of the active ingredients is sea anemone protein! I also use it before I apply my serum as a kind of moisture aid, and after doing a facial scrub (which can irritate my skin) – kind of like a soothing, creamy toner.”
– Danielle Rossetti
Sense De Belle Clarifying Cleanser, $58
#02-02 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
“After trying and loving the hyaluronic moisturiser from this salon’s in-house skincare range, I was excited to try this cleanser! I have combination skin; my T-zone is quite oily and I do get pimples occasionally.
This cleanser is specially formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients to remove excess oil, sebum and bacteria that can block pores and irritate skin. At first, I thought it wasn’t foamy, but adding water made it lather up well with a creamy texture. It’s easy to use and has a pleasant scent.
After using it, my skin feels cleaner, fresher and moisturised. Sometimes when I’m too busy and really have to get out of the door quickly, I just wash and go as I find that the formula doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry like some other cleansers I’ve tried. Apply one pump – a little goes a long way – and massage into your face; then rinse off with cold water. I will definitely continue using Sense De Belle products – they are amazing!”
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Sheroxi Hydraboost & Soothe Facial Spray, $124
“Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin like mine, this gentle and lightweight facial mist works well as a toner after cleansing, or a refreshing spray for any time of the day. It’s formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, which helps to retain moisture within the skin layers, and distilled Damask Rose Hydrosol (floral water) to soothe irritated skin. I love its light floral scent that dissipates once the mist settles in, so there’s no lingering fragrance. Just remember to tap the product into your skin, or it may leave a tacky finish!
This mist is great for rejuvenating skin (and your senses!) during that mid-afternoon slump. The bottle is relatively large compared to most toners I’ve tried, which evens out the hefty price tag. I’ve been generously spritzing it on every day for a month and I’m still not halfway through!”
– Anthia Chng
Nature Up Organic Rebalancing Restorative Lotion, $32
“At first when I read the word “lotion”, I was a little apprehensive because I thought this product was going to be heavy and sticky. To my surprise, it’s not!
The Italian-made lotion is wonderfully light and feels more like a tonic than a lotion, which is great for humid Singapore. I love the bottle and how easily you can pump out the product. More importantly, this amazing rebalancing and restorative product is formulated without nasties. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and has been tested against metal, so it’s suitable for all sensitive skin and souls out there. I have used it both in the day and at night after washing my face. It leaves my face feeling fresh, bouncy and bright, with a more even complexion with consistent use. It can even help with puffy eyes! One bottle lasts for at least a month, so you’re getting great value. ”
–Susan Knudsen-Pickles
This article first appeared in the Summer issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
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