Natural care for sensitive and reactive skin

Sensitive skin reacts more easily and intensely than usual to different stimuli and external irritants. This sensitivity can affect any part of the face or body, although it tends to be limited to specific areas of the face. You might, for example, have sensitive cheeks but not the rest of your face.

Like dehydration, skin sensitivity is a recurring tendency rather than a permanent state. It can come and go, sometimes in cycles, meaning your skin may feel more sensitive than usual from one day to the next, depending on various factors.

The terms used to describe skin reactions are often confused, but sensitive, irritated, allergic and atopic skin are not the same. Understanding the differences can help you choose suitable skincare products and better understand how your skin reacts.

Allergic or sensitised skin

Allergic skin reacts to a specific substance that triggers an immune response. This is known as a contact allergy. It can cause localised redness, swelling and other signs of skin discomfort. This type of reaction involves the immune system and is known as allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritated or irritable skin

What feels like skin hypersensitivity is often irritation. Skin becomes irritated when it comes into contact with an ingredient or product that can irritate it. This can compromise the skin barrier, causing redness, stinging or a burning sensation.

Sensitive or hypersensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts more intensely than usual to external factors that are generally well tolerated, such as changes in temperature, cosmetics, pollution or friction. These reactions often cause redness and discomfort, including tingling, tightness or a burning sensation.

Hypersensitive skin shows similar signs, but the reactions tend to be more pronounced and frequent.

Dehydrated skin

Dehydrated skin is not necessarily sensitive. It lacks water, often because the skin barrier is less effective at retaining moisture, which can lead to tightness and discomfort. A weakened skin barrier can also make the skin more sensitive.

Atopic skin

Atopic skin is associated with atopy, a predisposition to allergic conditions. It falls within a specific medical context and often requires dermatological care. It is distinct from simply having sensitive skin, even though some symptoms may be similar.

Sensitive or reactive skin can have many causes. Understanding them can help you anticipate how your skin may react and minimise discomfort.

Genetics

Genetically influenced skin sensitivity is often associated with a thinner, more fragile hydrolipid barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to environmental factors.

Weather conditions

Wind, cold, dry air and UV rays can all disrupt the skin’s hydrolipid balance.

Air pollution

Air pollution can weaken the skin barrier and contribute to inflammation, making the skin more prone to reactions.

Processed foods

Processed foods can promote inflammation and contribute to increased skin sensitivity.

Cosmetic products

Cosmetic products containing sensitising or irritating ingredients, such as fragrances, surfactants or certain preservatives, can weaken the skin barrier and make it more reactive.

Hormonal changes, particularly during the menopause

Falling oestrogen levels during the menopause contribute to reduced collagen production. As the skin becomes thinner and less elastic, it may become more vulnerable to environmental factors. Changes in the skin barrier can also affect its ability to retain moisture.

Sensitive skin can affect everyone differently, and symptoms can vary depending on the situation. It tends to react more strongly than usual to things that most skin tolerates well, causing discomfort and sometimes visible signs.

Common symptoms include:

• Tightness: a feeling of tight, uncomfortable skin, often after cleansing or when the temperature changes.

• Tingling or prickling: sensations that may be brief or persistent, sometimes occurring after applying a skincare product or exposure to certain environmental factors.

• A burning or warming sensation: a feeling of heat or discomfort that can occur even when there are no visible signs on the skin.

• Redness: redness of varying intensity, often affecting the cheeks, nose or other areas of the face.

• Increased sensitivity to touch: the skin may react to gentle contact or everyday triggers, such as rubbing, temperature changes or the application of a cosmetic product.

It’s important to remember that sensitive skin is not a skin type in itself. Dry, oily and combination skin can all become sensitive at different points in life. Skin sensitivity can occur at any age, and how it manifests may vary depending on the condition of the skin barrier and environmental factors.

When your skin is sensitive or reactive, the aim is to support the skin barrier and minimise anything that could make it more reactive. Rather than using lots of products, it’s generally best to keep your routine simple, choosing gentle, well-tolerated products that help keep your skin comfortable and protect it from external irritants.

Here are some skincare products and ingredients that are particularly suitable for sensitive skin:

Directions for use and precautions for this supplement: Take one capsule a day with a glass of water. This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Keep out of reach of children.

To find out more, discover our experts’ skincare routine for sensitive skin.

A gentle daily routine is a good starting point, but certain skincare products can offer extra comfort to sensitive or reactive skin. Choose simple, well-tolerated formulas that help support the skin barrier and reduce the risk of irritation.

Here are some natural skincare products to complement your routine and suit your skin’s needs.

Soothing and balancing facial serums

Some concentrated serums can help address specific skin concerns while remaining suitable for sensitive skin.

Our Soothing Ceramide & Phytosterol Oil Serum

This innovative serum has a high-tolerance formula that instantly soothes reactive skin, reduces redness, restores the skin barrier and calms itching. Its fine, silky texture helps simplify your skincare routine. One step is all it takes to soothe sensitive skin.

Discover the Soothing Ceramides & Phytosterols Oil Serum

Nourishing skincare for dry and sensitive skin

When skin feels dry, tight or uncomfortable, richer textures can help soothe it and protect it from moisture loss.

Our Organic Shea Butter and Immortelle Balm

This balm melts into the skin and is enriched with Immortelle, German Chamomile, Spike Lavender and Andiroba oils, known for their soothing and restorative properties. It’s ideal for caring for dry, delicate skin.

Discover our Organic Shea Butter and Immortelle Balm

Organic Fine Lavender Floral Elixir

Infused with sprigs of fine lavender, this facial elixir nourishes combination skin and soothes delicate skin. Made by slowly macerating French-grown flowers in organic jojoba oil, it offers soothing, balancing and restorative benefits. Its subtle, comforting lavender scent evokes the blue fields of Provence in summer. Use it as a serum or as part of your daily facial routine.

Discover our Organic Fine Lavender Precious Flower Elixir

High-tolerance moisturisers

Moisturisers play an important role in caring for sensitive skin by helping to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier [Misery, 2019].

Our neutral hydrating face and body cream

This certified organic face and body cream has a 100% natural formula enriched with aloe vera and peppermint hydrosol, known for their moisturising and refreshing properties. It provides intense, long-lasting hydration for up to eight hours after application. Use it on its own or customise it with other active ingredients and essential oils for the face or body. For details of the available additions and recommended quantities, see our [advice sheet].

Discover our Hydrating Face and Body Cream

Our Organic All-Purpose Cream

With its 100% natural formula, enriched with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula and jojoba, this cream is suitable for all types of delicate skin. Its soft, non-greasy texture makes it ideal for use on the face.

Discover our All-Purpose Cream

A few simple changes to your daily routine can help reduce skin reactions and keep your skin comfortable. Sensitive skin generally responds best to a gentle, consistent approach with as few products as necessary.

• Be gentle with your skin: avoid rubbing too hard, especially with cotton pads or rough towels, as this can increase irritation and discomfort.

• Keep cleansing simple: choose gentle cleansers and avoid using too many products at once, as this can increase the risk of irritation.

• Stick to a consistent routine: avoid changing products too often, as frequent changes can upset your skin’s balance.

• Moisturise regularly: apply a moisturiser to keep your skin comfortable and support its protective barrier.

• Protect your skin from the elements: cold, wind and sun exposure can all aggravate sensitive skin.

• Dry your skin gently: pat it dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.

• Limit potential triggers: certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as harsh environmental conditions, may worsen redness and discomfort.

These simple steps can help keep your skin comfortable and reduce everyday irritation.

For combination and sensitive skin

Zinc Hyaluronate & Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream

Contrary to popular belief, oily skin can be sensitive too. In fact, using products that are too harsh can trigger reactive seborrhoea (sometimes called the ‘rebound effect’). Acne-prone skin can be particularly sensitive, so it’s best to care for it gently. Choose lightweight skincare products that help soothe inflammation. Our Zinc Hyaluronate & Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream is an organic purifying fluid cream that helps rebalance and mattify the skin, moisturise it and reduce blemishes.

Discover our Zinc Hyaluronate & Plant-Based Salicylic Acid Fluid Cream

For dry and sensitive skin

Youth enhancing face and body cream

Dryness and sensitivity often go hand in hand. Naturally dry skin, which is often hereditary, is thinner than other skin types. It also has fewer surface lipids, making it more prone to reactions and intolerance. This can become more pronounced with age, as the skin produces less sebum and becomes more permeable. To help protect it, choose skincare products with richer, more protective textures for normal to dry skin, such as occlusive balms.

Discover our Youth Enhancing Face and Body Cream

If you have sensitive skin, test any new product on a small area of skin before adding it to your routine. Apply a little to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if any reaction occurs before using it more widely.

Avoid using too many different products or applying them too frequently. Sensitive and reactive skin can be easily disrupted, so once you’ve found a routine that works for you, stick to it rather than changing products too often.

In winter, sensitive skin is more prone to dryness. Choose ultra-nourishing, hypoallergenic balms to help replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which acts as a protective shield against environmental irritants.

Hélène Betoux is a French beauty journalist specialising in online media. She writes daily advice, recommendations and guides to help consumers choose the beauty products best suited to their needs. A firm advocate of natural, organic and ‘clean’ cosmetics, she closely follows trends and innovations in the sector, which she enjoys analysing and sharing.