Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is skin that reacts more easily than normal to external triggers. It’s not always visible, but it’s always something you can feel.

Sensitive skin is skin that reacts more easily than normal to external triggers. It’s not always visible, but it’s always something you can feel.

While some people are born with sensitive skin, others develop it over time due to skin barrier disruption. It can manifest as visible or sensory changes in: 

  • redness

  • burning or stinging

  • skin texture

  • dryness or oiliness

  • overreactivity

  • breakouts

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is skin that reacts more easily than normal to external triggers. It’s not always visible, but it’s always something you can feel.

Sensitive skin is skin that reacts more easily than normal to external triggers. It’s not always visible, but it’s always something you can feel.

While some people are born with sensitive skin, others develop it over time due to skin barrier disruption. It can manifest as visible or sensory changes in: 

  • redness

  • burning or stinging

  • skin texture

  • dryness or oiliness

  • overreactivity

  • breakouts

What is Sensitive Skin?

While some people are born with sensitive skin, others develop it over time due to skin barrier disruption. It can manifest as visible or sensory changes in: 

  • redness

  • burning or stinging

  • skin texture

  • dryness or oiliness

  • overreactivity

  • breakouts

Deep Dive on Sensitive Skin

What’s the difference between sensitive and reactive skin?

  • Sensitive skin is a skin type - consistently more prone to irritation.
  • Reactive skin is a temporary state - inflamed, compromised, or overstimulated - often caused by over-exfoliation, allergies, temperature changes, stress, or hormonal shifts.

You can have both, but they need slightly different care: think daily support for sensitive skin and a recovery reset for reactive skin.

Can oily skin be sensitive?

Absolutely. Sensitive skin isn’t always dry - it can be oily, combo, or acne-prone. Oil production doesn’t protect against sensitivity. If your skin is oily and reactive, barrier support is still essential.

Which hormones affect sensitive skin?

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can impact how your skin behaves. Fluctuations due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, or fertility treatments can trigger sensitivity and disrupt barrier function. 

Is sensitive skin permanent?

Not always. Some people are born with it; others just need a season of extra care for their skin, as they developed the reactivity due barrier damage, overuse of actives (particularly low quality ones), or hormonal changes. 

Is it rosacea or sensitive skin?

It can be hard to tell - rosacea and sensitive skin can look and feel very similar, but they’re not the same.

  • Sensitive skin is a skin type - it reacts easily to triggers like weather, stress, or certain ingredients. It can come and go, and it doesn’t always involve visible redness.
  • Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often includes persistent redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, and sometimes breakouts or texture changes - especially around the cheeks, nose, and chin.

But whether it’s rosacea or sensitivity, your skin needs the same things: calm, consistency, and barrier support. Always consult a doctor for medical advice.

How do I change my routine if it's in a reactive, sensitive flare-up?

Focus on barrier repair and care with oils, ceramides, niacinamide. Make sure to switch to a gentler cleanser like Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser or Aquamarine Melt Cleansing Balm. Avoid harsh abrasives like scrubs and be selective when choosing retinoids or AHAs (see more below).

Can I use retinol / retinoids if I have sensitive skin?

Yes - you can use retinoids even if you have sensitive skin, as long as they’re the right kind, in the right formula. See more below in the deep dive section on Retinol + Sensitive Skin.

Can I use Good Genes if I have sensitive skin?

Absolutely! Good Genes is an ideal exfoliant for people with sensitive skin. Good Genes uses lactic acid, a gentler AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface while helping retain moisture. It’s one of the most well-tolerated acids for sensitive skin. If your skin is reactive or compromised, alternate nights with Good Genes and retinoids, instead of layering.

My skin reacts to Vitamin C. Can I never use it?

You can, you just need to make some changes! Not all forms of Vitamin C are friendly to sensitive skin.

Traditional Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is water-soluble, highly unstable, and often formulated at a low pH to stay active. It can potentially sting, irritate, or disrupt the skin barrier - especially for those with sensitivity or reactive skin.

That’s why we use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD Ascorbate), a next-generation form of Vitamin C that’s less likely to oxidize or trigger sensitivity in reactive skin. See more below in our section on Vitamin C. 

Retinol + Sensitive Skin

let's get deeper into the science!

Can I use retinoids if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but choosing the right retinoid makes all the difference.

Retinoids aren’t a one-size-fits-all ingredient - there are many options in the retinoid family, each with different strengths, conversion steps, and levels of irritation. Traditional forms like retinol or tretinoin can be effective, but often come with peeling, redness, and barrier disruption, especially for sensitive skin.

 

That’s why we use Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) in our formulas -an advanced, esterified form of retinoic acid that binds directly to the skin's retinoid receptors, bypassing the harsh conversion process. It offers visible results - smoother texture, refined pores, firmer-looking skin - with minimal irritation.

 

At Sunday Riley, we’ve built a range of HPR-powered options so you can find the right retinoid, no matter how reactive your skin feels.

What makes a retinoid “gentler”?

Not all retinoids are created equal. What makes a retinoid gentler comes down to its molecular structure, how it's delivered, and what it's paired with.

 

Traditional retinoids like retinol must go through multiple conversion steps in the skin to become retinoic acid - the active form your skin can actually use. These conversion steps can create byproducts and irritation, especially in sensitive skin. Retinoic acid itself, while potent, is often too aggressive, leading to peeling, redness, flaking, and barrier disruption.

 

Gentler retinoids, like hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR):

  • Are closer in structure to retinoic acid, or bind directly to its receptors
  • Are less irritating, thanks to their stability and reduced need for conversion

How do I use retinoids with sensitive skin?

  • Start with 2 - 3 nights a week
  • Always apply to dry skin, and follow with a moisturizer
  • Never layer with strong acids or exfoliants on the same night
  • Avoid eye and lip areas
  • If irritation occurs, reduce frequency - not product

Which Sunday Riley retinoid is right for me?

Luna Sleeping Night Oil: Gentle oil-based retinoid with blue tansy - ideal for first-time users or dry/sensitive skin.

A High-Dose Retinoid Serum+: High-strength HPR blend - best for experienced retinoid users seeking stronger results. Great for sensitive skin.

AI Smart Retinoid Serum: Great for blemish-prone, reactive skin - adaptive, soothing, and barrier-aware.
Luna Sleeping Night Oil
$105.00

Luna Sleeping Night Oil

A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
$85.00

A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

AI
$85.00

AI

Vitamin C + Sensitive Skin

our favorite brightening staple

Can I use Vitamin C if I have sensitive skin?

Yes, but not all forms are created equal. Some types, like L-ascorbic acid, can be unstable and irritating. That’s why we use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a more stable, gentler form that delivers results without the sting.

What's the problem with l-ascorbic acid?

L-ascorbic acid is highly reactive by nature, which means it’s quick to oxidize when exposed to light, air, heat, or water. This instability makes it hard to keep fresh and effective in skincare formulas.

Once L-ascorbic acid begins to oxidize:

  • It can degrade into dehydroascorbic acid or other byproducts, which may be less effective or even irritating
  • when oxidized, l-ascorbic acid can reverse its intended antioxidant role, becoming pro-oxidative - amplifying free radical damage instead of protecting against it. This can lead to inflammation, redness, and barrier degradation, particularly for reactive or sensitive skin types.

What makes Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate different?

It’s lipid-soluble, so it penetrates deeper with less irritation. It’s also highly stable, meaning it won’t oxidize or degrade quickly, making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin. THD Ascorbate helps brighten the appearance of the skin and support collagen, without disrupting the barrier. It also works well alongside calming ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.

Which Sunday Riley products contain THD Ascorbate?

You’ll find it in our C.E.O. Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil (the #1 Face Oil in America*), C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum (the #1 Brightening Specialist in America**), C.E.O. Afterglow Gel Cream, and C.E.O. Rich Cream - all formulated to be brightening, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Explore Our C.E.O. Vitamin C Collection

  • Face

  • Body

Title 
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C.E.O. Glow Face Oil 15ml pack shot with award tag
C.E.O. Glow Face Oil 15ml pack shot with award tag
$40.00

C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil 

0% off
C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
$85.00

C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 

0% off
CEO Protect and Repair moisturizer, travel friendly size
CEO Protect and Repair moisturizer, travel friendly size
$22.00

C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream 

0% off
C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream
$22.00

C.E.O. Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Gel Cream

Title 
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C.E.O. Vitamin C Brighten + Tighten Body Butter by Sunday Riley in its 200 mL jar, featuring an orange and white gradient design with bold white lettering.
C.E.O. Vitamin C Brighten + Tighten Body Butter by Sunday Riley in its 200 mL jar, featuring an orange and white gradient design with bold white lettering.
$52.00

C.E.O. Body Butter

Title

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.

 

* C.E.O. Glow Face Oil - #1 Face Oil in the U.S. in 2024: *Source: Circana, LLC, US Prestige Beauty Total Department/Specialty, Skincare Face Oil by Product, Dollar Sales, Jan – Dec 2024

** C.E.O. Serum - #1 Brightening Specialist in 2024: *Source: Circana, LLC, US Prestige Beauty Total Department/Specialty, Skincare Face Serum by Product, Primary Benefit: Brightening, Dollar Sales, Jan – Dec 2024