What ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

Immediate Answer: Common irritants for sensitive skin: high-concentration retinol, alcohols, fragrance, essential oils, strong acids (AHA/BHA). Start with gentle formulations, introduce actives slowly, always use barrier-supporting ingredients.

The Science: Sensitive skin has either:

• Compromised barrier (lipids/proteins disrupted)
• Reactive immune system (over-responds to minor irritants)
• Both

Ingredients that irritate sensitive skin:

• Retinol at high concentration: Over-irritates compromised barrier
• Denatured alcohols: Strip skin barrier
• Fragrance: Botanical or synthetic fragrance = common irritant
• Essential oils: Volatile compounds irritate sensitive skin
• Strong exfoliants: AHA/BHA at high concentrations
• Vitamin C (unstabilised): Acidic, irritating at high pH

Gentle ingredients for sensitive skin:

• Low-concentration retinol (0.3% or below)
• Niacinamide (barrier support)
• Hyaluronic acid (hydration without irritation)
• Peptides (gentle collagen support)
• Fragrance-free formulations

For Sensitive Skin, Nordic Formula Recommends: For sensitive skin, Nordic Formula recommends:

• Gentle Cleansing Foam (fragrance-free, barrier-supportive)
• Power Glow Serum at reduced frequency initially (every 3 days instead of daily)
• Advanced Face Repair at gentle introduction (1x weekly first month)
• Always: Daycream Defence Repair SPF 50 (barrier-supportive formulation)

Build tolerance slowly. Barrier health first, actives second.

Pro Tip: Sensitive skin often improves with consistent barrier support. By using gentle cleansing + barrier-supporting moisturisers + protecting from sun, you can gradually introduce actives as your barrier strengthens.