Skin inflammation is your body’s response to perceived threats, and sometimes those threats include skin care ingredients and products. If you use the wrong products, you might experience redness and stinging. There are multiple ways that different substances can irritate sensitive skin, from triggering allergic reactions to causing increased burning from the sun. Sensitive skin is more likely to become inflamed from ingredients like detergents in comparison to resistant skin. Keep reading to find out which ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin! If you are simply looking for a great anti-inflammatory moisturizer for sensitive skin , here are a few of our favorites:

Knowing which ingredients might irritate your skin can help you choose better products, especially if your skin reacts easily. Listed below are four of the most common causes of skin inflammation, and the ingredients within each category that could induce an inflammatory response.

Photosensitizing ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) and citrus oils can cause skin inflammation and irritation when exposed to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

1. Retinoids: Retinoids, such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid, increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. This is because retinoids thin the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum), making it more vulnerable to UV damage and subsequent inflammation. When retinoid-treated skin is exposed to UV light, it can trigger inflammatory reactions, including redness, burning, swelling, and peeling.

2. Citrus Oils: Citrus oils, like bergamot, lemon, and lime oils, contain compounds called furocoumarins, which are naturally occurring photosensitizers. Furocoumarins can absorb UV radiation and generate reactive oxygen species that can damage skin cells and trigger inflammatory responses. When applied to the skin and exposed to sunlight, citrus oils can cause phytophotodermatitis, a condition characterized by redness, burning, swelling, and hyperpigmentation.

1. Coconut Oil: Though popular for its moisturizing benefits, coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids like lauric acid, which can solidify inside pores and form clogs. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it more likely to be absorbed into the pore lining, leading to blockages which can cause acne and skin inflammation.

2. Palm Oil: Similar to coconut oil, palm oil contains a high proportion of saturated fatty acids like palmitic acid, which can solidify and accumulate in pores. The heavy, occlusive nature of palm oil can trap sebum and dead skin cells within pores, facilitating comedone formation. It may also cause inflammatory reactions in some individuals due to potential contaminants or impurities.

3. Isopropyl Myristate: Used as an emollient and thickening agent in many skincare products, Isopropyl Myristate is a synthetic ester with a heavy, oil-like consistency that can easily penetrate and clog pores. Its occlusive nature can trap sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria within pores, creating an ideal environment for acne formation. It can also lead to skin inflammation, and irritation- particularly for those with acne-prone or oily skin.

4. Cocoa Butter: Rich in fatty acids like oleic acid and stearic acid, Cocoa Butter can penetrate pores and solidify, leading to blockages. The thick, heavy consistency of cocoa butter can create an occlusive layer on the skin, trapping sebum and debris inside pores leading to an inflammatory response- like acne.

After avoiding irritants, incorporating soothing ingredients into your routine can help manage inflammation. Below is a list describing 20 common and efficacious anti-inflammatory ingredients.

1. Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, great for treating sunburns, cuts, and other skin irritations.
2. Argan Oil: A Moroccan oil rich in beneficial compounds that repair the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and help keep skin pigmentation even.
3. Arnica Montana: Known for its ability to reduce swelling and improve wound healing.
4. Bisabolol: A natural extract from chamomile, known for its calming effects that reduce irritation and redness.
5. Calendula: Has natural anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help soothe eczema and relieve diaper rash.
6. Chamomile: Contains several antioxidant compounds, including alpha-bisabolol, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce irritation and soothe the skin.
7. Cucumber Extract: Known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for calming irritated skin.
8. Feverfew: Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and calm redness, often used in products for sensitive skin.
9. Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
10. Licorice Extract: Contains Glycyrrhizin and licochalcone A have strong soothing and anti-redness effects on the skin.
11. Madecassoside: Derived from Centella Asiatica, used for its soothing properties and to repair the skin barrier.
12. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps reduce redness, minimize enlarged pores, improve uneven skin tone, and strengthen a weakened skin barrier.
13. Omega Fatty Acids (Omega 3 & 6): Essential for maintaining skin health, reducing inflammation, and supporting the skin’s barrier function.
14. Oatmeal (Colloidal Oatmeal): Contains avenanthramides, compounds that reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness.
15. Squalane: A highly-effective emollient and natural antioxidant that hydrates and soothes without irritation.
16. Tea Tree Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties that make it a popular choice for treating acne.
17. Turmeric (Curcumin): Well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce redness and calm skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
18. Willow Bark Extract: Contains salicin, an anti-inflammatory agent that can also act as a gentle exfoliant.
19. Zinc Oxide: Often used in mineral sunscreens and products for sensitive skin due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.