skin science- Barrier Health

Skincare for your skin barrier

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 skin barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. In sensitive skin, this protective layer may be thinner, more permeable, or already compromised, making it easier for things like fragrance, pollution, and strong actives to trigger redness, stinging, or dryness.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SKIN BARRIER

WHAT DOES A COMPROMIZED SKIN BARRIER MEAN?

A compromised 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 CAN POTENTIALLY WEAKEN OR IRRITATE THE BARRIER?

Harsh cleansers
Cleansers that leave skin squeaky-clean can also strip away natural lipids, weakening the barrier and making skin more reactive.

Over-exfoliation
Physical scrubs, acids, or overuse can cause surface trauma, trigger inflammation, and lead to increased reactivity.

Irritating solvents, stabilizers, or pH adjusters
Some formulas rely on harsh solvents or pH adjusters that can potentially strip, dry out, and weaken the barrier.

Low-quality actives
It’s not just what the ingredient is - it’s how it’s made, sourced, and delivered. Cheap, unstable, or poorly buffered ingredients can cause peeling, flaking, and irritation.

Synthetic fragrance
Synthetic fragrance can trigger redness, stinging, or inflammation, especially in sensitive or already-compromised skin.

Hormonal + internal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain medications, or chronic conditions can affect 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 with a group of trusted ingredient suppliers in countries including the USA, Japan, France, and Switzerland. We don’t use commodity-grade ingredients or open-source raw materials.

No synthetic fragrances
We avoid synthetic fragrances in our sensitive skin formulas. When we do use scent, it’s plant-based, minimal, thoughtful, and tested for tolerability.

Balanced, thoughtful 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.