Skin sensitivity can manifest in many forms, including eczema, rosacea, redness and dryness. These conditions often come about from an allergic reaction to a particular ingredient in a skincare or makeup product. Here we review eight products that are specially formulated to be gentle and suitable for all skin types – particularly those with sensitive skin.
Little Hands Hawaii Body & Face Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
“Like many folks of late, running has become a newfound hobby of mine. I aim to clock at least 5km every other day, and I try as much as possible to avoid the peak periods in the morning and evening. Unfortunately, this means taking on Singapore’s brutal sun and sweating absolute buckets! Luckily, I’ve been armed with this made-in-Hawaii sunscreen, a nourishing and water resistant balm that stays put on my skin and doesn’t run or sting my eyes. It’s the brainchild of a Hawaiian couple who recognised the toxins in leading sunscreen brands and the damage caused by them to reefs; they set out to create a sunscreen that’s natural, chemical-free and eco-friendly. This product comes packaged in a recyclable tin with biodegradable labels and is purely natural and organic, made up of everything from coconut oil, jojoba, shea butter and beeswax to elderberry and frankincense essential oil. It smells great, isn’t oily and a little bit goes a long way!”
Available at skinseahawaii.com
– Leanda Rathmell
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion (chamomile scent)
“I don’t use body lotion that much in Singapore. With the humidity, it doesn’t feel like you need it – well, at least not like you do in colder climates. I do use it from time to time when I remember, though – and I’m particularly trying to remember my décolletage as it’s looking a bit scraggy! But I have also noticed that I’ve had little raised dry bits on my legs, and even my arms have looked a bit scaly lately. I like Aveeno products anyway, so I was happy to review this product. What I did notice is that, compared to the other moisturisers that I would put on before bed, I could still feel this in the morning. After a week of using it, my skin texture changed and the rough bits on my arms became softer. This product features a new chamomile scented, and although I’m not sure it smells like chamomile, it’s a relaxing and calming fragrance. Love it!”
– Rebecca Bisset
JS Orphic My Favourite Skin Hydrator
“A collaboration between renowned Olympic champion Joseph Schooling and an aesthetic doctor from Atlas Medi-Aesthetics, JS Orphic is a skincare range that aims to stimulate skin rejuvenation and provides protection without using harsh chemicals. Formulated for those with sensitive skin, the four products in the range help to cleanse, hydrate, repair and protect.
I tried the hydrating lotion, which is a paraben-free formula with ceramide complex and hollyhock extracts. Two pumps are enough for my face and neck; I apply it after my serum and before sunscreen. The formula is really cooling and it soothes as I pat it on. It sits on the surface of your skin, doesn’t feel greasy at all, but has a slight shine for a while before soaking in. It definitely feels like a barrier during that time, and the air seems to cool the skin even more. The scent is fresh, mild and pleasant (suitable for men or women), and my skin feels very smooth to the touch afterwards. I thought it wouldn’t feel hydrating, but it actually does. There was no skin reaction or stinging, and I think the hydrator is reducing the redness that always plagues me, too.”
Available at jsorphic.com
– Danielle Rossetti
Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Hyaluronic Acid Serum
“I’ve always been a fan of Skinceuticals, especially after trying and loving the H.A Intensifier a couple of years ago. This clinical skincare brand offers advanced formulas that are backed by science, and most of the products are suitable for sensitive skin, which is something I struggle with. This hydrating and soothing gel serum is another bestseller from the brand and I can see why. Made with botanical ingredients like cucumber and thyme, the gentle and paraben-free formula is suitable for all skin types – especially those with irritated or sensitive skin. After using it twice daily for two weeks, I’ve noticed that my acne flareups seem to have toned down a little. My existing acne marks aren’t completely erased, but they look smaller and less inflamed. I also love how lightweight it feels and how well it absorbs into my skin. For extra protection, I like to layer it with the Serum 10 (a vitamin C serum) in the morning.”
Available at selected aesthetic clinics and lazada.sg
– Anthia Chng
PAYOT Crème N°2 Nuage
PAYOT’s founder Nadia Payot was a groundbreaking female doctor of her generation. She saw the microbes and flora that exist as a protective layer on our skin, and how changes from stress or external pollution can cause redness and irritation. This brand was developed nearly 100 years ago and has cult status in many countries.
Crème N°2 series is specially formulated for sensitive skin, and is totally hypoallergenic. With frankincense to soothe, jasmine to reduce skin stress and a soft fragrance of rose and vanilla, this cream has a gentle and comfortable scent. The texture is light like whipped marshmallow; it feels rather rich when applied, but not oily at all. A protective barrier of zinc oxide seals in and protects the moisture. I definitely noticed a reduction in redness and an increase in hydration and firmness in my skin over just a few days of using this. Paired with the Crème N°2 anti-redness CC cream with SPF50+, I am ready to face the elements!
Available at TANGS VivoCity and online at tangs.com and Lazada
– Danielle Rossett
Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser,$41.70
“I’ve been using the same cleanser for years because of my sensitive and acne-prone skin. I tend to stay away from cleansers that are meant for oily and blemished skin as I find that they usually strip away too much oil and leave my skin feeling too dry.
This cleanser proved to be a refreshing change. The ingredients are mostly botanical and the non-soap formula – although strange at first – was surprisingly effective at keeping my skin hydrated while keeping it from going into oily overdrive. I love the subtle scent of apple and cardamom and how my skin feels after every wash. While I don’t think it has really brightened my skin, it sure makes my skin look and feel good. Plus, it contains a couple of my favourite fruits – kiwifruit and grape. It’s a lot pricier than your usual cleanser, but it’s worth the buy, in my opinion.”
– Anna Tserlingas
Canvas Brightening Clay Mask,$132.20
I have combination skin with heavy pigmentation around my cheekbones and eyes. My skin is also very sensitive, so I don’t use face masks very often.
The packaging for this clay mask is elegant and simple. It also smells great! I found it very easy to use – a thick layer applied to clean, dry skin and left on for 20 minutes before washing off. I’ve used it a couple of times a week, applying it all over with a foundation brush. Although my skin felt hydrated and refreshed after, I didn’t really notice a big difference with my pigmentation. Having said that, I’ll definitely keep using it, as I like the way my skin feels afterwards.
– Kel Flanders
Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Advanced Face Serum, $125
“As my job requires me to be out and about for meetings, my skin is constantly exposed to Singapore’s heat and humidity, which causes it to be very dull and dry.
After using this serum for almost a month, I can tell that it has put the moisture and glow back into my skin. My skin texture has improved, my complexion has brightened and the oiliness has reduced. While the product takes slightly longer to absorb than other serums I’ve tried, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue, which is great. My makeup also glides on more smoothly on top of it. There is, however, a pretty strong herbal scent – it smelled almost bitter at first, but I got used to it after a few days.”
– Alethea Loh, reader
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This article first appeared in the August 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
