Afraid to experiment with the goodness of serum because of your sensitive skin? Are you looking for a serum that will not result in breakouts and redness? We got your back!
If you have sensitive skin, it can be challenging to navigate the world of skincare, especially when it comes to serums. Because serums contain concentrated active constituents, you should exercise caution before applying anything to your skin that might trigger any pain or irritation.
To help you make a wise choice, we have cumulated this article. We have listed the 10 best serums for sensitive skin that have been scientifically evaluated and clinically proven.
Best Serum for Sensitive Skin in India 2024
StBotanica Vitamin C 10% Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Don’t be intimidated by the serum’s high acid content; it is balanced and neutralized with soothing and hydrating agents to counter the effects, making it an ideal buy for sensitive skin.
Vitamin C serums have a cult following for a reason: they work. This powerful antioxidant compound can help improve the skin’s surface while minimizing signs of aging. It is also a robust anti-inflammatory agent; thus, it can eliminate pimples and acne.
The gentle exfoliating property of this exceptional vitamin can help in diminishing scars and discoloration. Hello, brighter skin!
Another beneficial acid that exhibits antioxidant effects in the serum is Ferulic acid.
Vitamin C is very unstable; thus, it can trigger hypersensitive reactions on the skin. Ferulic acid can help stabilize the active ingredient, thus making it safe for sensitive skin.
Vitamin E helps heal acne or pimple scars on the skin due to its ability to tackle free radicals; it can help heal UV-damaged skin.
Kojic acid present in the formulation can help target bacterial and fungal growth to help eliminate skin infections.
The serum has Aloe extras and Hyaluronic acid that can work together in adhering moisture to the skin and keep the skin plump and lustrous. The soothing effects of Aloe extract help in alleviating sensitive skin issues.
Betaine in the serum is a proven anti-irritant that can help calm sensitive skin cells. It will help in reducing the redness and itching on your skin.
The texture of the serum is runny and spreads quickly on the skin. It has no fragrance, and it is free from harmful chemicals, making it an ideal buy!
Highlights:
- Mildly exfoliating
- Intense hydration
- No silicones
- SLS free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
- No mineral oils
- 100% Vegan Formulation
- Unscented
Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5
If you have sensitive skin ridden with scars and pigmentation, this serum can help you get that flawless look. It is a lightweight serum that provides an instant brightening effect.
The serum can penetrate 15 layers deep in your skin and nourish your skin from the ground level.
The serum contains salicylic acid that can exfoliate the skin to generate clear and even-toned skin. It helps unclog pores and pull out dead cells from the surface of the skin.
It also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They are potent antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals that cause redness and irritation in sensitive skin.
Vitamin E alone does not offer UV protection. However, when combined with sunscreen, vitamins E and C provide four times as much protection as sunscreen alone. They have a synergistic impact that can aid in skin restoration.
Niacinamide is a powerful antibacterial agent that can help you get rid of pimples and acne. It aids in suppressing the growth of bacteria, therefore eradicating existing zits and preventing new ones from sprouting.
It can also help rejuvenate the lipid barrier and empower the skin to fight environmental stressors.
The formulation also has aloe vera extracts and glycerin to deeply hydrate the skin. Apart from moisturizing, it also helps hold on to the water on the skin.
It was demonstrated that applying hyaluronic acid to wounds reduced wound size and eased pain faster than using a placebo.
The serum comes with a pump dispenser that makes it user-friendly. It can work as a makeup primer since it does not feel heavy on your skin. It has a faint scent that will not trigger your skin.
Highlights:
- Lightweight texture
- Quick absorption
- BHA Exfoliator
- Can penetrate 15 layers deep
- It can be used as a makeup primer
- Skin whitening effect
- Can reduce pimples and acne
- It has a perfect and mild fragrance
- Travel-Friendly packaging
- Dermatologically tested
- Not expensive
Plum 10% Niacinamide Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.4/5
This serum is an excellent moisturizing agent that can relieve your sensitive skin. It is an absolute delight to use on your skin because it provides you with an instant soothing sensation. The color of the serum is milk-white, and it looks pretty.
The serum has 10% Niacinamide that can work safely with sensitive skin. According to a study, it is a better hydrating agent than petroleum jelly. It is also an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that can encourage your skin to detoxify.
If you have oily and sensitive skin, Niacinamide can help regulate sebum production, giving you a matte look!
The Rice extract in the serum can help reduce elastase activity responsible for wrinkles and early aging. Furthermore, the starch present in the serum can help add strength to the lipid barrier to promote hydration and reduce redness.
Caffeine is also present in the serum; it activates cells and constricts blood vessels, illuminating your skin and minimizing rashes and puffiness.
Olive-derived squalene extract can help provide the skin with moisture and give you a supple glow. It gives you a moist and natural shine. It does not clog pores; thus, it can help eradicate bacteria and dead cells from pores.
The applicator is very convenient and makes it user-friendly. The other ingredients in the serum balance out the Niacinamide and create magic on your skin.
Highlights:
- Works on all skin type
- Regulate sebum secretion
- Quick absorption
- Intense hydration
- Skin calming effects
- Non-comedogenic
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Eco-friendly packaging
- No scent
- 100% Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
mCaffeine Green Tea Face Serum with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
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Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Coffee-lovers will love mCaffeine! It is India’s first caffeinated skincare brand, and everyone loves it. The serum has the two most potent detoxifying agents like green tea and Vitamin C. It also has moisturizing agents like Hyaluronic acid that can add richness to your skin.
Sensitive skin beauties tend to be very apprehensive when using any product with Vitamin C, but this is one of the safest options in the market. It is lightweight and absorbs within seconds in your skin.
Let’s decode the ingredients together!
One of the main ingredients in this serum is green tea, which is packed with multiple healing properties. It can curb bacterial growth and fight against reactive oxygen species. The polyphenols in the tea can help in reducing inflammation and acne.
Recent research has also highlighted the moisturization effect of tea on the skin.
The ability of caffeine to calm inflamed veins and promote blood flow has led to its use in many skincare products.
Researchers have suggested that Hyaluronic acid has a dual action on the skin. It can hydrate the skin and help prevent water loss over time due to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental triggers.
It does not irritate the skin and thus does not trigger any allergic skin reactions. It helps in keeping your skin bouncy and plump!
The product is very moisturizing and refreshing; the package is not practical.
The dropper is ineffective since the serum has a thick consistency, making it difficult to extract the serum from it.
The smell is pretty strong and lingers for some time; hence, this might not be your best match if you are intolerant to aromas.
Highlights:
- Quick absorption
- Instantly refreshing
- Cruelty-free
- FDA approved
- Reduce puffiness
- No silicones
- The formula can balance the pH
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically tested
- SLS free
- Strong aroma
Prolixr Retinol & Multi Peptide Night Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Looking for a serum that can beat the signs of aging? This one is loaded with retinol, the magical component that can make your skin look young and preppy!
Retinol consists of tiny molecules that can penetrate deep into your dermis to even out the skin’s surface. Once there, it also helps to neutralize free radicals while boosting the production of elastin and collagen. It gives your skin an uplifted and plump look!
In addition to reducing wrinkles and fine lines, retinol can work to give you a firmer, more youthful complexion by resurfacing the depressed skin surface.
The formulation is enriched with coconut oil that can help trap the moisture on your skin to prevent flaking and redness. Research has also highlighted the butty oils exception antibacterial properties, giving it the ability to prevent acne and pimples.
The Multi-peptide serum contains bio-placenta is synthesized by microbial fermentation. It is very similar to the nutritional value of the placenta of humans. It can help in giving you smooth baby soft skin.
Since retinol is unstable, squalene is added to the mixture. It stabilizes it and ensures that it remains active. In addition, the bottle is UV protected to prevent sun damage to the retinol.
Highlights:
- Natural ingredients
- Free from sulfates
- Prevents photo-aging
- Reduces wrinkles
- Plumps the skin
- Moisturizing effect
- Cruelty-free
- Free from parabens
- Lightweight
- It helps in eliminating scars
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cost-effective
UrbanBotanics Kumkumadi Tailam for Glowing Skin
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Overall Rating: 4.3/5
Looking for an ayurvedic solution that is affordable? This one can be a fantastic choice. Even though natural ingredients tend to irritate the skin, the components in this serum are acclaimed for their skin benefits.
Kumkumadi Tailum is made by using different oils and potent herbs! One of the main ingredients in this oil is saffron. It can help reduce the pigmentation of the skin and thus depict skin-whitening effects. It can also work in reducing inflammation caused due to zits and breakouts.
Another great compound in this oil is sandalwood. It can help in removing tans and preventing breakouts. It is a potent astringent that can also calm your skin cells. Tumeric in the oil can also eliminate microbial infections and help make the skin clear and bright.
Manjishta Tailum is another oil mixture. This oil can help in diminishing blemishes and dark spots. It contains substances that contribute to wound healing and the reduction of freckles and pimples.
The serum also contains aloe vera extracts that can act as a humectant and help reconstruct the skin barrier.
Goat milk is nourishing when ingested; however, one can also reap the benefits of the milk by applying it topically. The milk has lactic acids that can help exfoliate the skin and facilitate better penetration of all the ingredients.
The formulation contains several active ingredients, so I strongly recommend first running a patch test on your face. If the formula suits your skin, it can help your skin in quite a few ways.
Highlights:
- Ayurvedic ingredient
- Oil-based formula
- Heal scars and wounds
- Astringent properties
- Lactic acid exfoliator
- Skin-soothing agents
- Antibacterial properties
- Cruelty-free testing
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.1/5
A pretty popular one? This serum is pure hydration! The effect of Hyaluronic acid in the serum is exceptional since it is formulated by mixing high and low molecular weight molecules.
In a twelve-week research study, hyaluronic acid increased skin elasticity and smoothed its surface. Since the serum can penetrate the epidermis, it can help work on the skin at the base level.
Glycerin in the serum can work as a humectant and help collect and store water in the dermal layers to prevent the cells from drying out. It can also use water vapor from the atmosphere to nourish the skin; how amazing is that! Glycerin can also facilitate the breaking down the proteins that hold the cells together so dead cells can be shed more quickly.
The serum can effectively hydrate your skin, and if that is your priority, this can be an affordable buy. It is free from artificial fragrance, and the overall texture and packaging are elegant.
Highlights:
- Works well on all skin types
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Paraben-free
- Deep hydration
- Mild exfoliation
- Compact bottle with dropper
- Easily available
- Free from fragrance
- Dermatologically tested
OZiva Youth Elixir Anti-Ageing Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5
OZiva Youth Elixir Anti-Ageing Face Serum is a wonderful option if you want an oil-based formulation. The serum’s contents are carefully evaluated and made from natural sources to give you your dream skin!
The Milkvetch root extract can help eliminate radical damage from the skin. It can also assist in clearing out skin lesions and rashes for a better canvas! The root can also help reduce wrinkles and dark spots from the skin.
Everyone knows how great retinol is on your skin, but it can tend to be harsh on sensitive skin. Meet the gentle dupe: Bakuchiol. Like retinol, this ingredient can also help remove signs of aging from your skin and provide you with firm and supple skin.
Monoi oil is an infused oil prepared by soaking Tiaré flower petals in pure coconut oil. It has antimicrobial characteristics that can help eliminate acne and pimples from the skin.
The serum is infused with safflower oil that can help clear out clogged pores and detach gunk from in between the cells to tighten your pores. It helps in fighting acne-causing bacteria that can reduce inflammation and allergies.
A mixture of Rose oil can help reduce inflammations and flare-ups caused due to those stubborn pimples.
The serum also has sweet almond oil and sandalwood oil that can help accelerate collagen production that can help in giving the skin a youthful glow!
Because it takes time to absorb into the skin, the best time to use this serum is during your nighttime skincare routine.
Highlights:
- Skin firming
- Moisture retention
- Cleanses pores and tighten them
- Antimicrobial properties
- Help in reducing UV damage
- Sulphate-free
- Vegan
- No parabens
- Clinically tested
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Free from dyes
- Silicone-free
Good Vibes Rose Hip Radiant Glow Face Serum
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Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Good Vibes Rose Hip Radiant Glow Face Serum is an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin. The serum is a mixture of multiple oils that can boost nutrients for your skin.
Rosehip oil has extraordinary wound healing properties that can banish acne and rashes. Due to its antioxidant properties, it may protect your skin from sunburns.
The oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids that can reverse the barrier damage caused due to various triggers.
Another beneficial ingredient in this serum is almond oil. The emollient properties of almond oil can help improve both the complexion and tone of your skin.
Putting jojoba oil on your skin soothes and moisturizes your skin and regulates sebum production. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, jojoba oil may also help your body make collagen. Thus, it can help improve the overall appearance of your facial features.
Due to its high viscosity, sesame oil quickly penetrates and permeates the minutest channels of the skin, nourishing and detoxifying its deepest layers. This oil promotes skin circulation and rejuvenation, allowing cells to repair themselves quickly. The polyphenols can also balance the skin pH and thus prevent bacterial growth.
The glass bottle is a pretty blue color, and it’s pleasing to carry around. The serum doe has a strong fragrance; hence, you may want to consider that before investing in it.
Highlights:
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Quick absorption
- Free from parabens
- Grease-free look
- Lightweight formula
- Can control acne and blemishes
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- No alcohol
- Free from sulfates
- Cruelty-free
- Pleasant scent
- Budget-friendly
Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum Cream
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Overall Rating: 3.8/5
The most readily available option that can help cater to the teenage and college-going crowd is the Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum Cream.
The main ingredient in this serum is Vitamin C. It can help suppress the production of melanin by inhibiting critical enzymes in the pathway. Since melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color, this can help in reducing discoloration and make your skin brighter.
It can also aid in neutralizing the oxidative stress on the skin caused due to the generation of free radicals. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can hinder the normal functioning of the cells and make the skin dull and prone to bacterial infections. Vitamin C can help prevent that!
Chemicals like titanium oxide in the serum depict UV protecting effects and help protect the skin cells from the deterioration caused to these penetrative rays.
The serum has a strong citrus smell that is very refreshing. However, the skin may feel dry after application; hence you may want to pair it with the best moisturizer.
Highlights:
- It helps in eliminating scars
- Instant whitening effect
- Anti-inflammatory
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
- Cost-effective
- UV protection
- Citrus smell
What are face serums for sensitive skin?
The main goal of sensitive skin is to keep it hydrated at all times; hence the serums should contain moisturizing benefits that can also alleviate irritated skin. Sensitive skin is prone to untoward reactions that cause redness, itching, inflammation, and breakouts. Hence, it is imperative to choose hypoallergic ingredients that are safe and gentle for such skin.
Check those Ingredients!
Certain compounds can work effectively on sensitive skin without any side effects.
If the goal behind incorporating a serum is to moisturize the skin, the following ingredients can quench the thirst for dehydrated, sensitive skin. They are non-irritant and can help in comforting your skin.
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Retinol
- Glycerin
- Betaine
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Almond Oil
- Aloe extracts
- Honey
If you are looking for a serum that can exfoliate and correct your skin; you will have to thread the dangerous zone with potent ingredients that can irritate your skin.
Ingredients like Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Salicyclic Acid, Lactic Acid, etc., may not be very friendly on your sensitive skin. If the serum you choose contains such acids, pay close attention to the proportion of these substances in the formula.
FAQs
1. Why is the skin’s lipid barrier significant?
The outer skin layer is made up of fatty acids that protect our skin from UV radiation, heat, pollution, chemicals, bacteria, etc. Hence a strong wall is the skin’s defence against the environment. If the barrier is weakened or destroyed; it can make it easier for irritants to enter our skin and cause potential harm.
2. What should we look for in serums for sensitive skin?
Look for serums that have hydrating agents. If you want more than that, select a serum that balances the proportion of the active ingredient with soothing agents.
3. Can we use retinol and Vitamin C together on sensitive skin?
Earlier, it was believed that Vitamin C results in the breakdown of retinol. However, Vitamin C helps in stabilizing retinol due to its antioxidant property. Using them together will be a good idea if you have sensitive skin.
Takeaway:
The best serum for sensitive skin is the Stbotanica Vitamin C 10% Face Serum.
The serum is an all-rounder for any skin type because it has active ingredients that can help tackle acne, scars, blemishes, etc. However, since the serum is loaded with soothing agents like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and betaine, it is exceptionally safe for sensitive skin.
It is an unscented serum that is cruelty-free and does not have silicones, parabens, and SLS. A perfect buy!
However, if you are looking for something purely hydrating, you can pick from the serums in the list.
I hope you found this list useful! Let us know if you found the perfect serum for your skin type.
Amina graduated from Mumbai University with a master’s degree in Biotechnology. Since her college days, she been fascinated by the rationale behind anything from cancer cells to cosmetic products. Her friends and family call her ‘The Myth Buster’.
To satiate her curiosity, she chose a profession that allows her to research and discuss interesting topics because she believes that knowledge is liberating. She is currently working as an educator, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Molecular Biology, Cosmeceuticals, and Immunology.
She is a makeup and fitness enthusiast and loves to try new products and techniques. Here at Drugresearch.in, she reviews and recommends products based on her personal experience.
