If you're like us, chances are you take your skincare seriously. Gone are the days when you used products with questionable ingredients, or god forbid, simply washed your face with water (we're looking at you, boys!). These days, you're more aware of what should go on your skin: What type of actives, calming ingredients, the whole nine yards.
Social media has made it easier for folks at home to discover what's new and what's poppin', especially in the land of all things skin. Granted, there are a ton of options out there and it can get pretty overwhelming, especially with all the fancy names and promises that these brands give you, so here's a list to narrow things down and help you select the products that might work for your sensitive skin.
SHOP: 10 Must-Try Skincare Products for Sensitive Skin
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
In case you didn't know, it's important to double cleanse before even starting your skincare routine. Sure, you have different types of makeup removers but using oil is one of the easiest ways to take off all the product and gunk on your face. DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil is a good option since it is olive oil-based and water-soluble, meaning that it rinses away easily and won't clog your pores (a very important thing to remember when it comes to your skin!).
Deep Cleansing Oil, P1208, DHC, Lazada and Shopee
2. Avène Micellar Lotion
If an oil cleanser isn't something you're comfortable with, why not go for micellar water or lotion to remove makeup from your face? ICYDK, micellar water is made from purified water, moisturizers like glycerin, and mild surfactants (surface active ingredients that do all the hard work for you), which are compounds used for cleansing. It's also typically alcohol-free and can help promote skin hydration. French brand Avène has a 3-in-1 Micellar Lotion that acts as a makeup remover, toner, and no-rinse cleaner. A good choice if you're somewhere with no access to water.
Micellar Lotion, P845, AVÈNE, Watsons
3. Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
After your first cleanse, get yourself a liquid cleanser that takes off whatever your first cleanse couldn't. Drunk Elephant's Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser has makeup-dissolving emollients and is free from SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), essential oils, silicones, and fragrance—components that tend to clog up your pores and irritate your skin.
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, P1000, DRUNK ELEPHANT, Look Philippines
4. Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion
You'll be surprised that despite double cleansing, there still might be some leftover dirt on your face. By using a toner, you're making sure that all those icky impurities stuck on your pores are removed. Plus, it helps prep your skin for all the good stuff that's about to come. The best types of toners are those that are lightweight and hydrating and Hada Labo has one that covers both bases: their Hydrating Lotion. It has four types of hyaluronic acid that lightly hydrate the skin and help lock in moisture as well as soften any bumps and skin texture. You'll also be glad to know that Hada Labo's Hydrating Lotion does not contain any mineral oil, fragrance, or alcohol.
Hydrating Lotion, P195, HADA LABO, Look Philippines and Watsons
5. CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
The key to healthy-looking skin is having a great skin barrier. And one way to achieve that is to layer on the right type of products based on your skin type. You'd think that a serum—which has different variants that cater to different concerns—would do the trick, when really, it's an essence that you need if we're talking about maintaining a healthy skin barrier. An oldie but a goodie (and recently TikTok-viral as well), CosRx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence contains exactly what is indicated in the name: snail mucin, which helps moisturize the skin, prevent premature skin aging, and heal wounds and acne scarring. Simply squirt a small pea-sized amount and apply after toner and before moisturizer.
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, P650, COSRX, Lazada, Shopee, Look Philippines, and Watsons
6. Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream
If you love snacking on avocados then you'll likely enjoy having it as an ingredient in your skincare as well. If you didn't know, avocado's fatty acid content helps restore your skin's hydrolipidic film (the surface of your skin that's not seen by the naked eye) and can soften dry skin. The high vitamin E and A content, on the other hand, is known for its antioxidant properties that help fight off free radicals entering our body. Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream is something that you'd want to add to your cart as it can hydrate and de-puffs the under-eye area without that heavy, irritating feeling that you might get with others that might "transfer" into your eye. Still not convinced? It's actually ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested so it's bound to be good.
Avocado Eye Cream, P1195, KIEHL'S, Lazada and Shopee
7. Mediheal Collagen Impact Essential Facial Mask
Another ingredient that can help your sensitive skin have a healthier skin barrier is collagen. Mediheal's Collagen sheet mask breaks it down into three components: Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, and Cetyl Hexapeptide-8—all of which help revitalize skin by forming a moisture barrier and supporting skin elasticity. The sheet mask itself is also made of bamboo fibers which are soft enough to be applied on top of your skin without irritating it. Pro tip: Be sure to store your masks in the fridge for a more relaxed self-care sesh.
Collagen Impact Essential Facial Mask - Pack of 10, P568, MEDIHEAL, Lazada
8. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream
Of course, you'll need something to lock in all the skincare you just slathered on your face. Having a good moisturizer is important as you don't want something heavy and greasy given that those are two factors that tend to irritate the skin. Go for something like the Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream from Korean brand Laneige. What's nice about this particular cream is that it has two variants. Those that have normal to dry skin can opt for the creamier version, while those that have combination skin can pick the more watery variant. The cream has been tested to be good for sensitive skin so you don't have to worry about choosing the right kind, it's all about preference after all.
Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream, P1930, LANEIGE, Lazada, Shopee, and Sephora
9. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment
Those with sensitive skin tend to have redness on their face; if you're the type that's sick and tired of having to use makeup to cover it all up, then you better get yourself the Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment from Dr. Jart. Part tinted moisturizer and part color corrector, this treatment has centella asiatica—known for its calming and healing properties—as one of the main ingredients. Despite the cream being of a thicker consistency, it does not clog the pores. Rather, the product is absorbed easily into the skin and doesn't leave a greasy feeling when applied.
Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment, P2650, DR. JART, Sephora
10. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, P605.28, BEAUTY OF JOSEON, Lazada and Shopee
*This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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