Products that Accommodate Delicate Skin: Exploration of Trusted Brands Following Decades of Testing
For those with sensitive skin, eczema, and allergies to fragrance and metals, finding the right skincare products can be a challenging task. Marquaysa Battle, a HuffPost staff member who has been mindful of everything that touches her skin for 33 years, shares her recommendations for products that are fragrance-free, free of harsh chemicals, and formulated to soothe and protect the skin barrier.
Key recommendations based on recent expert-sourced products include:
- Moisturizers and Creams: Products like the CeraVe Day Cream for Sensitive/Combination Skin offer lightweight hydration, soothe sensitive skin, and contain zinc oxide for mild environmental defense.
- Plant-based Cleansers: Consider using sulfate-free, synthetic fragrance-free cleansers such as Everist’s Waterless Body Wash Concentrate. This product contains 20% aloe vera for soothing dry inflamed skin and 30% glycerin to hydrate and protect the skin barrier, making it suitable for eczema-prone skin.
- Serums and Oils: Look for serums and oils rich in essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-9. For example, Om Marula + Cactus Face Oil has been praised for nourishment without irritation, suitable for sensitive skin even with allergies.
- Avoid Common Irritants: Brands that avoid common irritants including parabens, artificial fragrances, mineral oils, and metals are preferred. These products often provide full ingredient transparency to ensure safety for sensitive skin.
- Lip Care: Opt for options like Badger Organic Unscented Lip Balm, which contains organic oils and beeswax without added fragrance or metals, making them safe for eczema-prone lips.
In summary, look for natural, organic, fragrance-free, and metal-free skincare products with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, essential fatty acids, and zinc oxide. Avoid any products listing fragrance or metallic compounds in the ingredients. Trial small amounts where possible to confirm no reaction occurs.
In addition to the above recommendations, Battle suggests the following products: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Kristin Ess Shampoo and Conditioning Set, Eucerin Intensive Repair Body Lotion, Black Girl Sunscreen, 100% pure jojoba oil, CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, Clinique Moisture Surge, CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
By following these recommendations, individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, and allergies can find products that balance moisture, barrier protection, and allergen avoidance, ensuring a healthier, more comfortable skin experience.
- For those seeking a nourishing night cream, Marquaysa Battle recommends the fragrance-free and metal-free CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream.
- To exfoliate sensitive skin effectively, Battle suggests using the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant by Paula's Choice, a product free from artificial fragrances.
- For individuals who want to maintain healthy hair with minimal irritation, the Kristin Ess Shampoo and Conditioning Set, devoid of harmful chemicals like artificial fragrances, might be a suitable choice for a lifestyle oriented towards health-and-wellness.
