Top Makeup Brands Perfect for Sensitive Skin

For individuals with very sensitive skin, choosing the right makeup brands is crucial to avoid irritation and maintain healthy skin. The beauty market today offers a variety of options that cater specifically to sensitive skin, featuring hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested products. Some of these brands prioritize gentle ingredients while ensuring their products deliver outstanding performance and radiant finishes. Discover the best makeup brands for sensitive skin, as we explore their unique qualities and offerings below.

Illustration of makeup for very sensitive skin

Best brands of makeup for very sensitive skin in 2025

Clinique

Clinique is renowned for its dermatologist-guided, allergy-tested, and 100% fragrance-free products, making it an ideal choice for very sensitive skin. With over 55 years of skin expertise, Clinique has subjected its formulas to nearly 6 million test applications to ensure safety. Their Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 comes in 56 shades, is buildable, and contains antioxidants like Vitamin C, while also providing broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. Clinique's products are designed for all skin types and tones, and their eye makeup is ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Established in 1968, Clinique has pioneered simple skincare routines and has a global presence in over 100 countries.

BareMinerals

BareMinerals is a leading brand for makeup tailored to very sensitive skin, offering clean, talc-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-approved products. Since its launch in 1995, the brand has been committed to using natural minerals that protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, improving skin texture and tone without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Their products are free from parabens, binders, and fillers, making them ideal for sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. The ORIGINAL Loose Mineral Foundation, made with just 5 natural mineral ingredients, is a top recommendation for sensitive skin. BareMinerals' formulas are cruelty-free, vegan, and clinically proven to enhance skin health over time. Discover more about their range of products for sensitive skin by visiting their BareMinerals' sensitive skin collection.

Almay

Almay is a renowned brand specializing in hypoallergenic makeup, making it an ideal choice for individuals with very sensitive skin. Founded in 1931 by Alfred and Fanny May Woititz, Almay was created to address Fanny's sensitive skin issues, and it has since become the #1 go-to hypoallergenic cosmetic brand. Almay's products are dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, ensuring safety and efficacy. Their makeup removers and foundations, such as the Moisturizing Makeup Remover and Skin Perfecting Hydrating Tint, are formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and naturally derived squalane, and are free from added parabens, SLS, and mineral oil. The brand also prioritizes sustainability, with packaging made from significant percentages of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material.

Tarte

Tarte Cosmetics is often considered a viable option for individuals with very sensitive skin, although it is important to note that the brand's claims of being entirely natural and cruelty-free have been disputed. Their products, such as the Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation, are dermatologist-tested and formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or gluten, which can be beneficial for sensitive skin. However, some products contain ingredients like carmine, which is derived from crushed beetles, contradicting the cruelty-free claim. Despite this, many users with sensitive skin have reported positive experiences with Tarte's products, such as excellent coverage and non-irritating formulas. It is crucial to carefully review the ingredient lists to ensure they align with individual skin needs. For more information on their skincare offerings, visit the Tarte Cosmetics official website.

Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees is a leading brand for sensitive skin care, renowned for its nature-based products that outperform synthetic regimens. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed that Burt's Bees Sensitive Skin Regimen improved physician-rated overall skin appearance by 34% in just 4 weeks, with significant enhancements in visual and tactile smoothness, clarity, and radiance. This regimen, consisting of Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream, and Sensitive Night Cream, was well-tolerated and superior to a leading dermatologist-recommended synthetic regimen. The study involved 120 women with sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, atopic dermatitis/eczema, or cosmetic intolerance. Burt's Bees products are designed to maintain skin health by optimizing hydration and improving epidermal barrier function. For more information, visit their official website.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is renowned as one of the best producers of makeup and skincare for very sensitive skin, recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide. Founded in 1975, the brand has conducted over 600 clinical studies on diverse skin pathologies, ensuring its products are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Their Toleriane range, in particular, is designed for the most sensitive and reactive skin, with a minimalist formula that has been rigorously dermatologically tested. La Roche-Posay's products, such as the Cicaplast line, incorporate ingredients like panthenol and shea butter to soothe and protect fragile skin. The brand's commitment to innovation and safety has earned it the highest level of safety certification from the European Union. For more detailed insights, explore their best makeup for sensitive skin.

Avene

Avene is renowned as one of the best producers of skincare and makeup products for very sensitive skin, leveraging the unique soothing properties of its Thermal Spring Water, which has been recognized for its therapeutic benefits since 1874. Nearly 100 million people, or more than one in three, suffer from sensitive skin, and Avene's products are specifically designed to address this, with 66% of those affected having an underlying skin disorder. Avene's formulations are minimalist, free from fragrances and preservatives, and scientifically proven to respect the skin's microbiome. The brand has published over 150 clinical papers and conducts rigorous testing, including a study on 1,200 patients, to ensure the safety and efficacy of its products. Avene also prioritizes sustainability, with 90% of its rinse-off formulas being biodegradable and 93% of its products packaged in recyclable containers.

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a leading brand in the skincare and makeup industry, particularly renowned for its products tailored for very sensitive skin. The Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation, for instance, offers sheer, natural, and buildable coverage, is free from fragrance, dyes, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and alcohol, and is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 to maintain the skin's moisture barrier. This foundation is part of Neutrogena's commitment to providing dermatologist-recognized ingredients and has been successful in reducing redness and minimizing fine lines. Neutrogena's products are highly rated, with the brand being the fourth most popular skincare brand in the US, according to a 2023 Brand KPI survey. The brand's innovative tools, such as the Shadefinder, also enhance the shopping experience by providing personalized product recommendations.

Honest Beauty

Honest Beauty is a leading brand for sensitive skin care, offering a range of products formulated with naturally-derived, calming ingredients to soothe, hydrate, and protect sensitive skin. With a mission to provide gentle and effective solutions, Honest Beauty launched its sensitive skin category in July 2020, catering to the estimated 50% of the population with sensitive skin. Their products, such as the Calm On Foaming Cream Cleanser and Daily Calm Lightweight Moisturizer, are designed to reduce redness and fortify the skin's natural barrier. Honest Beauty adheres to a strict "NO List" of harmful ingredients, ensuring their products are free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other irritants. This commitment to clean beauty makes Honest Beauty a trusted choice for those with very sensitive skin. For more details, you can explore their range of sensitive skin care products.

Physicians Formula

Physicians Formula is a renowned brand, founded in 1937 by leading allergist Dr. Frank Crandall, specifically to address the needs of sensitive skin. The brand is known for its hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products, ensuring safety for even the most delicate skin types. Physicians Formula excludes over 150 harsh ingredients from its formulations, making it a trusted choice for those with sensitive skin. Their products, such as the Super CC Color-Correction + Care Cream SPF 30, offer lightweight, buildable coverage and are enriched with natural ingredients like vitamin C and shea butter. With a commitment to quality and safety, Physicians Formula has become a staple for individuals seeking gentle yet effective makeup solutions.