Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is skin that reacts easily, with redness, stinging, burning, tightness or flaking after products, weather or stress. It is usually linked to a weakened skin barrier, and it needs careful management rather than aggressive treatment. The most effective approach is to repair the barrier with hydration and moisturisation, use fewer products, and introduce new ones slowly. Over-exfoliation, layering too many actives and changing products constantly make sensitivity worse, and repeated irritation can trigger pigmentation and early ageing. Watch our short videos below, where our dermatologist founder explains hormonal triggers, a step-by-step sensitive skin routine and common mistakes.

Compound your routine with our Daily Glow + Protection Duo

What is sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is not a skin type so much as a state: the skin barrier is thin or damaged, so irritants get in easily and water escapes. The skin then reacts with redness, stinging, burning, itching, tightness or dryness. It can be natural, or it can be caused by the products you use.

What are the signs of sensitive skin?

  • Redness or flushing, especially after heat, sun or new products
  • Stinging or burning when you apply products, even water
  • Tightness, dryness and flaking
  • Itching, rashes or small bumps
  • Frequent breakouts after changing products
  • Skin that feels reactive to weather, stress or hormones

What causes sensitive skin?

  • A damaged skin barrier from over-exfoliation, harsh cleansers or too many actives
  • Sun and pollution that weaken the barrier
  • Fragrance and strong preservatives in skincare
  • Constant product switching that never lets the skin settle
  • Hormonal shifts around periods, PCOS, pregnancy or stress
  • Skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, contact allergy or seborrhoeic dermatitis
  • Weather: cold, dry air, heat and air conditioning

How do you repair a damaged skin barrier?

The barrier recovers when you stop irritating it and give it what it is missing.

  1. Simplify. Use a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen, and pause strong actives until the skin calms.
  2. Hydrate and moisturise. Look for panthenol, ceramides, squalane and glycerin.
  3. Avoid fragrance, scrubs and hot water.
  4. Wear sunscreen every day. UV is a major barrier damager.
  5. Introduce one product at a time, patch test on the jawline for 2 to 3 days, and wait 2 to 3 weeks before adding another.
  6. Reintroduce actives slowly, starting once a week.

What is the best skincare routine for sensitive skin?

Morning: gentle cleanse, a barrier-friendly serum or moisturiser, sunscreen. Night: gentle cleanse, moisturiser. Add one active only when the skin has been calm for several weeks.

Problem and solution: sensitive skin concerns

If this is your problem What helps How The Compound Way fits in
Skin feels tight, dry and reactive Barrier-supporting hydration PolyActiv10 Serum with panthenol, ceramides and squalane, alongside niacinamide and a gentler vitamin C (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid)
Sun makes skin red and irritated Daily sunscreen without common irritants Pigment Defender Sunscreen: SPF 50+, PA++++, no oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene or fragrance
You want a simple, low-step routine Antioxidant under sunscreen Daily Glow + Protection Duo
Redness leaves dark marks after irritation Calm skin first, then fade marks gradually Read our pigmentation guide before adding brightening actives
Breakouts on reactive skin Gentle care and medical guidance See our acne page
Dry, cracked or burning lips Fragrance-free occlusive balm See our dry lips page

For daily sun care, read our sun protection guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sensitive skin?
Skin with a weak barrier that reacts easily, with redness, stinging, itching or dryness. It can be natural or caused by harsh products.
Why has my skin suddenly become sensitive?
The usual causes are over-exfoliation, too many actives, a new product, sun exposure, hormonal changes or stress. Simplify your routine first.
How do I repair my skin barrier?
Stop strong actives and scrubs, use a gentle cleanser, moisturise with ceramides, panthenol and squalane, and use sunscreen every day. Most people see improvement in 2 to 4 weeks.
What ingredients should I avoid with sensitive skin?
Fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat, harsh scrubs, strong acids and many chemical sunscreen filters can sting. Our Pigment Defender Sunscreen is made without oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene and fragrance.
Can I use vitamin C on sensitive skin?
Many people can, if they pick a gentler form and start slowly. PolyActiv10 Serum uses 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid with panthenol, ceramides and squalane. Patch test first and start every other day.
Can I use actives like glycolic acid if I have sensitive skin?
Only once your skin is calm and with care. Start once a week, patch test, and stop if it stings or peels. If you have a very reactive skin, ask a dermatologist first.
Does sensitive skin need sunscreen?
Yes. Sun makes redness, irritation and pigmentation worse. Use a gentle broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply. See our sun protection guide.
Can sensitive skin cause pigmentation?
Yes. Repeated irritation and inflammation can leave dark marks, especially in Indian skin. Calm the skin first, then see our pigmentation guide.
Is sensitive skin the same as eczema or rosacea?
No. Sensitive skin is a reactive barrier. Eczema and rosacea are medical conditions that can cause similar signs. If you have persistent redness, scaling or flushing, see a dermatologist.
How many products should I use on sensitive skin?
As few as possible: cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, with at most one serum. Our Daily Glow + Protection Duo keeps the morning routine to two steps.
When should I see a dermatologist?
See one if redness, burning or rashes last more than 2 to 3 weeks, if your face swells, or if products you used for years suddenly sting. You may have a contact allergy or a condition that needs treatment.