Sensitive skin is not easy to manage. From itching, and redness to irritation, multiple concerns need to be taken care of for maintaining the optimal health of sensitive skin. Whether you are a fan of an elaborate 10-step Korean skincare routine or just like to keep it minimal, soothing and balancing are the keys to skin health. This is why it is essential to add specially formulated serums for sensitive skin in your daily routine. They may help to mitigate the harmful effects of factors that lead to rashes, bumps, uneven skin tones, dryness and more. Enriched with the goodness of ingredients like vitamin C, green tea extract, niacinamide, aloe vera, chamomile and more, these beauty potions can offer targeted treatment without irritating.

Serums penetrate deeply to deliver vital nutrients and hydration without weighing down your skin. They may help to reduce redness, soothe inflammation, provide protection against environmental stressors and calm irritation. Some serums also contain peptides that help to repair skin, boost collagen production and enhance elasticity. Using the right serum can effectively address your specific concerns and offer long-term skin health benefits. If you are looking for a serum that matches your skin type, let us help you. We have curated a list of the best serums for sensitive skin that you may try.

10 best serums for sensitive skin

Check out this list of the best serums for sensitive skin in India and pick the one that suits your needs. You may also consider visiting your dermatologist before making the final decision to avoid any risk of adverse reactions.

The Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum is designed for clear and glowing skin. Formulated with 5% niacinamide, this serum may reduce dullness, dark spots, and uneven skin tone in just two weeks. The serum contains 1% hyaluronic acid for deep hydration, helping to soothe and repair the skin barrier. It may also improve skin texture, minimise pores and control sebum production. Free from fragrance, silicones, sulphates, parabens, essential oils, and dyes, this non-comedogenic serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Specifications of Minimalist 5% Niacinamide Face Serum:

Benefits: Brightening blemishes treatment, dullness

Scent: Fragrance-free

La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Packed with the goodness of niacinamide, pure retinol and hyaluronic acid, this face serum may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It may also provide soothing, restoring, hydrating and moisturising benefits. The brand claims that this serum for sensitive skin can reduce the signs of premature sun damage. This non-comedogenic serum claims to be free from fragrance and oil.

Specifications of La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum:

Benefits: Hydrates, strengthens and soothes the skin

Scent: Fragrance-free

d'alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum might be a good choice for people with sensitive skin. It promises to offer a radiant glow and long-lasting hydration with just a spritz. Infused with Italian white truffle and tocopherol, this serum may improve the elasticity of skin and offer a luminous glow with a light finish. It may also enhance texture, reduce the signs of ageing, boost nourishment and soothe your skin.

Specifications of d'alba Piedmont Italian White Truffle First Spray Serum:

Benefits: Hydrating

Scent: Unscented

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is specially developed for people struggling with enlarged pores and skin inflammation. Packed with a blend of 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, this face serum may manage sebum production and boost skin hydration. Apply a few drops of this serum onto cleansed skin to minimise pores and soothe your skin.

Specifications of Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum:

Benefits: Moisturise

Scent: Honey

mCaffeine Green Tea Hydrating Face Serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Enriched with the goodness of green tea and vitamin C, this serum promises to offer 72 hours long hydration. This lightweight serum rejuvenates the skin, provides antioxidant protection and reduces black spots. Its calming aroma enhances the soothing experience. Formulated without harmful chemicals, SLS, parabens, or mineral oil, it prioritises your skin’s health.

Specifications of mCaffeine Green Tea Hydrating Face Serum:

Benefits: Dark spot corrector, hydration, soothing

Scent: Vitamin C, Green tea

The Cos-IQ 20% Niacinamide Face Serum is made with high-grade vitamin B3, which can effectively reduce acne marks and dark spots. This serum balances oil production, controls sebum activity, and minimises open pores, improving overall skin texture. With added Zinc, it may help to prevent breakouts and strengthen the skin barrier against sun damage and pollutants. The brand claims that this product is free from fragrances, silicones, sulphates, parabens, essential oils, and dyes. Regular use of this serum may hydrate, repair, and enhance your skin’s natural defence.

Specifications of Cos-IQ 20% Niacinamide Face Serum:

Benefits: Reduces pore size

Scent: Unscented

Dot & Key’s 10% Vitamin C + E, 5% Niacinamide Serum features a unique blend of triple vitamin C, including Sicilian blood orange, to combat dullness and hyperpigmentation while boosting collagen production. It also contains niacinamide, which may help to fade dark spots and improve overall skin tone. Enriched with vitamin E, it enhances the effectiveness of Vitamin C, protecting against sun damage and free radicals while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The brand states that the product is free from sulphates, mineral oils, essential oils, paraben and cruelty.

Specifications of Dot & Key 10% Vitamin C + E, 5% Niacinamide Serum:

Benefits: Dark spot corrector, brightening

Scent: Unscented

Lakme Dew Drama Serum features 6% vitamin E and pro-ceramide to enhance your skin barrier and promote a dewy, radiant complexion. This brightening serum may effectively combat dullness. It also protects against pollution while delivering essential hydration. Enriched with vitamins E, F, and B3, the serum nourishes deeply and ensures that your skin stays hydrated and healthy.

Specifications of Lakme Dew Drama Serum:

Benefits: Anti-ageing

Scent: Unscented

Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum is specially formulated for sensitive skin. This gentle, lightweight serum helps to smooth and fortify the skin barrier while providing essential hydration. It features a blend of triple oat complex to nourish and calm irritation. This serum is hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, which prevents the risk of allergic reactions.

Specifications of Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Face Serum:

Benefits: Hydrating

Scent: Fragrance-free

COSRX Propolis Ampoule is a glow-boosting serum that is formulated with 73.5% propolis extract to hydrate and soothe sensitive skin. This serum effectively addresses fine lines and uneven skin tone while delivering concentrated nutrients for a healthier appearance. Its lightweight formula enhances skin elasticity and maintains hydration throughout the day. The advanced snail secretion filtrate in COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence contains 96% snail mucin, which may help to repair damaged skin, reduce dryness, and target hyperpigmentation.

Specifications of COSRX Propolis Ampoule, Glow Boosting Serum:

Benefits: Nourishing, hydrating, soothing

Scent: Unscented

How to choose the best serums for sensitive skin?

When choosing the best face serums for sensitive skin, you must consider certain factors to avoid any risk of adverse reactions.

1. Ingredients: When selecting the best serums for the face, pay attention to the ingredient list. Make sure to opt for a serum that contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, green tea extracts and more. Research suggests that these ingredients can improve skin texture, reduce redness and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Avoid harsh ingredients: Certain ingredients can trigger reactions in sensitive skin. It's advisable to steer clear of fragrances, alcohols, parabens and more.

3. Clinical testing: Select serums that have been clinically tested for safety on sensitive skin. Look for products with labels that indicate they are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

4. Patch test: Before incorporating a new serum into your routine, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount on a discreet area of the skin and wait 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.

5. Formulation and packaging: Choose a serum that comes in dark or opaque bottles to protect the ingredients from light degradation. Airless pumps can also minimise exposure to air.

6. Recommendation: If you're unsure which serum to choose, consult a dermatologist as they can provide personalised recommendations based on your skin needs.

Top three features of the best serums for sensitive skin:

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