Barrier repair, a popular trend in skincare, and Eastern beauty practices all place an increased emphasis on the best serums for sensitive skin. No matter which complexion philosophy you’re following—from a pared-back regimen to an elaborate multi-step routine—soothing and balancing is key to overall, and optimal, skin health.
This shift in focus to calming serums was largely driven by the realization that an overuse of exfoliating acids and potent retinols—while helpful in moderation, and dependent on skin type—was in fact delivering the opposite of the youthful glow it promised. Instead, overzealous application of harsh actives left many with damaged skin barriers that led to further complications: dryness, enlarged pores, increased sensitivity. To reverse those effects, experts recommend prioritizing gentle salves.
“Simple and gentle is the way to go,” , a skincare expert and ambassador previously told —encouraging use of ingredients like fatty acids, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to calm and rebuild the lipid barrier. While this edit is especially useful for barrier repair, or those with sensitive skin, you also might have keep a calming serum in your arsenal as a just-in-case precaution (you never know when irritation can strike!).
Ahead, our edit of the best serums for sensitive skin to consider—plus everything you need to know about choosing the one for you.
Top Picks
* SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel
* The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
* Tower 28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum
* Tata Harper Superkind Bio-Barrier Serum
* Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum
* iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum
* Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green tea + Panthenol
* Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief
* Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Serum
* Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum
What are calming serums?
“Calming serums are designed as liquids to be applied directly to the skin to combat irritation, redness and sensitivity,” Moy explains. “Their primary goal is to reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and provide hydration.”
What to look for in a serum for sensitive skin
Moy starts by saying skin can become irritated for numerous reasons, often stemming from a breakdown in the barrier, which allows moisture to evaporate out and external allergens and substances to get in, leading to unhappy, inflamed skin. “Ideal ingredients in a calming serum will specifically target rebuilding the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and locking in moisture.” Below, a breakdown of the best ingredients to consider.
Who should use a calming serum?
“Almost anyone can benefit from a calming serum, but those who benefit most include patients with eczema, sensitive skin, many allergies, rosacea, and even acne-prone skin,” says Penzi. She continues: “Calming serums are also helpful after sunburns, cosmetic treatments (lasers, peels, etc.) or after a reaction to too strong of a skin-care product (i.e. a high dose AHA that caused irritation).”
Do you put a calming serum on before or after moisturizing?
Turns out, you should apply calming serums as you would any other face serum. “Always apply your serum first, directly to slightly damp skin so that it can be fully absorbed and maximize its effect,” says Moy. “Moisturizers and other thicker skin care products create a barrier, so always add these on after your serum has been applied. If using multiple serums, apply the most liquid one first, by gently patting into your skin.”
Can calming serums help reduce skin redness?
Yes, calming serums are one of the most effective ways to reduce skin redness. According to Moy, redness of the skin is seen whenever your superficial blood vessels become dilated and leaky. “This is a result of your body creating inflammation to take care of the ‘irritant’ invading the skin, which may be a bacteria or even a chemical,” she says. “Calming serums can work by directly decreasing this inflammatory response.”
