Best Face Serums for Sensitive Skin of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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For those with sensitive skin, finding the right face serum can be a game-changer. Face serums for sensitive skin are specially formulated to provide the benefits of traditional serums without causing irritation or redness. These serums often contain gentle, soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and calm the skin. They can also help to reduce inflammation and improve overall skin tone and texture. When choosing a face serum for sensitive skin, look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and free from potential irritants.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover #TOP 1
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum Cover #TOP 2
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Face Serum Cover #TOP 3
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Face Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Face Serums for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

3337875583626
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face, Vitamin B5 + Hyaluronic Acid + Madecassoside, Hydrating Serum Visibly Plumps Skin, Sensitive Skin Safe, Anti Aging, Oil-Free

This facial serum is an effective solution for fine lines, wrinkles, loss of volume, and dehydration. It contains pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and vitamin B5, which help to repair and replenish the natural moisture barrier of your skin. The serum's rich texture leaves your skin supple and hydrated, suitable for sensitive skin. You can use it alone or add it to your favorite moisturizer to give your skin an extra boost.

What We Like
Deep hydration
Lightweight texture
No irritation
Improves skin smoothness
Absorbs quickly
What We Don't Like
Small bottle size
Higher price point

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum

79642278
Serum
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum Cover
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum for Sensitive Skin, Gentle Lightweight Facial Serum Instantly Smooths Skin, Non-Comedogenic, Hypoallergenic & Fragrance-Free, 1 fl. oz

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum is formulated for sensitive and irritated, dry skin. The facial serum absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling hydrated after just one use. The hypoallergenic formula, with Triple Oat Complex and calming feverfew, effectively calms irritated, dry skin while strengthening skin's moisture barrier for long-term resilience. The nourishing oat serum is fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, dye-free, phthalate-free, tested on sensitive skin, and non-comedogenic. Dermatologist recommended for 3x the power of oat.

What We Like
Calming and moisturizing effect
No fragrance or irritation
Great for dry, sensitive skin
Improved packaging with pump
Layers well with other products
What We Don't Like
Small bottle size
Thick, slimy texture

Cetaphil Healthy Renew Face Serum

0299.026004
No Color
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Face Serum Cover
Cetaphil Healthy Renew Anti Aging Face Serum 1 Oz, Retinol Alternative Serum for Face with Niacinamide & Peptides, Skincare for Sensitive Skin with Vitamin B Complex, Fragrance Free

Cetaphil Renew Serum is a skincare product that can significantly improve your skin's firmness, texture, and tone in just 2 weeks. It boosts your skin's luminosity by hydrating it for 24 hours, revealing radiant and healthy-looking skin. This serum is a great alternative to retinol for those with sensitive skin as it contains purified peptides that provide anti-aging benefits without causing skin irritation or increasing sensitivity to the sun. Additionally, the formula respects your skin's natural moisture barrier, thanks to the hydrating and soothing properties of vitamins B3 and B5. With botanical extracts, it also targets visible dullness and uneven skin tone. The fast-absorbing formula is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, making it gentle enough for twice daily use. By using Cetaphil Renew Serum, you can defend against dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Lightweight and fast absorbing
Hydrates and smooths skin
Brightens and evens skin tone
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
May not fade stubborn dark spots
Some dislike glittery finish

Cetaphil Ceramide Serum for Sensitive Skin

0299.085174
white
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Ceramide Serum for Sensitive Skin Cover
Cetaphil Ceramide Serum, Hydrates and Restores Skin Barrier, Formulated with Ceramides & Centella Asiatica, Designed for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance Free, Dermatologist Tested, 1oz

Cetaphil Ceramide Serum is designed to provide long-lasting hydration and improve your skin's overall health. With its clinically proven formula, it locks in moisture for up to 48 hours, helping to repair your skin's moisture barrier within just a week. You will notice a reduction in dryness and roughness while achieving a more even skin tone in just three days. Formulated with ceramides and Centella Asiatica, this lightweight serum strengthens your skin barrier and protects against environmental damage, making it perfect for even the most sensitive skin.

What We Like
Long-lasting hydration
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Non-irritating for sensitive skin
Improves skin barrier
Works well under makeup
What We Don't Like
Slightly sticky finish

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Serum

0299.011700
white
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Deep Hydration Serum Cover
Cetaphil Deep Hydration Fragrance Free 48 Hour Activation Serum, 1 Fl oz, 48Hr Dry Skin Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, With Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & B5, Dermatologist Recommended

Cetaphil Hydration Serum is a dermatologist-recommended facial serum that provides deep hydration for up to 48 hours. It features the exclusive HYDROSENSITIVE complex, which not only deeply hydrates the skin but also soothes skin sensitivity. This lightweight serum can be used alone or layered under face lotion or cream, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, vitamin B5, and vitamin E, it effectively rehydrates and soothes dry and dehydrated skin. The serum is designed for sensitive skin, as it is gentle, won't clog pores, and has been clinically tested on sensitive skin. With its travel-friendly size, you can easily take it with you on your next vacation or trip.

What We Like
Deep hydration, long-lasting moisture
Lightweight, non-greasy texture
Fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin
Reduces redness and irritation
Good value, affordable price
What We Don't Like
May pill if overapplied
Slightly unusual scent

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

CeraVe
White
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cover
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Skin Brightening Serum for Face with 10% Pure Vitamin C, Fragrance Free, 1 Fl. Oz

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum is a fragrance-free, lightweight gel-textured serum for face with 10% pure vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. It helps to brighten the complexion, improve skin tone, texture, and hydration for a healthy looking, radiant complexion. Formulated with 3 essential ceramides, it is dermatologist recommended, non-greasy, and suitable for dry, oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

What We Like
Brightens and evens skin tone
Hydrating, non-sticky texture
Gentle for sensitive skin
Dermatologist-recommended formula
Layers well with other products
What We Don't Like
Effectiveness may decline after opening
Gradual results require patience

CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum

CVE-53731
WHITE
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum Cover
CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum For Face, Encapsulated Retinol With Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides, Smooths Wrinkles & Fine Lines, Gentle Skin Brightening Serum, Fragrance Free, 1 Oz

CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum is a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating formula designed to help improve skin's texture, including visible signs of aging such as fine lines, while also helping to repair the protective skin barrier with essential ceramides. Its lightweight serum with a gel texture and a non-greasy feel, absorbs quickly into the skin, making it an ideal daily retinol serum for all skin types. The serum contains key ingredients such as Encapsulated Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides, which helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, attract hydration to the skin’s surface, help calm the skin, and restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

What We Like
Fast absorption
Fragrance-free
Gentle for sensitive skin
Smoother, softer skin
Lightweight texture
What We Don't Like
Modest results for some users
Low retinol concentration
#TOP 8

SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Serum

SKIN1004_ampoule
Transparent color
SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Serum Cover
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule Facial Serum 1.85 fl.oz, 55ml, Soothes Acne Prone and Sensitive Skin

The SKIN1004 Centella Serum offers a lightweight, non-sticky formula that's perfect for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Enriched with Madagascan Centella asiatica, it boasts seven times more soothing properties compared to regular formulations, providing quick relief and hydration. This serum works effectively to calm irritation, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to soothe their skin after a long day or following a breakout. With its gentle yet powerful ingredients, you can enjoy a more comfortable and hydrated complexion.

What We Like
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Calms redness and irritation
Hydrates without greasiness
Gentle, suitable for sensitive skin
Improves skin barrier
What We Don't Like
May not moisturize enough alone

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum

FETEGT2901
White
Vanicream Vitamin C Serum Cover
Vanicream Vitamin C Serum, 1.2 Fl Oz, Formulated without Common Irritants for Sensitive Skin, Milky and Lightweight Brightening Serum, Hydrates & Boosts Glow, Dermatologist-Tested

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum is a gentle and effective facial serum designed for sensitive skin. It contains a potent vitamin C derivative and ceramides, which help brighten and even out dull or uneven skin. The serum comes in an airless pump bottle, ensuring that it remains fresh and effective for a longer period of time. With its formula free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers, it is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Vanicream Vitamin C Serum is the perfect addition to your skincare routine, providing the convenience of a powerful vitamin C serum while being gentle on your skin.

What We Like
Gentle and non-irritating
Suitable for sensitive skin
No fragrance or harsh additives
Layers well with other products
Brightening and even skin tone
What We Don't Like
Mild initial scent for some
Less potent than L-ascorbic acid
#TOP 10

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

1653805
BLUE,WHITE
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum Cover
Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 and Ceramides, Hydrating Face Serum for Dry Skin, Fragrance Free, 1 Ounce

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum for Face is a lightweight, hydrating serum with a smooth, gel texture. It is formulated with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that helps retain skin's natural moisture. It also contains Vitamin B5 to help soothe skin and CeraVe's patented MVE ingredient-delivery technology to continually release moisturizing ingredients and provide 24-hour lasting hydration. It is suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more.

What We Like
Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Fragrance-free and gentle
Deep hydration, plumper skin
No stickiness or greasiness
Layers well under moisturizer
What We Don't Like
May not work for everyone
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should sensitive skin use serum?

Yes, sensitive skin can use serums, but it's important to be cautious. Serums often contain potent ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin if not used to them. It's recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the serum to the entire face.

2. Is hyaluronic acid good for sensitive skin?

Yes, hyaluronic acid is a great option for sensitive skin. It is gentle and soothing, and it does not cause irritation, redness, or inflammation. In fact, hyaluronic acid is often used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Is vitamin C serum good for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, it is advisable to use vitamin C serums with lower concentrations, preferably below 20%. Higher concentrations of vitamin C may cause irritation in sensitive skin. It's important to choose a vitamin C serum that is suitable for your skin type and sensitivity level.

Editor's Notes

During our face serum for sensitive skin research, we found 48 face serum for sensitive skin products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 622,254 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face serums for sensitive skin list. We found that most customers choose face serums for sensitive skin with an average price of $19.15.

The face serums for sensitive skin are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face serums for sensitive skin, including La Roche-Posay, Aveeno, Cetaphil, CeraVe, SKIN1004. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Face Serums for Sensitive Skin Comparison Table

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#TOP10
Brand La Roche-Posay Aveeno Cetaphil Cetaphil Cetaphil CeraVe CeraVe SKIN1004 Vanicream CeraVe
Skin Type All, Dry, Sensitive - Combination, Dry, Mature, Normal, Sensitive All Combination, Dry, Mature, Normal, Sensitive All - All Sensitive Dry
Product Benefits Two types of Pure Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin B5. Oil-Free. Allergy-Tested. Noncomedogenic. Safe for all skin types. - Non Comodogenic Hydrating Antioxidant, Hydrating, Moisturizing, Replenishing, Soothing Anti-Aging, Antioxidant, Brightening - Hydrating,Moisturizing,Replenishing,Smoothening,Soothing Brightening, Dark Spot Correction, Even Toning, Glow, Non-comedogenic, pH Balanced, Smoothening Hydrating
Use for Face - Face Face Face Face - Face Face, Neck Face
Scent Scented - Unscented Unscented Unscented Fragrance Free - Madagascar unscented Fragrance Free
Special Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid, Madescassoside, Vitamin B5 - Retinol ceramides Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin C - vitamin_b5 Ceramides, Glycerin, Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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