Skincare for Your Skin Barrier

The Science of the Skin Barrier

The Skin Barrier is Everything

Sunday Riley focuses on barrier-first formulations, to protect and nurture your first line of defense.

 

Made up of lipids, ceramides, and natural moisturizing factors, the barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. But in sensitive skin, this protective layer is often thinner, more permeable, or already compromised, making it easier for things like fragrance, pollution, and strong actives to trigger redness, stinging, or dryness.

What does "compromised" mean?

It means the barrier has microscopic cracks, gaps, or imbalances that make it easier for outside irritants to get in, and harder for moisture to stay in. This can lead to redness, stinging, flaking, or breakouts, even when using gentle products.

What potentially weakens or irritates the barrier? 

Harsh cleansers

Cleansers that leave your skin squeaky-clean often also strip away your natural lipids - weakening your barrier and making your skin more reactive to everything else.

OVER EXFOLIATION

Physical scrubs can feel satisfying - but they often cause micro-tears and surface trauma, especially on sensitive skin. Combined with acids or overuse, scrubs can thin the barrier, trigger inflammation, and lead to long-term reactivity. 

Irritating Solvents, STABILIZERS, or ph adjustors

Some formulas rely on harsh solvents to deliver actives or ph adjustors like sodium hydroxide (caustic lye). These can potentially strip, dry out, and weaken the barrier, especially when used repeatedly in leave-on products. 

LOW-QUALITY ACTIVES

It’s not just what the ingredient is - it’s how it’s made, sourced, and delivered that matters, too. Not all actives are created equal. Cheap, unstable, or poorly buffered ingredients can cause peeling, flaking, and irritation, breaking down the barrier over time.

SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE

Synthetic fragrances are made from volatile compounds that can penetrate the skin and disrupt the barrier, triggering redness, stinging, or inflammation - especially in sensitive or already-compromised skin. 

Hormonal + internal changes

Your skin barrier doesn’t just respond to what you apply, it also reacts to what’s happening internally. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain medications, or chronic conditions can weaken the barrier’s ability to retain moisture and defend against irritation. 

What potentially weakens or irritates the barrier? 

Harsh cleansers

Cleansers that leave your skin squeaky-clean often also strip away your natural lipids - weakening your barrier and making your skin more reactive to everything else.

OVER EXFOLIATION

Physical scrubs can feel satisfying - but they often cause micro-tears and surface trauma, especially on sensitive skin. Combined with acids or overuse, scrubs can thin the barrier, trigger inflammation, and lead to long-term reactivity. 

Irritating Solvents or ph adjustors

Some formulas rely on harsh solvents to deliver actives or ph adjustors like sodium hydroxide (caustic lye). These can potentially strip, dry out, and weaken the barrier, especially when used repeatedly in leave-on products.

LOW-QUALITY ACTIVES

It’s not just what the ingredient is - it’s how it’s made, sourced, and delivered that matters, too. Not all actives are created equal. Cheap, unstable, or poorly buffered ingredients can cause peeling, flaking, and irritation, breaking down the barrier over time.

SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE

Synthetic fragrances are made from volatile compounds that can penetrate the skin and disrupt the barrier, triggering redness, stinging, or inflammation - especially in sensitive or already-compromised skin. 

Hormonal + internal changes

Your skin barrier doesn’t just respond to what you apply, it also reacts to what’s happening internally. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain medications, or chronic conditions can weaken the barrier’s ability to retain moisture and defend against irritation. 

How Does Sunday Riley Formulate to Respect the Barrier?

HIGHEST QUALITY ACTIVES

We work exclusively with a small group of trusted ingredient suppliers in countries like the USA, Japan,  France, and Switzerland, regions known for their precision, purity, and regulatory excellence. We don’t use commodity-grade ingredients or open-source raw materials. This level of sourcing helps us create formulas that are clinically effective yet barrier-conscious, even for the most sensitive skin.

NO SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Synthetic fragrance is one of the most common triggers for barrier irritation. That’s why we avoid synthetic fragrances in our sensitive skin formulas - and when we do use scent, it’s plant-based, minimal, thoughtful, and tested for tolerability.

BALANCED, CLEAN FORMULAS

We formulate with precision, not excess -choosing ingredients that serve your skin. Every product is intentionally balanced to deliver visible results while supporting the barrier, avoiding harsh additives, sensitizers, or unnecessary fillers. It's not just about what's left out - it's about how every element works together to calm, restore, and perform. Read more about our Clean formulas, here.

HIGHEST QUALITY ACTIVES

We work exclusively with a small group of trusted ingredient suppliers in countries like the USA, Japan,  France, and Switzerland, regions known for their precision, purity, and regulatory excellence. We don’t use commodity-grade ingredients or open-source raw materials. This level of sourcing helps us create formulas that are clinically effective yet barrier-conscious, even for the most sensitive skin.

NO SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Synthetic fragrance is one of the most common triggers for barrier irritation. That’s why we avoid synthetic fragrances in our sensitive skin formulas - and when we do use scent, it’s plant-based, minimal, thoughtful, and tested for tolerability.

BALANCED, CLEAN FORMULAS

We formulate with precision, not excess -choosing ingredients that serve your skin. Every product is intentionally balanced to deliver visible results while supporting the barrier, avoiding harsh additives, sensitizers, or unnecessary fillers. It's not just about what's left out - it's about how every element works together to calm, restore, and perform. Read more about our Clean formulas here.

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This site and page are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist regarding any skin concerns, hormonal conditions, or before starting new treatments - especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.