four vegan sensitive skincare products on a blue background

Sensitive Skin? No Problem! These Vegan Skincare Products Will Help Soothe and Repair Your Skin

Published by Rebecca Maness.

When your skin is prone to dryness, irritation, redness, or itchiness, it helps to be extra careful about the products you use. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to find animal-friendly ones that are great for sensitive skin. In your search, opt for nourishing ingredients that come from plants and aren’t derived from speciesist and selfish cruelty to animals.

Bees are killed for their beeswax and honey, which they work hard to produce in order to support their communities. Many skincare products contain ingredients—including lanolin, collagen, squalene made from shark liver, and carmine—that are derived from harming animals.

bees on lavender

As you navigate your skincare journey, it’s essential to prioritize animal-friendly options and be mindful of potential irritants. To ensure your sensitive skin receives the gentle care it deserves, steer clear of harsh fragrances, exfoliants, sulfates, and alcohol.

Here are some vegan skincare options across all price points that you can incorporate into your routine:

Vegan Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

ACURE Seriously Soothing Cleansing Cream

Peony extract and chamomile leave your face clean, calm, and ready for the day.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

If your skin is red, itchy, and irritated, this nonfoaming cooling cleanser could be just what you need.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser

Your skin and wallet will love e.l.f.’s gentle, gel-based cleanser. Pair it with the Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm for a cleansing duo.

Paula’s Choice Ultra-Gentle Cleanser

Protect your skin barrier—the outermost layer of skin that protects the body from environmental stress—with this ultra-gentle product.

Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser

There’s a reason this cleanser went viral on TikTok—it’s gentle, nourishing, and great for all sensitive skin types.

Cruelty-Free Moisturizers for Dry Skin

Alchimie Forever Kantic Calming Cream

Natural antioxidants help rejuvenate the skin. This mid-weight formula is perfect for all skin types, including acne-prone ones, that experience irritation and redness.

DERMA E Sensitive Skin Soothing Moisturizer

The calming aloe vera and vitamin E in this moisturizing cream help soothe and hydrate skin.

Pacifica Vegan Ceramide Barrier Cream

Itchiness, redness, and dryness could indicate issues with your skin barrier. This product from Pacifica provides protective care to that crucial area.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream

This day cream helps prevent dehydration and protects skin from pollutants.

skyn ICELAND Arctic Repair Cream

Super-dry, sensitive skin needs some powerfully hydrating ingredients. Arctic algae is rich in minerals for long-lasting protection from environmental stress.

Gentle Serums and Skin Treatments

ACURE Seriously Soothing Solid Serum 3in1

We love a versatile product, and this one from ACURE can be used as a makeup remover, a chapped skin reliever, or a hydrating facial treatment.

Botanical Republic Regenerate Reviving Serum

Vitamin C serums can irritate sensitive skin types, but this product contains pomegranate seed oil for a hydrating, skin-brightening delivery.

Dr Botanicals Organic & Botanic Facial Serum

When your skin is feeling unbalanced, reach for this facial serum to help even things out.

OSEA Hyaluronic Sea Serum

The seaweed and hyaluronic acid in this serum can help give you a hydration boost while smoothing out you skin’s appearance.

Paula’s Choice 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant

Those with sensitive skin need to be careful about incorporating exfoliants into their routine, and they should choose chemical options over manual ones. If you select an exfoliant that’s too harsh or use it too often, it can do more harm than good—but this gentle chemical product with 1% salicylic acid is perfect for balancing sensitive skin and unclogging pores. To reduce the chance of additional irritation, start by using it once a week on a day you aren’t using a retinol.

Vegan Retinols

Alchimie Forever Advanced Retinol Serum With Time-Release Technology

This powerful serum combines antioxidant ingredients and retinol with Alchimie Forever’s proprietary time-release technology, which helps minimize irritation.

Hylunia Retinol Nightly Renewal Serum

Hylunia’s retinol comes from beta-carotene (not fish livers) and helps regenerate cells and protect skin from free radicals.

MDSolarSciences MD Revitalize Retinol Serum

The chamomile, aloe, and seaweed extract in this retinol serum will leave your skin feeling soft while the retinol helps even it out.

Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Serum

Traditional retinol can be harsh on sensitive skin types, but the Granactive Retinoid in this serum is a gentler option.

Pro tip: Sun care is an essential part of any skincare routine—especially if you use any sort of retinol product—so check out our cruelty-free sunscreen list for the best mineral SPF options.


Whatever your sensitive skincare routine looks like, be sure to choose products that aren’t tested on animals or made with cruelly derived ingredients. Our cruelty-free database can help you find out whether your favorite brands and products are animal-friendly.

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