8 best moisturisers for sensitive skin in Australia for 2025
Whether you have oily, dry, textured, acne-prone or mature skin, these tried-and-tested moisturisers are the ultimate solutions for calming and hydrating sensitivity.
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If there were an award for the most sensitive skin, I’d probably take home the gold.
It’s not a title I’m particularly proud of. As a beauty writer with over 10 years of experience testing hundreds and thousands of products, it often means dealing with allergic reactions, burning, breakouts and stinging are all part of the job description.
However, there is a silver lining to this — my hypersensitive skin has allowed me to put products to the ultimate test to determine if they are truly safe and effective for even the most notoriously delicate skin types.
Throughout the years, I’ve learned to avoid harsh chemicals, acids, alcohols and fragrances, and instead opt for products packed with natural, anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier-boosting ingredients (hello, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, panthenol and shea butter). It’s even better if they come “dermatologically tested”.
So, if you suffer from sensitive skin and are unsure of what moisturiser won’t cause irritation, I’ve got your back.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the very best facial moisturisers you can shop online now, which cover a range of formulas and particular concerns.
There’s no denying that competition in the moisturiser market is incredibly challenging, so those that have received the tick of approval below in our guide are truly the cream of the crop.
You’ll find products that have gained cult status like the Kielh’s Ultra Facial Cream ($57.69), a TikTok must-have recommended by viral dermatologist @DermDoctor | Dr Shah.
There are also formulas that have garnered hundreds or even thousands of five-star reviews online, like the Biossance Squalene + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturizer ($109).
Regardless of your specific skin concerns and preferences when it comes to moisturisers, one (or a few) of the sensitive skin-safe products below is sure to gain a permanent spot in your skincare routine.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST OVERALL MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, from $56.69 at Amazon
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Why we love it: A great morning and night cream that’s super nourishing while still being lightweight.
What to consider: Higher price tag
Key ingredients: Squalene, glacial glycoprotein and glycerin
Formula: Cream
Size: 50ml, 125ml and 150ml refill
What You Need To Know
Dubbed by Kiehl’s as the “ultra-hydrator”, this lightweight, unscented and non-greasy formula has earned cult status in the competitive world of moisturisers for a clear reason.
Its secret lies in the combination of three key ingredients: squalene, glacial glycoprotein and glycerin. Together, they help to improve hydration, restore the skin’s barrier and draw more moisture to the skin — all without irritation.
Even if a cream-based moisturiser isn’t your first pick, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how lightweight this number is, making it perfect for morning, night and every moment in between.
“I’ve been using the Ultra Facial Cream morning and night and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel,” news.com.au shopping writer Marina Tatas wrote in a review. “My skin is totally hydrated, soft and supple, which is especially helpful during the cooler weather when my skin starts to look a little lack lustre.”
Sure, it’s higher in price but rest assured, it’s worth every cent. In fact, those who have tried to substitute for cheaper dupes always end up coming back to the OG because its formula is simply unmatchable.
BEST MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE, OILY SKIN
Why we love it: A 100 per cent fragrance- and alcohol-free ultralight moisturiser that quickly soaks into the skin and soothes signs of skin irritation.
What to consider: May be pricey for the amount of product per pop
Key ingredients: Thermal water, squalene and glycerin
Formula: Lightweight cream
Size: 40ml
What You Need To Know
It’s a given La Roche-Posay would make our roundup (I mean, anything the French brand releases is praised by sensitive skin peeps). However, if we had to choose one product from their stellar roundup, it would have to be this minimalist moisturiser. No matter if you’re dealing with severe sensitivity, redness, acne, flare-ups of any sort or just a combination of unwanted skin concerns, this day-and-night moisturiser has your back.
Its lightweight texture is infused with Thermal Spring Water to cool and soothe, while hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like shea butter and squalene provide long-lasting moisture — up to 48 hours. Best of all, it delivers these benefits without leaving your skin looking greasy.
“Amazing for sensitive skin,” one five-star reviewer wrote on the official La Roche-Posay site. Heavy enough for a night cream but still fast absorbing and light. Has done wonders to my sensitive skin.”
BEST MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE, DRY SKIN
Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream 40ml, $34.19 (down from $56.99) at Priceline
Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream 40mL
Why we love it: A saviour for extremely dry skin that provides up to 24 hours of deep hydration, without making you feel or look greasy.
What to consider: May be best for night-time use as it leans on the thicker side.
Key ingredients:Avène Thermal Spring Water, Cohederm™ complex (a lipid trio) and water-transporting microspheres
Formula: Thick cream
Size: 40ml
What You Need To Know
If you’re familiar with Avène’s products, you’ll know your skin will be in the kindest hands with any of their formulas.
The Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream is no exception. It features the French brand’s iconic Thermal Spring Water, celebrated for its soothing and anti-irritant properties. Additionally, it incorporates water-transporting microspheres and Avène’s patented Cohederm™ complex to restore the skin’s natural hydration barrier and enhance cell cohesion.
Unlike many intensive creams with thick, balm-like textures (which can feel heavy or clog pores), this daily moisturiser is described as an “aqua-film.” It’s soft, silky, and lightweight on the skin, forming a gentle barrier that locks in moisture without feeling greasy.
“As someone with sensitive and very dry skin, it is often difficult to find products that not only deeply hydrates but also respect the sensitivity of my skin,” one of the hundreds of five-star reviewers wrote on the Avène website. “This cream exceeded all my expectations. From the first application, I noticed a noticeable improvement in my skin’s hydration. The rich, creamy texture of the cream spreads easily and penetrates quickly without leaving a greasy film. My skin immediately appeared softer, more supple and visibly nourished.”
BEST LUXURY MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Lx Tripeptide Gel Cream 50ml, $165 at Skin Regimen
Tripeptide Gel Cream 50ml
Why we love it: A supercharged lightweight formula made from 98.2 per cent natural ingredients that visibly improves hydration, skin tone, elasticity and wrinkle depth.
What to consider: On the pricier side
Key ingredients: Ectoin, palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and shea butter
Formula: Gel cream
Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Sure, for $165 per pop, it’s not the most expensive cream on the market (thankfully). But when I say “luxury”, I mean it exudes it in every way — from its indulgent formula and sleek packaging to its impressive effectiveness, rivaling even those ultra-expensive moisturisers that could break the bank.
It’s clinically proven to improve the six key signs of ageing - hydration, skin firmness, elasticity, smoothness, luminosity and wrinkle depth - all while being sensitive skin-friendly. Its effectiveness is so remarkable that many users report seeing noticeable results overnight.
“This skin regimen cream has a wonderful gel-like texture that goes on so smooth,” one glowing five-star reviewer wrote. “I love how it moisturises my skin without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy. I wake up in the morning and my complexion looks amazing. I have sensitive skin, and this formula doesn’t cause any irritation.”
BEST DAYTIME MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ with Vitamin E 50ml
Why we love it: an Australian-made, hydrating broad-spectrum sunscreen for sensitive skin that protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays and is moisturising enough to be worn alone or layered over other skincare products.
What to consider: Some reviewers experienced pilling but this can be mitigated if you allow the product to completely absorb before applying makeup.
Key ingredients: vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) and UVA/UVB filters
Formula: Lightweight cream
Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Looking for a moisturiser that doubles as sun protection? Look no further than this formula from the trusted Australian brand Alpha-H. Enriched with panthenol to soothe, soften, and hydrate, vitamin E to defend against free radical damage and support the skin’s barrier function, and five high-protection sun filters to combat premature ageing, it’s a skincare multitasker you’ll love.
This fragrance-free formula has earned hundreds of five-star reviews, with users praising how it gives their sensitive skin a radiant “glow” without the greasy residue often associated with sunscreens.
“I was struggling to find a product that wouldn’t irritate my sensitive skin, but then a beauty therapist recommended this gem to me,” one satisfied customer wrote. “From the moment I started using it, I fell in love. Not only did it not cause any reactions, but the added bonus of SPF 50 protection made it a total game-changer for me.”
BEST NIGHTTIME MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM, $25.99 at Adore Beauty
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM 52ml
Why we love it: An oil-free, non-comodegenic formula enriched with ceramides that helps restore the skin barrier and soothe rosace and acne-prone skin overnight.
What to consider: Some reviewers noted it can be too light for extremely dry skin and is “very basic”, so if you do err on the drier side or you’re looking for added skin benefits, layer with another moisturiser.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides
Formula: Cream
Size: 52ml
What You Need To Know
If you’re new to CeraVe’s range or unsure of which product to purchase from their expansive line-up, this night-time moisturiser is an excellent starting point. It’s non-comedogenic, oil- and fragrance-free, and loaded with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and soothing niacinamide. In short, it’s a super gentle option, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Despite being designed for night-time use, you’ll be pleased to know it works just as well during the day and layers beautifully under sunscreen and makeup.
“This is a such a genuine product,” a satisfied customer wrote. “It does not irritate my skin, does not have any nasties. It goes so well with makeup and sunscreen too. I will continue to repurchase this.
BEST MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE, MATURE SKIN
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturiser, $214 at Myer
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturiser, $214 at Myer
Why we love it: An anti-ageing, non-comedogenic cream that also works wonders at shrinking pores.
What to consider: Expensive and may be too thick for some skin types, especially those that are acne-prone.
Key ingredients: Ceramisa 1 and 3, natural cholesterol, fatty acids and essential oils (lavender, rosemary and peppermint oil)
Formula: Ultra rich cream
Size: 48ml
What You Need To Know
SkinCeuticals has been a beloved name in the beauty industry for years, celebrated for its high-quality ingredients and luxurious formulas that deliver remarkable results — along with price tags to match.
If your budget allows, sensitive skin types shouldn’t miss out on the brand’s Triple Lipid Restore moisturiser. It’s made up of two per cent ceramides to support the skin barrier, four per cent cholesterol to reduce dryness and two per cent fatty acids to restore elasticity. It also has a bunch of antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress, which is what contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.
It has an ultra-luxe texture that just feels expensive and seamlessly glides over the skin. Plus, its versatility makes it ideal for both morning and evening use, and since it’s free of active ingredients like vitamin C, acids, or retinol, it pairs beautifully with other skincare products.
“I have tried many high end moisturisers and this is by far the best I have ever used,” one five-star user wrote. “My skin is supple, properly hydrated and refreshed when I use this cream. Worth the money and I will continue to buy for a long time.”
BEST MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE, ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Biossance Squalene + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturizer, $109 at Sephora
Squalane + Probiotic Balancing Gel Moisturizer
Why we love it: A lightweight gel formula that provides instant relief by calming redness and irritation while actively clarifying reactive skin.
What to consider: On the pricier side.
Key ingredients: Squalene, probiotics, ginger extract and red seaweed extract
Formula: Gel cream
Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
There’s plenty to love about this Biossance product, specifically formulated with sensitive and blemish-prone skin in mind. For starters, it’s free from fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones and sulfates, yet packed with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, collagen and vitamins.
With an impressive 4.5 out of five-star rating from over 1.3k reviews on Sephora alone, there’s a good chance this product will soon become your “Holy Grail”.
“I’m on my third or fourth tub now,” one person admitted. “I started breaking out badly and needed something to moisturise after my prescription acne cream without clogging. It moisturises my sensitive skin without being heavy.”
Another person said: “Holy Grail. I have very sensitive skin and finally found something that really helped my fine lines, redness, and hormonal acne prone chin. I am in love.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING MOISTURISERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Choosing the best moisturiser depends on your specific skin concerns. When curating our list of sensitive skin moisturisers, we evaluated several key factors:
Skin type: Even within the sensitive skin category, you can still have dry, oily, combination or normal skin. If you lean on the drier side, you should opt for richer, cream-based moisturisers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free or gel-based formula that provides hydration without clogging pores. Those with combination skin should go for a balanced formula that hydrates dry areas without overwhelming oily zones, while normal skin types can opt for gentle, fragrance-free formulations to maintain balance.
Ingredients: It goes without saying that sensitive skin is prone to irritation from hash or reactive ingredients, so choosing the right ingredients can prevent reactions and enhance skin health. Key ingredients to look out for include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, aloe vera, camomile, shea butter, vitamin E, panthenol, colloidal oatmeal and niacinamide. Steer clear from alcohol, parabens, sulfates and artificial dyes, as these can trigger irritation. If possible, choose products labelled “hypoallergenic” or ‘dermatologist-tested” to reduce the risk of reactions.
Texture: How do you want it to feel on your skin? Lightweight formulas work best for oily or combination skin as they absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Rich or creamy formulas are ideal for dry or very sensitive skin, providing deep hydration and barrier protection. Non-comedogenic options are particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, as they won’t clog pores.
Price: There are excellent sensitive-skin moisturisers at every price point. Affordable brands like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay (the latter is slightly more expensive without breaking the bank) are well-known for their gentle, effective formulas. If you’re open to spending more, premium options are also available, like SkinCeuticals or Skin Regimen. Just ensure you’re paying for quality ingredients, not just marketing.
HOW WE CHOOSE OUR PRODUCTS
With hundreds of sensitive-skin-approved moisturisers available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. So, we narrowed our selection down to testing well-known brands at different prices to help you find the best moisturisers for sensitive skin. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best and most gentle facial moisturisers for sensitive skin types.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I look for in a moisturiser for sensitive skin?
A good moisturiser should be gentle, hydrating, and free from common irritants like fragrance, alcohol, and parabens. Look for ingredients like ceramides, essential fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture. Cream-based formulas are best for dry skin or dull skin, while lightweight gels work well for oily or acne-prone skin.
How can I tell if a moisturiser is safe for sensitive skin?
Check for labels such as “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and “non-comedogenic,” as these indicate fewer potential irritants. Avoid harsh acids, sulfates, and synthetic dyes, and always patch-test new products on a small area before full application to ensure it helps maintain hydrated skin.
Should I use different moisturisers for day and night?
Day moisturisers often contain SPF and lightweight hydration, while night creams focus on deep repair and nourishment. If your skin is very sensitive, you may prefer using a single gentle moisturiser for both.
Can oily or acne-prone skin still be sensitive?
Absolutely! Acne-prone skin can also react to harsh products. Look for a lightweight, oil-free, or gel-based moisturiser can hydrate without clogging pores or making skin greasy.
What ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
Steer clear of alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, parabens, sulfates, and strong exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), as they can trigger irritation, redness, or breakouts. Stick to gentle, barrier-repairing ingredients instead.
Does sensitive skin need a moisturiser with SPF?
Yes! Sun protection is key to preventing further irritation and damage. If you prefer a simple routine, choose a moisturiser with SPF, but make sure it’s gentle and non-irritating for your skin type.
Why does my skin sting when I apply moisturiser?
Stinging can be caused by harsh ingredients, a damaged skin barrier, or an allergic reaction. Dehydrated skin is also more prone to stinging due to increased sensitivity. Switch to a simpler, fragrance-free formula and avoid over-exfoliating to let your skin heal.
How often should I apply moisturiser?
Twice a day—morning and night—is ideal to keep skin hydrated and balanced. If your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated, you may need an extra layer throughout the day.
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MOISTURISER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
The best moisturiser for sensitive skin should keep your skin hydrated, soothe irritation and strengthen your natural barrier without causing reactions. Because of this, you must steer clear of formulations with fragrances, alcohol, parabens and harsh acids, as these can trigger irritation. Instead, look for gentle, fragrance-free options with both soothing and hydrating ingredients.
If your skin is dry, opt for rich cream-based formulas, while oily or acne-prone skin will work better with lightweight, gel-based moisturisers. For combination skin, balanced formulations work well, and if you have more sensitive skin, a barrier-repair moisturiser with repairing ingredients is your best bet.
Additionally, a gentle moisturiser should be labelled ‘hypoallergenic’, ‘fragrance-free’ and ‘non-comedogenic’ as these terms indicate the product is less likely to cause irritation or clog pores.
There are also products with added SPF, which make for a great daytime choice for extra sun protection.
If you do have extremely sensitive skin, it’s always recommended to err on the side of caution by patch-testing new products.
WHAT IS THE #1 DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED MOISTURISER?
There is no single ‘number one dermatologist-recommended moisturiser’ on the market, as recommendations vary based on individual skin types and concerns. However, many moisturisers are highly praised by dermatologists for their effectiveness and gentle formulations. Popular dermatologist-recommended brands include Avène, La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, SkinCeuticals and Kiehl’s.
More Coverage
If you’re still unsure, consulting with a dermatologist will help identify the most suitable moisturiser for your skin concerns.
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