6 Ingredients To Look For In Products When You Have Sensitive Skin

Additionally, there are a few standout natural and naturally derived ingredients that have been proven to help compromised skin heal faster and better than others. Here are a few superstars:

Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body, especially in the external layers of the skin. In a review of studies1 that assessed the capacity for hyaluronic acid (HA) to heal wounds, researchers concluded that it was both safe and efficacious to use HA in Western medicine and herbal contexts. Another more recent review found2 that hyaluronic acid was helpful in a range of situations—from helping inflamed joints and tissues as an injection to topical application for compromised skin.

Olive oil has been shown to be an effective topical anti-inflammatory in mice, can help burns heal faster, has been found to help the skin barrier3 function optimally, and can even help in atopic dermatitis4, a fancy medical name for eczema. One gentle product that’s great for the especially sensitive eye area is Burt’s Bees Sensitive Eye Cream—it contains olive fruit oil, which is high in antioxidants that can help smooth and soften sensitive skin.

Aloe vera comes from the aloe plant, which has been used for centuries as a healing home remedy for burns, cuts, and scrapes. Aloe vera cream has been shown to delay incidence of dermatitis—an umbrella term for many kinds of skin irritation—when compared with a control group in patients with head or neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy. It’s also been proven5 to expedite wound and burn6 healing in mice. Burt’s Bees Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream contains aloe vera that soothes red, irritated, and sensitive skin.

Shea butter has been extracted from the nut of the African shea tree for thousands of years7. In addition to being an excellent single-ingredient skin care product, shea butter has been shown to work synergistically8 with hyaluronic acid and other ingredients in the treatment of eczema, as well as helping to reduce the symptoms9 in mild to moderate cases. It’s also known as an anti-inflammatory when applied topically to the skin.

Sunflower seed oil has been identified, along with olive oil, as a plant-derived ingredient that helps the skin barrier stay healthy. In addition, it’s been shown to help speed up the wound healing process. Use it sparingly in face oils or on the body while it’s still damp after a shower for super-hydrated skin.

Shopping for sensitive skin can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. For a solid fragrance- and soap-free option, try the Burt’s Bees sensitive skin care collection, which is also enhanced with plant-derived ingredients to soothe and calm sensitivity-prone skin.