Facial
Cleansers
for Sensitive Skin

The five main skin types, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), include sensitive, oily, dry, normal, and combination skin.¹ Sensitive skin is characterized as skin that has an increased tendency to react to environmental factors (such as certain skincare ingredients). The sensitive skin type tends to be more prone to experiencing visible skin reactions and symptoms like redness, burning, or stinging. For help identifying your skin type, visit our skin type guide.

Although sensitive skin is often referred to as a skin type, it’s important to note that sensitivity can also be classified as a skin condition. This means that people with oily skin and dry skin can also experience sensitive skin—with dry sensitive skin being the more common of the two. In some cases, it’s also possible for sensitivity to be an indication of certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis.

Anyone can experience sensitive skin after applying an irritant or harsh ingredient to their skin. However, some people are born with naturally sensitive skin. In these cases, genetics are believed to play a large role. This may be due to a sensitive immune system or differences in a person’s natural skin barrier. Some studies also suggest that there may be a link between a weakened skin barrier and sensitive skin.² Sensitive skin can be influenced by factors such as hormones, age, weather conditions, personal care products, rough fabrics, and more. As the underlying causes of sensitive skin can be quite complex, it’s important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist when identifying possible triggers.

If you’re not sure whether or not you have sensitive skin, it’s best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist. You can also observe your skin at home for common signs of sensitivity. For example, you may notice that your skin seems to have a lower tolerance to cosmetic ingredients than other skin types. This is because sensitive skin is more easily triggered by topical irritants, like dyes or fragrance. Some signs to look out for include skin that appears red and feels like it's burning, itching, or stinging. You may also experience an uncomfortable sensation of tightness or dryness.

Sensitive skin has been closely studied since the 1970s, with more and more people reporting facial skin sensitivity in recent years. According to scientific polls, approximately 60-70% of women and 50-60% of men have sensitive skin to some degree.² This means that about half the population has at least mildly sensitive skin, making it a very common skin concern. Although sensitive skin can affect both your face and body, it’s more commonly seen on the face—where your protective skin barrier is thinner.

If you have sensitive skin, you might struggle to find a skincare routine that provides visible benefits, without irritating your skin. For example, some people with sensitive skin may find that certain face washes contain harsh ingredients that leave their skin feeling stripped and dry. Others may find it challenging to use certain active ingredients for targeted skin concerns, such as retinol or glycolic acid, without triggering uncomfortable side effects in their sensitive skin.

It’s possible to support a healthy-looking complexion with a daily skincare regimen that’s gentle on sensitive skin. We recommend a routine that includes hydrating ingredients and mild formulas that help nourish, soothe, and protect your skin. If you have sensitive skin, a board-certified dermatologist can help you identify triggering agents and suggest the best ways to avoid them in your skincare routine. A simple regimen that focuses on skincare essentials—such as a gentle face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen—may help you avoid introducing too many ingredients at once. CeraVe’s sensitive skin cleansers and other skincare products for sensitive skin are formulated to help maintain your skin’s comfort and overall health, with beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a face cleanser for sensitive skin. We recommend looking for non-irritating sensitive skin cleansers that are developed with dermatologists to help address the unique needs of your skin type. It’s also ideal to use face washes that are fragrance-free, since fragrance is a proven irritant for sensitive skin. Choosing the best cleanser for sensitive skin is a personal decision and will depend on your preferences, sensitivities, and other skin concerns. CeraVe’s range of face cleansers for sensitive skin includes gentle, soothing options that are fragrance-free, developed with dermatologists, and formulated with three essential ceramides to help maintain the skin barrier while you cleanse.

1. “Skin Care Tips Dermatologists Use.” American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2022.
2. Farage MA. “The Prevalence of Sensitive Skin.” Front Med (Lausanne). 2019 May 17;6:98. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00098. PMID: 31157225; PMCID: PMC6533878.